Jinxi's Interview With Tattoo Artist Aric Taylor
The first time I met Aric Taylor he left such an excellent impression. He was quiet and kind, working hard over in his corner booth at Art Junkies Tattoo Shop in Hesperia. But it wasn’t long before I realized that you can’t let that cool and calm demeanor fool you because WOAH, that guy can pack a PUNCH when it comes to breathtaking, bold tattoo work. 
An artist for close to fifteen years now, he shares good times and good friendships with the other talented artists at Art Junkies, located in the high desert area of Southern California. The vibe at AJ is so positive and infectious, with all of the artists encouraging, teaching and inspiring each other. I always love visiting the shop and Aric is definitely one of the great reasons that the establishment rocks.
Aric is also the best kind of successful. He is very humble, hardworking, and completely dedicated to his clients and his art. He consistently impresses me with the work he delivers; stepping up his eye-popping color pieces to new levels each time I sneak a peek at his portfolio.
In addition to his tattooing talents, he is also an excellent painter who enjoys working with oils, acrylic, pastel, and watercolors. He was recently one of 57 painters involved in the 5x7 Show, curated by Carlos Rojas and Alan Padilla.
Aric is a dad to two terrific kiddos, Hana and Hank, and married to the delightful Miss Elizabeth.
He was kind enough to answer some questions recently about his artwork and family life for Inkerviews. I hope you enjoy getting to know Mr. Taylor and visually feasting upon his gorgeous work.
Your realism work is so excellent and continues to get more and more impressive each time I see it. Is realism your favorite genre to work in?
Thank you so much, Jinxi. I also like to do oriental tattoos. I mostly try to focus on the realism. There is so much technical learning in the process of making one, and it gives me motivation to never stop learning and push myself more and more.
On the other hand, I like to be a well-rounded tattooer, so I do a lot of different styles as well.
I just love your use of color in your tattoo work. It is so vibrant and explosive. How do you describe your style and how has it evolved in the last year?
I don't think I have much of a style in the realistic side of my tattoos. I just try do the best job that I can and take the picture that they give me and make it look cooler than the original. This last year I have just been focused on my art and hopefully that will reflect in my tattoo work.
What would your "dream piece" be to work on if someone came to you and completely let you choose the design?
I want to work on a bigger scale now, so very large portraits of any kind would be the ideal tattoo for me to do now.
You are such a talented painter as well. Do you feel like your painting benefits your tattoo work (and vice-versa)?
Yes, for sure. They go hand-in-hand. I have not had a lot of experience in painting, but now that I paint more I can see the benefit of having experience in both. I only wish I had as much time for painting as I do for tattooing.
You have a wonderful wife and two adorable kiddos. How do you manage your time between your busy schedule and being a dad?
I don't. Yeah, it’s very hard being a husband, a father of two, and being a full-time tattoo artist. I sacrifice a lot of my well-being for all of it. Their is no time left between all of that.
I like it like that. I like to be busy. I love my family and want to work hard for them and myself, and somewhere in all that madness I find peace and happiness.
What is your favorite sweet treat?
Some peach rings or peanut butter cups. Hell yeah. That’s the shit.
**Be sure to visit Aric's myspace page to book an appointment and keep up with his brilliant work.
*All Inkerviews will be cataloged in the Inkerviews section of the site. Just click on the link at the top of the site.
Sunday, November 29, 2009 at 8:46AM
Reader Comments (7)
Hell Yeah!!! Aric is awesome! Was just at Art Junkies yesterday getting some work done by Aric!!! He is an amazingly talented individual!!!
Wow! He is a fantastic artist! So realistic! We especially like the dog on the hand!
Aric's work is outstanding.
His colors are POPPING!!!!!!
Rock on, Aric.
Thanks again for a great read, Jinxi.
WOW!!! ARIC ROCKS!!!! i'm in awe...what an amazingly talented artist-those blue eyes are just mesmerizing on that cute lil nugget w the straw hat. i love the bangin color in his tattoos. i wish i had 2 bodies to work w so i could get a piece of art from all of these beyond talented artists you keep bring us, and i'd have to move to california! lol
OHHHH WOW!!! <3 IT'S LIKE A PAINTING ON A PART OF YOUR BODY!!! XO SPEACHLESS!! SUCH COLORS!! AOOHHHH!! :D THANKS JINXI BOO !!
This is full on righteous work! Those are the kind of portrates that will stand the test of time. It is reminiscent of that Leo Zulueta portrait tattoo of Jimi Hindrex. that was done in the late 80's. Great work!
I'm so glad to see you do an article on the Dark Horse. The first time I sat with him I thought he was really reserved but after getting to know Aric over the long hours we have spent together he is an amazing guy and his wife is a friggin doll face!
I toured tons of shops looking at portfolios trying to find an artist for my first tattoo and as soon as I opened Aric's I was sold. I looked through it once and immediately asked for an appointment. He is an outstanding world class artist and I'm hooked!