Meet Kevin Johnson | Tattooer/Artist

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

Hi Kevin, we’d love to hear more about how you thought about starting your own business?
To be honest, I never even thought twice about it. It kind of just fell into place with being an independent artist. The business side of things is something I’m still dialing in. Art came naturally and was my only focus for so long, now that I’m getting older and more established I am learning how to balance between the business side of things and the creative side of things. In the future I will definitely be diving deeper into creating a line of merchandise to help establish more of a brand that will align/compliment my tatttooing.

Let’s talk shop? Tell us more about your career, what can you share with our community?
As for my art I feel like I am kind of in a transition period. I am currently trying to focus my efforts on a more geometric style and veer away from what I am currently doing which is mostly floral work. For me, it took a lot of time and hard work to get to where I am today. I’ve spent countless nights, mornings and weekends drawing for appointments. I’ve burned the midnight oil many times trying to progress my art and sometimes I feel like I’m running low on fuel. I hope refocusing my art in a new direction will help refill my tank.

I think the biggest challenge in tattooing/art has partly been battling with myself. My own perfectionism has been a hinderance at times but has also helped me to become a better tattooer/artist. I tend to be really hard on myself and recognize my flaws in my work instead of recognizing my accomplishments. One thing I’ve learned along the way is to be more kind to myself about my work though sometimes I still do struggle with that.

I think one thing I’d want the world to know is that I put my all into my work and I am so thankful that I get to make art as an adult.

If you had a friend visiting you, what are some of the local spots you’d want to take them around to?
First things first we will be hitting some dispensaries for some of that recreational goodness. I think A Cut Above would be our first stop for dispensaries. We’d definitely be going to red rocks for some live music. As for food one my favorite spots to eat right now in Denver is Mizu Izakaya, gotta get the pork belly bao buns. Esters neighborhood pub is a must for good atmosphere and you gotta get the Fat Tire nachos. Comida @ The Stanley Marketplace is also a great spot for Tacos. For a fancier dinner Guard and Grace is also a must! My idea of a good time is smoking some weed and eating some great food.

For other things to check out Denver def does not lack in entertainment. Botanic gardens are always a nice spot for a good day time hang with family or friends as well as just strolling Wash park and people watching. For real good people watching though I think 16th st mall is the spot lol. Avs and Broncos games are always a great time as well. I’m not much for night life but I’m sure there is no lack there of here in Denver! Denver/Colorado has it all and I have never lacked to entertain family and friends while visiting!

The Shoutout series is all about recognizing that our success and where we are in life is at least somewhat thanks to the efforts, support, mentorship, love and encouragement of others. So is there someone that you want to dedicate your shoutout to?
Oh wow, well there is so many people that have helped me along the way. I gotta thank pretty much everyone I’ve worked with in the past/present (with the exception of a few lol) for helping me learn and progress in tattooing. I also have to thank everyone I’ve ever tattooed, I’m thankful for each and every experience good and bad that led me to where I’m at today. Tattooing wouldn’t be possible without all the clients so if I have ever tattooed you just know I appreciate you!

I will say a big thanks/shoutout to all the homies and my family back in NY that pushed me to get better/kept me humble. Shoutout to All Sacred Tattoo for giving me a home here in Colorado, taking the best care of me, and supplying me with the best clients. I also want to shoutout my partner Mel for keeping my head on straight when I can’t do it myself and for encouraging me to be better in all aspects of life. If you’re reading this, I love you guys!

Website: Kevinjohnson143.com

Instagram: kevinjohnson_143

Image Credits
Personal Photo credit: Sean Fister Instagram: @thecrashphoto