Meet Swarm Wood | Tattoo artist and owner Hive Tattoo

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

Hi Swarm, we’d love to hear about how you approach risk and risk-taking
I think I definitely took a huge risk by opening my business during the pandemic. I was literally building out my shop in the height of 2020. I went into it with the now or never attitude. The pandemic opened my eyes to really understand how I did not want to work for anyone else ever again. I brought on board some of my closest buddies so they also could enjoy a stress free artistic environment. Deleting a regular schedule from my life forever.

Can you open up a bit about your work and career? We’re big fans and we’d love for our community to learn more about your work.
I strive to run my shop different by putting unique individuals together. I also did not start my business to get rich quick but instead be there for the long run. I think putting a group together that shows support of the clients needs sets us apart from other places. Also I really try to hire true artists that make art regularly. I started in the tattoo business 22 years ago by starting body piercing. When I was put on ,I worked in the belly of Fremont street for a whole $20 a day if I did not pierce. My dad thought I was crazy. Shortly after I learned how to tattoo. I have been drawing my whole life and was involved in the graffiti scene. I worked for tattoo shops for 20 years before saying enough is enough and put in motion the idea of my own place. One of the biggest things I learned was that I didn’t have to surround myself with people that were not on the same page. My whole career and upbringing has been in Vegas, so I definitely had some wild years there with some very interesting individuals. I encourage a fun, pop culture influenced, positive attitude tattoo shop.

If you had a friend visiting you, what are some of the local spots you’d want to take them around to?
I love my city. I always say I could be spokesperson for vegas. I would want you to come a week the golden knights are playing! The games are absolutely incredible, we would get down there early hit the beerhaus and catch a game. Maybe we would even catch a raiders game the same weekend. Both top notch experiences. We would absolutely go eat at Nora’s Italian cuisine, and after catch some drinks at the golden tiki. I would suggest to take in an off strip resort like the red rock. Awesome sports book and Bingo! Beautiful rooms and after all that walking and cheering a relaxing spa day there would end it the right way! A night on Fremont is always a blast as well. Then of course get a tattoo at Hive Tattoo.

Who else deserves some credit and recognition?
Definitely first and foremost is my clients for the support and trust they have put in me for 22 years. Most of my clients have become close personal friends and I care about them very much. My support group of friends and family is unmatched and I am thankful for them daily. My father and wife play a huge role in keeping me going as well.

Website: Hivetattoovegas.com

Instagram: @hivetattoovegas