“you have to convert some of the old ways. It's a part of evolution!"

WHAT DID YOU WANT TO BE GROWING UP? WERE YOU ALWAY’S ENAMOURED WITH ART?   

When I was growing up, I wanted to be a fire fighter. My grandpa was a paramedic for 20 years and a fire fighter for 15, so I always looked up to his courage and work ethic. I was enamoured by art at a very early age. I remember being in the 6th grade, our art assignment was to put one shoe on the table and draw it. I was one of 6 people in the whole Jr high school to be entered into a gallery for our art. It was an eye opener for me and really just enjoyed art of all mediums through- out my younger years.   

YOU SPECIALISE IN GEOMETRIC ART WAS THIS A CONSCIOUS DECISION OR SOMETHING THAT JUST EVOLVED? 

I actually started out researching sacred geometry and wanted to get it tattooed on me more than anything. I had a couple of my mentors at the time, Zack Singer and Kevin Hicks, do some large scale work for me and that's what really started taking my career to the next level. I pride myself on my line work, but it's been amazing for me to shift into doing full custom large scale tattoos, myself.   

WHEN WE MET IN 2019 THERE WAS A HIGH DEMAND FOR GUYS WANTING HAIR FOLLICLES TATTOOED, A MORE COSMETIC APPROACH WHICH WAS AN EYE OPENER TO ME IS THIS STILL THE CASE? 

Scalp Micro Pigmentation is fairly new to the hair industry as well as PMU, but is a non evasive way to replicate hair follicles at the base level. There is and will always be a demand for cosmetic tattoos because it helps boost people's confidence. Most of my clients range in ages of 25-50, however brings a new dynamic to tattooing and the people it can help.I feel blessed to have the opportunity to offer these services.   

YOU WORK OUT OF DALLAS, TEXAS HAVE YOU GOT ANY ASPIRATIONS TO GUEST SPOT OVERSEAS ANYWHERE? 

I have travelled all over the United States to tattoo, but would love to work abroad. London is at the top of my list, Norway, Germany, Scot- land and Ireland are to follow in my list of dream destinations. I have strong roots in most of these places, so I've been more than inspired by the art and culture overseas.   

IS THERE A PARTICULAR ARTIST PAST OR PRESENT THAT YOU TAKE INSPIRATION FROM? 

I have to pay homage to the men I've learned from so to name a few, Shawn Booth, Kevin Hicks, Zack Singer, Rodney Carerra, Allen Paul- son, and BillyJack Gunter. I've been able to take everything learned and create my own style from the teachings of all these gentleman.I went through a real apprenticeship and didn't think I would make it at times, but I never gave up because I saw what was attainable and the amazing life that tattooing had to offer.   

WHAT MAKES A GOOD ARTIST? 

I believe that a good artist is someone that is dedicated to their craft and even after 10-20 years of perfecting that craft, can still learn from someone. If you are a student and a teacher after that many years, then I'd consider you good.   

HOW IMPORTANT IS IT TO EVOLVE AND STAY RELATIVE?   

It is so important to stay relative in the industry. There's several ways to stay current, the best is to travel and work conventions, try to win awards, meet people from all over the world that you follow on line, be a part of the movement, otherwise you become stagnant and unable to keep up with younger generations. Technology is such a huge part of that growth now days, and even if you stick to traditional ways of tattooing, you have to convert some of the old ways. It's a part of evolution!   

DO YOU THINK TATTOO CULTURE VARIES FROM STATE TO STATE? 

Tattoo culture, just like any culture, absolutely varies from state to state! There's so much history in electric tattooing, dating back to the late 1800's, that location would depict types and styles of tattoos.     

WHAT DOES JEREMY DO TO UNWIND WHEN HE’S NOT IN THE STUDIO? YOU’RE A MASSIVE PETROL HEAD IS THAT CORRECT?!   

When I'm not in the studio, I'm normally unwinding by just hanging with my family and helping with things around the house. I actually have a 2001 Harley Davidson Road King Clas- sic, so when I'm not tattooing or being dad...... I'm def tearing up some Texas concrete! I love riding motorcycles and often use it as a form of therapy. So with that being said..... Look TWICE, save a LIFE.   

WHAT’S THE FUTURE HOLD FOR JEREMY GANDY? 

Hoping the future is filled with great travel memories and an abundance of good health and friendships. Clothing line may or may not be in the works at this point in time..... Follow me on Instagram or Facebook @JeremyGandyTattoos to see current projects, travel dates, and merchandise.