Meet the Owner of a Local Tattoo Parlor

Austin Davis, a Nicholson resident, is the owner of Blood Sweat and Ink, a tattoo studio coming up on its one-year anniversary in downtown Statham.

Patch: How did you get into your line of work?

Austin Davis: Where should I start? I used to have a construction business before this and some of the guys saw how I could draw and stuff and we all had tattoos and they talked me into doing this. (I’m) self –taught. Bought me a kit and realized I could do it. I was working at my first shop in four months, not as an apprentice. I was already past that.

Patch: What’s the best aspect of your job?

AD: I’d say getting to meet different people and creating art on people. And just to see their faces when they get something nice.

Patch: What’s the worst aspect of your job?

AD: I guess like any job you still have the deadlines, make sure you please people. I don’t know if that’s the worst aspect, but you know, it can be stressful. But it’s a lot better than working outside or something, you know (laughs).

Patch: What are some of your hobbies outside of work?

AD: I do not have any at the moment. (The business) kind of consumes my life. It’s pretty much tattoo and family time.

Patch: What is your personal business philosophy?

AD: Just have fun, enjoy what you’re doing.

Patch: Can you tell me about the first tattoo you ever got?

AD: I would say I was 17 and a buddy of mine showed me how to make what you call a jailhouse machine and I tattooed myself with that. I went to art school and I had some ink in my art kit and I tattooed me and my roommates. (The tattoo) was a sun.

Patch: What’s your favorite tattoo?

AD: I think my favorite one is probably my truck. It’s in memory of my dad. He passed away when I was 15. It’s a ’47 Chevy pick-up truck.