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

Hi Phil, how do you think about risk?
If you don’t take a risk, how will you ever know if it was worth it? If I took no risks, I would not be where I am now.

Can you open up a bit about your work and career? We’re big fans and we’d love for our community to learn more about your work.
I’ve been tattooing professionally for almost 33 years, I’m one of Atlantas longest running tattoo artists. I think what sets me apart from most tattooers is that I am able to tattoo in many styles; photo realism, Japanese, American traditional, and fine line. Opening Memorial Tattoo is 2008 was a dream and it’s been such a source of pride. Having a collective of amazing artists makes every day so rewarding. I’ve been very fortunate to have been able to work with many super talented people that were willing to share tips and tricks along the way. I was able to take all of that and incorporate it into my own style. In no way was it ever easy, I had many setbacks and made plenty of mistakes, but I tried my best to learn from all of it. I’m still learning and hopefully, will continue to learn for the rest of my career. I think one of the main lessons I learned is willingness to continue to learn and study styles, techniques and tools. My brand is mostly about celebrating life and people. Tattoos are all about memories, of people, of places, of life and death and where we want to be and become.

Let’s say your best friend was visiting the area and you wanted to show them the best time ever. Where would you take them? Give us a little itinerary – say it was a week long trip, where would you eat, drink, visit, hang out, etc.
That’s tough, this city as changing all the time! I would start at Home Grown for breakfast, the Comfy Biscuit rules! Lunch at The Varsity is a must as well. My friends over at Juniors Pizza would be a stop as well, best pie in Atlanta! Of course Ria’s Blue Bird at some point, RIP Ria!! A night of tomfoolery at the Clermont Lounge of course! We do some shopping in L5P, Criminal, Junkmans, Wax and Facts to name a few. Lots of good places to eat and drink as well. A night in EAV of course, especially when we can have live shows again! No visit to Atlanta is complete without honoring The Rev Dr Martin Luther King with a stop at the King Center and a visit to the Civil Rights Museum. Then heading to our incredible Georgia Aquarium. I’m sure there is so much more I could list, but honestly, I’m so busy working and getting family time, so I’m sure I’m missing tons of places.

Who else deserves some credit and recognition?
This goes out to first, my mentor/teacher/father figure, Larry Perry. He took me on as an apprentice and never charged me a penny. He showed me what respect, friendship and loyalty was all about. Also, my loving and patient wife and son, Hope and Kozik. I work so many hours and I’m gone so much, but they are always there to support me. Love them so much!

Website: www.memorialtattooatl.com

Instagram: @memorialtattooatl

Twitter: @memorialtattoo

Facebook: memorialtattoo

Yelp: Memorial Tattoo

Image Credits
Phil Colvin Tattoo Inc.

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