Meet Ben Frazier

We’re excited to introduce you to the always interesting and insightful Ben Frazier. We hope you’ll enjoy our conversation with Ben below.

Ben , thank you so much for taking the time to share your lessons learned with us and we’re sure your wisdom will help many. So, one question that comes up often and that we’re hoping you can shed some light on is keeping creativity alive over long stretches – how do you keep your creativity alive?

I’m 41 years old. I have been a creative artist all my life, an illustrator for 25 years, and a traditional tattooer for 12 years. So I do struggle with creativity but not as much as I use to.

Understanding what triggers my imagination or creativity helps. Whether it is a type of music, or looking at images I have no context over are some examples of a trigger.

Or the opposite, I sit in silence. That is probably the hardest to achieve these days. But, if you don’t have something pulling at your attention your imagination will spark.

So learning myself. Paying attention to my habits, my creative triggers, and doing the opposite. Making note of what doesn’t trigger my imagination. Or what keeps me from creating. When I became aware of things like this I naturally started to change routines and habits. Then it turned into a discipline.

Thanks for sharing that. So, before we get any further into our conversation, can you tell our readers a bit about yourself and what you’re working on?

When I was growing up my imagination was a thing that held me back.

Examples would be not paying attention, or having to learn things differently, I didn’t have super close friendships because I’d rather draw than play soccer, or learn math.

But I started to develop and nurture my creativity despite those things. What some teachers or parents would see as a weakness or call a waste of time, is now my strength and career.

The illustration I do is mostly comic book work, sequential art, the panels inside the comic. I am currently working with a few independent publishers. The Shift was successfully funded on Kickstarter, I am involved with a new GASP anthology from Resolute Bliss, as well as my own stories like, The Road is a Hard Place. I will be popping up at some more comic conventions as well.

Then there is tattooing. What can I say about tattooing… it is a very special thing. A culture and history that I am very proud to be part of.

People trust me to make their skin beautiful and reflect who they are. Tattoos help individuals move on, remember, honor, show interests, and motivate themselves. It is a spiritual type of art. Despite it being so commercial these days in America, it still has a spiritual pulse that the people need or sometimes crave. Get tattooed and you’ll understand what I mean.

I am good at getting someone’s idea on paper to make it a tattoo, I do cover-ups regularly, I have several original designs and Get What You Get games at Cutlass Tattoo Company in Pigeon Forge, Tennessee. I attend the Literary Ink tattoo convention in Chattanooga. I also regularly attend the Richmond Tattoo and arts festival in Virginia.

If you catch me at any of these locations you will also see my holographic art. This art you really have to see in person to appreciate. It is a process I started during the pandemic and been doing it ever since.

If you had to pick three qualities that are most important to develop, which three would you say matter most?

I would have to advise that any young or “new to the game” artists to put your art out there. Take on jobs and actively look for opportunities. No one will buy your art if it is hidden away.

Also, don’t be so sensitive about your works. Get use to criticism, good and bad and that comes with exposure. This is very important because criticism, good and bad, can give you a creator’s block.

Learn how to talk about your art. A little terminology goes a long way. But make sure you practice what you talk. Others will know. Learn that from schools, reading books, and tutorials.

Get a portfolio to show your art. Don’t just use your phone. It shows a level of professionalism.

Don’t expect to make money. If you do put it back into your art. Get supplies, or a better portfolio. Get tires on your car so you can go to the next show. Or come get a tattoo from me. That works too.

How can folks who want to work with you connect?

Always available to collaborate! If you are interested in tattoos of all sorts, comic books, art commisions, or something to just hang on your wall. You can see my work on Instagram and Facebook. I keep most hours at Cutlass Tattoo Company. It’s open to the public. It has a huge gallery of art, tattoo history and other cool stuff. We are neighbors with Pigeon Forge Deli, the best place to eat in town. Plus you can find me at Literary Ink convention in Chattanooga, Tennessee and the Richmond Tattoo and Art Festival in Virginia.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://Cutlasstattooco.com
• Instagram: Fraziertattooing
• Facebook: Indelibletradition
• Linkedin: Ben Frazier Illustrator/tattoo artist

Image Credits

Ben Frazier photographed all this pics.