Michelle is featured in the first issue of Tattoo Life to be distributed in the United States. Michelle talks about how working in the city influences her work and life. “New York has made me the tattooer that I am and it gives me a customer base that I couldn’t get anywhere else. You wont find a city more diverse and creative” The following are excerpts from Michelle’s article.

BY MAURIZIO DE PAOLA
The great American writer H.P.Lovecraft described New York in the 20’s as a sort of irresistible circle of Hell, where people need to have something devilish inside them to live and work. This is something that Michelle, Brad  and all those who work at Daredevil have. This is one of the most well-known studios in the city and a real reference point for tattoos in the Big Apple. Michelle Myles together with her partner Brad Fink, radiates a special energy, an explosive vitality that inevitably reflects in her tattoos, small masterpieces where the images of the traditional American style combine with the stylish flavor of neo-classical painting. But what really makes her a special artist is her intense stylistic vitality, her ability to give everybody the tattoo they need and her exceptional artistic and organizational skills. We met with Michelle to find out more about herself and Daredevil studio.

What pushed you to start tattooing in the beginning?

I got my first tattoo in high school, whenever I was able to scrape some money together I kept getting more tattoos. I moved to NYC for art and was a painting major. I wanted to start tattooing when I realized how much more life tattooing had than painting. Painting seemed so self-indulgent to me compared to tattooing. I liked the history, the images, and skill needed to be a tattooer. Also I liked the challenge, tattooing was still underground and not accepted the way it is now. Compared to all these things painting seemed so stale. 

What is the main character of Daredevil?

I would say people see Daredevil as a friendly and fun shop with no attitudes. We don’t look down on people, we are friendly to everyone that walks in the door whether you are looking for a sleeve or if you’re trying to get your first tattoo. We treat people like we would like to be treated. Also our shop is a lot of fun, we have a lively crew, everyone jokes and gets along. We’re not too serious except for where the tattooing is concerned. Custom work is our specialty, we try to accommodate everyone that comes in.

What is necessary to be a Daredevil tattooist?

To fit in at Daredevil you gotta get along with everyone else and you better have a good sense of humor. Also you have to be able to deal with working in a shop that has a big crew with limited space. In the city you pay more money for less room so we don’t get the luxury of private workstations, our artist have to be able to deal with working amidst the chaos.

What about your relationship with New York City?

I love being a tattooer in New York City. There is so much history in this town, this is where it all started. New York is so vibrant and there is so much creative energy here. There’s always something going on around the shop. That’s another part of being a Daredevil  tattooer: all the film crews coming in and celebrities stopping by and just tons of action all around all the time. It’s part of life in NYC and something you’re not going to get in other smaller towns. 

Do you think your art would be the same if you worked in another town?

No, New York has made me the tattooer that I am and it gives me a customer base that I couldn’t get anywhere else. You won’t find a city more diverse and creative. People here are so open to new ideas they’re willing to give you the chance to do something cool and so many people become regular customers getting big work, collecting work and really trusting your ideas………

Article by Maurizio De Paola