We’re excited to introduce you to the always interesting and insightful Peter Miller. We hope you’ll enjoy our conversation with Peter below.
Alright, so we’re so thrilled to have Peter with us today – welcome and maybe we can jump right into it with a question about one of your qualities that we most admire. How did you develop your work ethic? Where do you think you get it from?
I got my work ethic from my Mom. She was a nurse for 18 years in the days before nitrile gloves were a thing and she had a pretty severe latex allergy. She was a single mom to four boys, myself being the oldest, and worked full-time as a nurse in all different areas of the hospital. She eventually started her own small catering business, and a jewelry engraving business both as side hustles. Seeing my Mom take all of that on while still being a terrific Mother really instilled a sense of hard work in me.
Thanks, so before we move on maybe you can share a bit more about yourself?
I’ve been a tattooer for about 12 years. I tend to work in neo-traditional styles as well as custom lettering, but am capable of most styles. I have been in love with tattooing and art since I was little and I feel my work reflects my passion for the art form. I do my best to take client’s ideas and give them something they would be proud to wear for life. I work very hard at my job, and I think my work reflects that. I’ve won multiple awards at conventions and have been published in different tattoo related magazines.
If you had to pick three qualities that are most important to develop, which three would you say matter most?
I have found that having a strong work ethic, a willingness to learn and experiment, as well as a positive attitude have been vital in my career. If a new tattooer isn’t going to show up on time, listen to sound advice from older tattooers, or study then there’s going to be a kind of stagnant-ness to their work after a period of time. It’s important for tattooers, albeit any kind of worker, to work on your craft and keep up with the different ways the industry shifts and grows. Not doing so can be like cutting off your nose to spite your face.
Who has been most helpful in helping you overcome challenges or build and develop the essential skills, qualities or knowledge you needed to be successful?
The person who has helped me the most in my career has been my wife, Dyllan. She has put up with all of my late nights at the shop, my constant drive to study and better myself in this industry. Without her support, I am nothing. From a professional standpoint, I have worked with some of the best tattooers in my area and have learned so much from each and every one of them. My mentor, Joel Higenberg, gave me great pieces of advice that I pass along to any apprentice I have the opportunity to help. Joel had years of experience and became a tattooer in a period of time where tattooing was no where near as mainstream as it is today, so his advice came from a place of struggle and, at times, a dark reality. Regardless of how he came up in the industry, the man was smart and knew his stuff. Without his guidance and advice during my apprenticeship I would not be the tattooer I am today.
Contact Info:
- Instagram: @metalloidpete