Meet Danny Black | Tattoo Artist

We had the good fortune of connecting with Danny Black and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Danny, what led you to pursuing a creative path professionally?
It’s what always felt most natural to me . To be an artist and also be able to use your skills and make a carrier from it is like never having to go to work . Sure their are more risks when it comes to a steady monthly income and at times it can be stressful . But there is also alot more freedom with it as well . If it wasn’t going to be tattooing then It would have been interior design ,landscaping or becoming a chef .For sure a path in which I am able to create and express myself while also paying the bills is what has always been the way for me .

Alright, so let’s move onto what keeps you busy professionally?
I’ve been tattooing now for 30 years . I started back in 1992 in Los Angeles California. I had moved their form Connecticut when I was 20 years old . It was the hight of the hair metal scene and I was on the search for a carrier in art,music or anything creative. Something that wasn’t of the norm and if it was going to happen then L.A. was the place to be. 2 weeks after moving g there I had gotten first tattoo . I absolutely knew within seconds that this was for me and I wanted alot more tattoos. So I started collecting them . With in a couple years Iof collecting tattoos I realized that getting them wasn’t enough. I wanted to be much more involved in that world and wanted to know how to actually become a tattoo artist. So I started showing my face at the shop where I was having work done. Then I was invited to hang out when ever I wanted which meant these guys like me . So I did just that. I’d clean up and help out wherever I could . I’d run errands and do what ever was asked of me . I wanted the owner to know that I had heart and was serious. Things progressed and friendships grew . Then one day Rockwood Ricc my soon to be mentor said …. Danny Black ! Are you trying to learn how to tattoo . Yes Rockwood I am . Ok let me see some of your art . And then he looked at me and said … I think I can teach you something. And in my mind I saw a giant door swing open and I walked right through and have never looked back .

If you had a friend visiting you, what are some of the local spots you’d want to take them around to?
Gotta take them to Garden of the God’s. I like to go at dusk because that’s when the alot of deer come out to feed . Of course the sunsets there are beautiful as well. I love wildlife ,animals ,birds . Watching their characteristics is mesmerizing to me .
Also got to take them through Manitou Springs. My favorite part of that town is all of the great old Victorian homes and buildings. There’s some good spots to eat or get ice cream too. Colorado is really about being outside. So any of the local trails are aways fun.

Shoutout is all about shouting out others who you feel deserve additional recognition and exposure. Who would you like to shoutout?
Jesus is the reason I am alive today My daughter Samantha.
My mentor Rockwood Ricc

Instagram: @dannyblacktattoo

Facebook: Danny Black Tattoo

Other: I also do lots of cover up work and I have a second Instagram page dedicated to that . @dannyblacktattoo_coverups