Meet Mike Ireton | Tattoo Artist

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

Hi Mike, how has your background shaped the person you are today?
I’m originally from Pennsylvania. Where I grew up didn’t directly effect where I am today, but, I was recognized as an artist at a young age which propelled me forward to pursue an art focused future. Being an artist, without traditional schooling I had to find a medium I could work with that provided a career, which brought me to tattooing. Very few people wanted to give me an opportunity to get into the tattoo industry so I did so on my own. I acquired tattoo equipment and just started tattooing friends that would allow me to learn on them. I was heavily involved in the Leehigh Valley punk and metal scene which strongly influenced my work and art style even up today. I use the same music to set the ambiance of my work environment that I tattoo in today.

Alright, so let’s move onto what keeps you busy professionally?
My art is my career. I work with multiple different styles, realism, surrealism, fantasy, recreations. Those are the most challenging and most rewarding for me because someone else already set a standard for expectation for execution. Whether I’m recreating a photo, a painting, or transferring someone’s memory onto skin, I have to ensure my full attention, skill, and precision with each piece in order to ensure each piece is accurate and shows honor to the original image or creator. And in doing so, successfully it’s extremely rewarding. What sets me apart from others is a difficult question to answer. I don’t like to compare myself to others as art is subjective. What sets me apart I suppose could be my determination and hard work. I try to truly listen to what people want and need while expanding off that with my clients to make sure each experience is special. The humanity aspect of working face to face with a client is just as important to me as executing an amazing piece for them. I got to where I am today through working. Not accepting everyone’s opinion on limitations and always seeking to improve on the next piece whether that requires new techniques, or research. Just never stopping or slowing down. Some aspects of growth were/are easy. A natural talent greatly helps in this type of industry. I still to this day consider myself an apprentice, as I learn everyday and never want to stop learning. Having a never ending supply of inspiration through other’s art, music, and how I process daily life has definitely helped to guide me in the direction of my art. What’s helped me overcome obstacles is believing in myself and what I’m capable of. Never giving up on goals or wanted outcomes no matter the set back is what keeps me going and growing. Lessons I’ve learned along the way? There’s a lot! In a way being an artist gives you a lot of opportunity to be an ear for many. Everyone has a story. So I’m always learning to self-reflect and truly listen to other’s experiences. What I want the world to know about me…I am an artist. I am successful because I don’t give up. I am persistent and accept every day isn’t rainbows. I also have found to appreciate the impact the experience of getting a tattoo can do for someone’s life. I enjoy getting to provide support, confidence, and being chosen to place art on a client’s body. That in itself is why I do what I do. I don’t consider myself someone who ever really “caught a break”. Which I feel helps me to connect to clients on a deeper, real level as many come with a story or reason for their tattoos.

Any places to eat or things to do that you can share with our readers? If they have a friend visiting town, what are some spots they could take them to?
If my best friend was in town for a week we would be checking out locally owned places. I’m a strong believer in supporting local verse corporate. We’d check out the local shops in Manitou Springs. We’d be mountain biking Trestle bike park in Winter Park, also Ute Valley. Building hot rods with my friends. Riding mini bikes throughout town and through the local trails. I’d have to grab some grub and drinks with them from Cheba Hut or any hole in the wall Mexican restaurant (that I will not reveal the name of). I also dig the Control Room for their arcade vibe.

Who else deserves some credit and recognition?
It’s hard to pick just one. The people who have made a major impact on my life are people who have no idea they did. The band Neurosis have played a huge part in my whole life. Their message is about beauty and struggle on a spiritual level and how we need to stop and recognize what’s important, what’s tangible. It’s so unique and heartfelt by tuning in I could connect to that and reflect similarly in my own life. My best friend growing up Rich Schaffer has also been a huge supporter of me and my art since high school. We both share a love for horror culture and music which greatly influences my art. We’ve both been through similar struggles throughout life and in turn, he’s never stopped in connecting with me and supporting my drive to keep going.

Instagram: M.ire13

Other: My booking agent Hay through MountainView Mafia : Mountainmafia719@gmail.com