 | Shawn Warcot - Tel: (951) 965-6811
Empire Tattoo was established in 1988 by Mike Trike, Mike Trike was the lead artist at the time. He had been around the Inland Empire for awhile Tattooing. I met him and I began my apprenticeship about 2 months after the shop opened.
Mike Trike taught me the most about Tattooing. Mike Trike knows "Tattoo" inside and out. Mike has since moved to South Dakota and opened up a new shop.
Prior to Tattooing I painted cars, motor homes, bikes, vans, airplanes, anything that rolled since i was about 16 years old.
I was 27 when I started my tattoo career. My apprenticeship was "Trial by Fire" ! I was taught the basics, like how to put on a pattern, set up a machine and go!!
I started to get tattooed by other artists and I picked up a few tips from them. They helped me fine tune my craft. Those artists included Eddie Deutich, Guy Aitchenson. I met them at the New Orleans Convention back in 1990.
Bob Roberts from Spotlight Tattoo in Hollywood and Fip Buchannan of Avalon Tattoo fame gave me a bunch of encouragement and tips about the business too.
My Hero's are Conan, Thor, Fip, Jack Rudy, Bob Roberts, Steve Bonge, and Indiana Jones...
I am still learning everyday, trying to stay inspired. I can learn something from everyone...
Back in the late 80's was a great time to get started Tattooing. Tattooing was just beginning to emerge and be mainstream, with all the sports figures, MTV, and Rock stars sporting Tattoos, Tats were everywhere.
Tattoo shops started popping up everywhere then. Mike and I opened up our Riverside studio in 1990 and followed later with the Redlands in 1998...We have been going strong ever since.
The Original Shop in the Fine,Fine city of Rialto just turned 21 years this February 14th. We have definately had our fair share of "Notable Artists" pass thru the doors. Like Roger Trawic, who later opened his own shop "Action Tattoo" , Mojo Foster who now works at Kat Von D's shop in Hollywood. Kat Von D herself worked at Empire in Redlands for a brief time in her early years...Several "Mikes"( Mike Trike), "Johnny's"( Johnny Hammer, Johnny Blaze, John Sanchez, Hohnny Von Peso, John Schuller),and "Jimmy's"(Jimmy Hughes, Jimmy Coffin) throughout the years...also, Brent Vann, Aaron Funk, Marc Jackson, Joker, Worm, Beaver, Larry Garcia, Brian Cranky, Hoser, Bobby Aiden, Chris Charlan, Steve Varner, Chris MacCharles,Keith,Grim Greely, BJ Speedster, Rick Philips, and many others throughout our 20 + years.
We have also had many artists guest spot here in the IE, Aaron Coleman ,Jeff Rasher, Sammy "Irishman" Hogsman, and many other Scallywags and Prima Donnas... Jus kiddin guys!
It's been a fun and event full ride so far and the best is yet to come...
My other interests include painting Historical Miniatures, Comic Books, Adventure and horror movies, and Porn!
I have always been interested in Old Cars, I am a member of the "World Infamous Beatniks" car club, and have 2 1961 Dodge Customs. Also, I am a member of the San Diego Historical Miniatures Club, and Southern California Area Historical Miniatures Society model club....and I like to paint ...ill paint anything!
In parting words, SHOP OWNERS who don't Tattoo...Gain some respect and LEARN!!! View portfolio
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