Before moving to Texas, Mr. Montie owned Tattoo Mania in West Hollywood, California. I asked him why he moved here and without missing a beat, he simply replied, "I wanted to get out of LA." The shop was really starting to wear him down, and coming to Dallas and working for someone else and not having to worry about the business end allows him to continue the work he loves without the other burdens that go along with owning your own business. After many years of great success, I would say this is a break very well deserved.

I asked Mr. Montie who he personally had looked up to throughout his years in the tattoo business, and he made quite a list. Some of which were very well known names like Ed Hardy, Doc Don, Zeke Owen, and Bob Shaw. Little did he know at that time, I am sure, that he would be ranked right along with these very same men he admired.

Mr. Montie has passed down his talent in the family as well. His son, Shane, is a very well-esteemed artist at Absolute Tattoo in San Diego, California. His daughter, Sheila, just returned recently from working in Amsterdam with Tycho Veldhoen. Sheila and Tycho are also the proud parents of little Vincent. Tattooing has definitely been a big part of the Montie family, and hopefully this talent will be passed on to following generations.