Meet Adrian Sparkman | Tattoo Artist

We had the good fortune of connecting with Adrian Sparkman and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Adrian, can you walk us through the thought-process of starting your business?
My thought process behind starting my own business was to break the stereotype, “starving artist”, and make a living doing what artists love do, whatever we want. Being my own boss, I am able to do with my artistic talents what I believe makes the biggest impact in the art industry, Tattooing. Living asa tattoo artist, I am able to express myself artistically, and make money doing it.

Alright, so let’s move onto what keeps you busy professionally?
My art is something that has developed into my own personal style today. My style is a combination between a fine painter and tattooer. I use only black, white, grey, and red as my palette, which usually compliments my dark style and unique work. At a small community college was when I first picked up a paint brush. It was immensely complicated to learn here because of the lack of supplies and shortage of knowledge, so I ended up having to leave. At the Master Tattoo Institute in Miami is where I began my tattooing journey where I fell in love, and found my passion. I overcame my biggest challenges by giving myself no other choice but to throw my whole being into the tattoo industry and really make something of myself.I believed in myself. If I didn’t believe in myself, I would be just another “starving artist” living on the streets, but I chose to stay focused and strive to be the best person and artist that I can be. I know what it is like to be on the other side where the grass isn’t so green, so many lessons I have learned have come from inner strength, and past experiences. I want the world to know my brand represents the real, honest, quality artist, who’s always hungry, and strives for greatness.

If you had a friend visiting you, what are some of the local spots you’d want to take them around to?
I would take my friend around to my favorite spots in Wynwood, to South Pointe in Miami Beach, and show them all my favorite skate spots. I would start off eating my favorite meal of the day, breakfast, or brunch. I love Morgans in midtown for brunch, rent a scooter or skate over through the Wynwood Walls, take a tour of the Brickell City Centre, then Uber back to South beach for a swim at South Pointe, and lunch at my favorite Mediterranean spot, Saffron. For dinner, back across the bridge to eat at Pilo’s Italian restaurant. After this amazing meal, take a stroll through the park, and smoke a little ganja by the water. To top off the night, gotta hit up Lost Weekend to shoot some pool and grab a beer for the night cap.

The Shoutout series is all about recognizing that our success and where we are in life is at least somewhat thanks to the efforts, support, mentorship, love and encouragement of others. So is there someone that you want to dedicate your shoutout to?
My Fine Arts professor at North Country Community College, NY. Without the encouragement, knowledge, and guidance of this particular professor, I would not have made it to where I am today. Thank you so much Tina L’amour.

Instagram: instagram.com/@sparkcityink

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Image Credits
Katrina Uritis @katrina_youuu