Tell us, Who are you and what do you do?
- My name is Graham Bradford and I am a tattoo artist at Pain and Wonder in Athens GA, a woodworker, a father, a gentleman and a scholar.
Why do you do what you do?
- I do it because I think when someone wants your artwork on them forever it’s the ultimate way of saying that they like your art. It’s not like a painting that you can just take off a wall…. A lot of faith is put into me in this process…. Plus I don’t have to wear a uniform.
Tell us a little about your background?
- I grew up fairly poor but always had all the support and art supplies I needed from my family. I have been drawing since I was two…. art has pretty much been a dominating factor in my life since then.
Who are you most inspired by?
- It regularly changes it can be anything from other artist to movies to music. I try to be inspired by everything.
What work do you most enjoying doing?
- I always love clients who can sit for a long time, trust me, give me freedom with the design, and get larger work. I feel my best work is in layout of a sleeve composition. Lately I have been liking the freehand pieces the best, they always seems to fit the area better opposed to the strict guide line that comes with a pre planned design.
What themes do you pursue?
- One thing I love about my job is that people usually have their own themes they want to pursue and it’s my job to illustrate it for them. I myself like anything that has to do with…. Japanese art, bugs/insects, nature, realism, statues, Bernini, anything from the masters, birds, space, oceans, crustaceans, epic battles, good vs. evil, life vs. death, light vs. dark, geeky stuff, bears, hobots , religion, and Kung Fu to name a few.
Describe a real-life situation that inspired you?
- When my daughter was born. That’s when I stopped being slack and started thinking about something other than myself.
What song/songs/music genres inspire you?
- Lately it’s The Black Keys, Avett Brothers, Radiohead/ Thom Yorke, Beirut, Witchcraft, The Sword, Them Crooked Vultures, Hans Zimmer, Leo Kottke, Taj Mahal, People Under the Stairs, and The Yeah Yeah Yeahs.
What do you dislike about your work?
- I dislike a lot about my work. I think that the best way to improve is notice your mistakes before your victories and learn from them. Almost everything has something that could have made it better.
What do you like about your work?
- That about everything I do is from original sketches of mine. I also like getting to know the people I am working on and figuring out why they want their tattoo.
Name something you love, and why.
- I love the feeling you have all day long after you just slipped on a brand new pair of socks. If I have to tell you why fresh socks are awesome I can't but I will put it this way if I was rich I would wear a pair of socks only once…. Then I would throw them away. I would give them to Goodwill as not to be wasteful but I don’t think Goodwill accepts used socks due to I’ve never seen any there when I go.
What is your dream project?
- One that will take me the rest of my life. I would complete it only a day before my death. The more time consuming the better.
Favorite or most inspirational place?
- Usually in the garage….. When I am bored or can’t think of anything to do I can go in there and figure out at least fifteen projects I need to do.
What’s the best piece of advice you’ve been given?
- If you are bored you must be boring. Find something to do.
Professionally, what’s your goal?
- I hope to start traveling and going to more conventions. And also to make more money.
Want to make an appointment?? You know you do!! Call Pain and Wonder at 706.208.9588! You can catch Graham on his FACEBOOK, or take a look at his area of Pain and Wonder's WEBSITE!
XOXOXO- Trashy Betty
-Special Thanks to Graham Bradford from Pain and Wonder Tattoo for sharing with us -
{{If you would like to be featured on Feature Friday, please feel free to leave a comment with your email in order for me to get in touch with you!}}
2 comments:
So glad to see Graham as the Feature Friday!! He is so stinking rad it's not even funny!
Amazing tattoo work. Dig that jackalope too.
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