Date of Birth:
July 10, 1970
Year You Started Tattooing:
1990
How You Became Interested in Tattooing:
I have wanted to tattoo since I was a little kid. I used to hang out with all the biker's kids in my neighborhood, and all their dads had cool artwork. I also have been drawing since I was seven, so it all sorta clicked! I am self-taught - alot of watching, alot of learning, alot of trial and error. However, I would put my first tattoo in my portfolio in all honesty. I was very fortunate to have that "natural touch", but I strongly encourage others to apprentice thru a shop.
Favorite Style/Genre of Tattooing:
My favorite styles are black and grey and the so-called "new school". I like tattoos that are clear, well rendered, and pleasing to the eye.
Tattoo Artists That Have Inspired You:
I really dig Bob Tyrell's black and grey, Guy Atchinson's incredible design work, Aaron Cain's biomech, Deano Cook, Grime, Joshua Carlton, Hardy, etc.
Secular Artists That Have Inspired You:
Salvador Dali, M.C. Escher
Other Hobbies/Interests:
My hobby is music. I play anything with strings on it, and I'm originally a classically trained violinist. I love spending time with Kim, she is my best friend in the world, and I love chilling with all my friends, and of course, my pup Exile.
Where You Currently Work:
Tattoos by Tim - 12370 Winchester Avenue - Bunker Hill, West Virginia
How to Contact You:
Words of Wisdom From Phil Kane:
First, advice to clients. When you are selecting a tattoo that is going to be applied to you permanently, really think about what you are doing! It's going to be there forever. Guys and gals, tattoos are opportunities to express yourself as an individual, to step away from the humdrum and be different. It's not a fashion statement, or a rebellious period you go thru. It does define you as a person at that particular juncture of your life - make it count and make it a lasting impression on yourself and all those around you.
Now for all you aspiring artists out there... do as I say, not as I did!!! Apprenticing correctly is my best advice for anyone. It is imperative that you get the proper training, not only in the art, but also in sterilization. Alot of responsibility goes with our trade, people literally put their lives in our hands every day. Look around for an artist who will apprentice you at a shop near you. Check the shop out, the artist out, have a portfolio of your artwork together to show the artist.... COME PREPARED! The one thing that pisses me off the most, are the kids who straggle in, mumble that they want to tattoo and make a bunch of money, that they are sick of working construction, and that their cousin told them that they could be tattooing in less than a month. If you want to be a tattoo artist, put in the time, money and effort like you would have to in any other trade or college, learn to tattoo the right way!!
CHECK OUT KANE'S TATTOO GALLERY!
