Alright – so today we’ve got the honor of introducing you to Seth Holmes. We think you’ll enjoy our conversation, we’ve shared it below.
Hi Seth, thanks for sharing your insights with our community today. Part of your success, no doubt, is due to your work ethic and so we’d love if you could open up about where you got your work ethic from?
As a boy growing up in a poverty, I saw my mother working multiple jobs to make ends meet while my biological father was in prison. Seeing her struggle as we lived in a trailer lit a spark in me to where I never wanted to go back to that living condition ever again. When she met my stepfather, he brought in the help and the discipline we desperately needed in the home with my sister and brother.
Together as a team they taught us the value of hard work, perseverance and dedication. My parents always emphasized the importance of respect, showing up on time and working diligently to achieve our goals, even in the face of adversity.
Despite our financial hardship, my parents instilled in me a strong work ethic and determination to succeed. Seeing their struggle for us to provide even the simple things like Thanksgiving dinner is a huge factor in why I work the way that I do.
This upbringing has motivated me to strive for excellence in all aspects of my life no matter the obstacles I may face.
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?
I started working in a local tattoo shop at the age of 19. I was also the vocalist of a metal band, and that took the majority of my time. When I wasn’t writing songs or playing shows I was working the desk at the shop where my responsibilities ranged from answering the phone to cleaning/dusting/mopping, scrubbing tubes, greeting clients & making sure their paperwork was done, making stencils, and others. Eventually I learned to do body piercings as a way to generate more income, as being in a band full-time isn’t exactly lucrative.
Although I enjoyed being in a band, all good things must come to an end I suppose. Once that dream had fallen apart, I set my sights on getting a tattoo apprenticeship. Since I was already a piercer I had a solid foot in the door to start. I poured every ounce of energy and every dollar I had into drawing and painting, trying for endless hours to get good enough to finally earn my apprenticeship.
I am now 11 years into my tattoo career and am at my best artistically. I have built a great reputation for myself within the industry, and am lucky enough to be at a point where I can choose which projects I take on a daily basis.
Every day is exciting at the shop (Foundation Tattoo in Pittsburgh, PA). This is the best shop in the city by far, where we prioritize the client’s experience, and I am extremely proud to call it “home”.
If you had to pick three qualities that are most important to develop, which three would you say matter most?
Looking back on my journey in the tattoo industry, I believe the three qualities that were most impactful in my success are prioritizing the client’s experience, attention to detail, and work ethic. First off, the client is the most important part of the job. Without happy returning clients, you won’t be able to pay your bills regardless of how good you are artistically. I’ve said it a million times and it’s still true to this day that I’d rather be covered in mediocre tattoos from someone that I enjoy the experience at their shop, than have one “masterpiece” tattoo from someone who was rude, self-centered and egotistical. I believe this sets me apart from others in the industry.
Attention to detail ensured that each tattoo I’ve done was executed with precision and quality. And work ethic helped me push through all the many challenges and setbacks in this career, staying dedicated to honing my craft and improving my skills, both on paper and in person.
As we end our chat, is there a book you can leave people with that’s been meaningful to you and your development?
I’ll give you two of the most important books that I attribute to my growth as an artist. It’s too difficult to pick just one. The first is “Dynamic Light and Shade” by Burne Hogarth. This book, in my opinion, should be essential reading for all tattoo apprentices. Especially those who want to specialize in realism, neo traditional, or new school tattooing. This book breaks down so easily how to make your art look more dimensional using harsh contrast.
The second book is “Color and Light” by James Gurney. This is technically for realistic painting, but the information in this book translates very easily into our medium as well. The portions on tone blending, using color theory, and the information on color portraits will help any young tattooer elevate their work regardless of style. More knowledge of how colors work together in the real world will also benefit your color choices on skin.
Contact Info:
Image Credits
Pro photos taken by Taylor Hall. @combatcamera_ on Instagram
Tattoo photos taken by me
so if you or someone you know deserves recognition please let us know here.
