Mike Devries blog

Forming as an idea, progressing into a collection of efforts, and ending on the coffee table, Cranial Visions is finally finished. This book is not merely two covers, a binding, and 240 pages; it is a display of thousands of hours of work, in which artists have created a compilation devoted to one of the biggest inspirations in art since the beginning of self expression. The book itself is 8x12, hardback, and features a painting by Shawn Barber on the front cover. That painting is just a taste of all that you will find on the inside.

Skulls have been the subject of artistic studies all over the world, connecting artists who otherwise would have nothing in common. The book is divided into chapters based on different artistic mediums; starting with tattoos and followed by paintings, sketches & drawings, mixed media, digital art, graffiti, photography, and ending with “skullptures.” Each chapter is stuffed with images created by masters of their crafts. They play with the colors and composition, and give a different perspective of the subject in every image.

Putting this book together was an adventure all its own. We were humbled to receive images from some of our personal favorite artists, while appreciating the discoveries of new up-and-coming artists as well. Tattooing has joined the world of fine art, and this compilation has connected the bridge between all the mediums.

Artists like Shawn Barber, Jeff Gogue, Nick Baxter, Bugs, Nikko Hurtado, and Carlos Torres have translated their paintings into tattoos and vice-versa; opening the doors for the possibilities of each medium to grow. There are multi-media pieces by Simon Hayag, Dan Hazelton, and Cam De Leon that introduce us to the potentials of a new age, while keeping the traditional subject matter as something we can identify with.

There are drawings from the minds of Alex Grey, Chris Winterson and Andrey Barkov. The sculpture section is a masterpiece all its own. From mosaic-covered skulls by Stan Young and Crystal Thomas, to hand-built machines by Aaron Cain, these three- dimensional pieces demand attention and emotion from the viewer. There is outstanding photography by Jean Baptiste Carhaix, Russell Haig and Julius Motal, presenting the skull in its raw form; as well a portion of the photography section that features shots by Mike DeVries, as he captured skulls from his own collection, providing the reader with inspiration and reference from all angles.

All of the pieces in the book are meant for inspiration, and not for simply copying. Every artist has their own perspective, and each are valued for the unique eye they bring to the table. There are over 258 artists who have been included and over 800 pictures of work. It has been a long road and now it's time for you to see for yourself. The book is available for purchase now! Only $69.99. Click Here to order Cranial Visions.

I am happy to present my new two-disk DVD that really outdoes my previous instructional DVD. This one features: higher all-around quality, more camera angles, better music, and essentially real-time editing. The informative instruction covers topics such as: Photoshop techniques to apply to tattooing, placement, stenciling, set-up, machines, needles, my palette and ink choices, color mixing; and most importantly, up-to-date tattooing techniques that encompass what I do best.

In this DVD I explain each step as I am executing it, rather than providing voice- overs done at a later time. In my opinion, it is much more effective to explain things as I go, as I'm in the right frame of mind tattooing that specific piece, which makes it pertinent to that given piece of instruction. This time around I decided to use coil machines, which are a bit more timeless. I also thought more viewers might prefer seeing me use coils, even though I am currently using Stigma machines. Regardless of which machine I use though, I consistently tattoo the same way.

I chose to tattoo a full-color gorilla for this DVD, from start to finish, explaining new ideas and tricks throughout the process. Animals, portraits, and realism go hand-in-hand and you can apply many things I talk about in this DVD to what you already know. I hope that in the end you can personally create something new with fresh, imaginative ideas and take your tattooing skills to new levels.

I am very excited about releasing this and hope you enjoy it and gain some new insight. This DVD is for the professional tattooer or apprentice who is learning in a legitimate tattoo shop. It is meant to boost your already-existing skills and give you some new components to consider the next time you approach a realistic tattoo. When ordering this DVD please specify the shop that you work at, so it saves on time (to eliminate the need for us to either write you back or search your name on the Internet to verify that you work at a tattoo shop). Total running time: Disk 1: 3 hours 38 minutes; Disk 2: 3 hours 13 minutes. This new tattoo DVD is now in Stock!

It happens so often, I get an email or a call from someone who is not only looking for a new tattoo to add to their body, but to also hide one at the same time. I constantly hear the story of the over eager collector, getting a tattoo and ending up with something they arent happy with, or a tattoo that is just old and doesn't look sharp anymore, or even it's just something that they feel no longer represents them as a person.  Those unfortunate tattoos have the ability to stab at the self esteem, bring down morals, and sometimes, prevent them from moving on in life, whether it be in a personal relationship or a professional one. The idea and consequence of something being completely permanent on our bodies is hard to grasp before it's actually a reality, and sadly, regretful.  They come to me with the hope that it could be covered up, 7 times out of ten, my response would be to get some laser treatments done on it first, not to be that guy that wants to send business to the local laser removal place, but because in the long run you will be happier with the results. 

"Cranial Visions: Exploring the Skull Through Artistic Interpretation" is the newest book project in the works. I want to give everyone a heads-up. If you’re interested in participating, the deadline will be here in no time. Jeff Johnson and I are putting together Cranial Visions, which is going to consist of a massive collection of skull-related artwork for this hardbound, high quality book. It will also be another book published by Memento Publishing.

If you're an artist and would like to get your work published, now's your chance! Our goal is to acquire 3,000 of the best images of skull-related art for this book. Even in the early stages of collecting artwork, we have received a huge amount of skull images in all different types of art. 

We are accepting any medium, such as: tattoos, paintings, drawings, sketches, sculptures, digital art, photography, etc. If you have produced some art and the imagery is based on the skull (and not just the human skull) feel free to send it in, to have it published and appreciated alongside some of the best artists of our time. 

We have received so much cool stuff that we have had to extend the deadline twice; but the very last day to send it in is June 15th. So far, the majority of submissions have been tattoos and paintings. They will most likely hold the biggest sections in our book, but we are looking for as many different creative outlets as possible. The more creative the better! 

We want to produce a book that can be appreciated by anyone, completely based on an object that has inspired artists and art collectors alike, since the beginning of time. You can either paint something new or just send in something that you have already finished.  You can send in as many images as you want. The more the better! You can either email them in high-resolution, high-quality files to:  cranialvisions@gmail.com or send them on a disk to:
 

Attn: Jeff Johnson 
MD Tattoo Studio 
9545 Reseda Blvd #2 
Northridge, CA 91324

When you send the photos please don't forget to mention your name so we can give you the proper credit for the art inside the book. Below each image, we will have the artist’s name printed in the book.

We are really excited about all of the artists that have already confirmed their participation! As of now, we have over 200 artists that have sent in images. Just to name a few, we have images donated by: Guy Aitchison, Nick Baxter, Shawn Barber, Bob Tyrrell, Bugs, Simon Hayeg, Durb Morrison, Kore Flatmo, Roman Abrego, Jesse Smith, Nathan Kostechko, Juan Salgado, Alex De Pase, Carlos Rojas, Josh Duffy, Bez, Myke Chambers, Sean Herman, Tom Strom, Nate Beavers, Aaron Bell, Chris Blinston, Thomas Kynst, Phil Robertson, Volko, Stefano Alcantara, Craig Driscoll, Don McDonald, Cory Norris, and of course Jeff Johnson and myself.

I look forward to receiving everyone’s submissions and checking out the vast array of artwork.

Hey Everyone!

Welcome to my new website! For those of you that have visited my site before, you can tell it has a new updated look. It has been long overdue and after a lot of hard work, I'm excited it's finally done! I have added a bunch of new features to try and keep everyone up to date on whats going on. Including a blog that I will actively be updating and posting new information on. The subjects will often change, but Tattooing, and things art related, within and also outside the tattoo industry will be the main focus. I will also be posting events that I attend, and  different pictures and related videos.  I wish I could post blogs more often, but due to my busy schedule I will be posting up new information as well as photos at least once a week. So check back often to see new blog postings,new tattoos,videos and much more.

I'll start out by giving a run down of my new site. As you can see on the left side there is now a FAQ section, where I answer a lot of those frequently asked questions. Including the best way to set up an appointment with me, what machines and ink I use, aftercare I recommend , and much more. I will also be continuously adding more to the FAQ section as new questions arise. Above the FAQ box there is a "Catch Mike On The Road" where I will be posting all of my upcoming travel and seminar dates, as well as any places I will be doing a guest spot. If you would like to catch me on the road one day, this will definetly be the best place to look.  Above that box I will be featuring new store items and store specials. Also on that left side you will see short cuts to my myspace, facebook, twitter and a spot for you to enter your email to receive my monthly newsletter.

Over on the right side of my website you can view recent tattoos, and any recent news. Right below that is the featured video,which will be changed often.There is a link to View All Videos which will have a bunch of videos that I found interesting. On the bottom of the website I have quick links to some of my other companies such as Stencil Stuff that I co-own with Mario Rosenau, which provides specialty items for tattoo artists, Memento Publishing, and MD Tattoo Studio which is my home, that I share with Josh Duffy, Jeff Johnson, Katelyn Crane and London. Also on the bottom you'll notice Reflected Art which is a new online website that is coming very soon. Reflected Art's intentions are to offer unique fine art books, DVDs, and other artistic products that promote and expose the exceptional artistic talent that exists within and outside the tattoo industry. A number of artists have published works, including books, DVDs, prints, etc. We aspire to promote these artistic achievements, which help others reflect on what they might be able to achieve through their own creativity. Reflected Arts website launch date is mid March,be sure to check that out.

I hope you enjoyed visiting my new website! and I hope you will like the information i'll be talking about in my blogs.Thanks for reading...Mike