Rising Stars: Meet Cody Robinson of SplatterHouse Tattoo in Eastpointe

Today we’d like to introduce you to Cody Robinson

Hi Cody, it’s an honor to have you on the platform. Thanks for taking the time to share your story with us – to start maybe you can share some of your backstory with our readers?
I’ve always dreamed of becoming an artist. I used to be completely awe-struck watching my parents and their friends get tattooed. I remember going with my mom to her friends house to get a tattoo which makes my skin crawl thinking back on it now but it was the early 2000’s and the health codes were a bit too lax. I was completely mesmerized watching the artist draw, set up, and tune his machine; it was like magic to me. He appeared like some high wizard performing his craft. The image of all the inks, needles, tubes, equipment, and art supplies scattered around as he worked stuck with me for years. He noticed my interest and gave me some of pencils and paper. I immediately got to work scribbling away some skulls and dragons. Every time my parents would get a new tattoo I was there, my passion ignited with each encounter.
My childhood friend’s parents owned a prominent shop and I would spend some time there as well. It was such a mystical environment to me. Watching the artists engrossed in their work, creating for people, learning and practicing every day- I knew that was the life I wanted for myself.
As I continued to draw through my teenage years I had some incredible opportunities to attend an arts and sciences academy. My home life became rocky and I was unable to continue. I was forced to detour my path and slowly began to slip away from art as I was struggling to survive on my own with little support.
It wasn’t until my early 20’s that I had enough and hungered for that creative passion that I used to have. Not creating burned me up inside so I got a portfolio together of all my artwork and went from shop to shop begging for a chance to break in to the industry and work.
I began my apprenticeship in 2019 and the rest is history.

Would you say it’s been a smooth road, and if not what are some of the biggest challenges you’ve faced along the way?
Life is an uphill battle. We all embody the myth of Sisyphus in many ways; laboring to push a boulder up a mountain just to watch it roll back down again and again. We all have our battles but through these challenges we become stronger and more well-rounded. Through the pressure of adversity we are given the opportunity to transform lead into gold and coal in to diamonds.
I was rejected from my family for being transgender and forced on my own in my mid-teens. My family was filled with substance abuse, narcissism, bitterness, depression, neglect, and both of my parents were incarcerated for many years through my early childhood.
If we can allow ourselves to hold our pain tenderly we can use that to propel us to greater heights. Through the pain of loss and rejection we can learn how to truly love an connect with others.
I am grateful for these experiences because it gave me depth to my character and allows me to make meaningful connections with others through my work.

As you know, we’re big fans of you and your work. For our readers who might not be as familiar what can you tell them about what you do?
I love watercolor, surrealism, memorial designs, landscapes, portraits, nature, plants and animals, and any large black and gray tattoos. I love to use mythology and symbolism to create designs that are meaningful and beautiful for the clients. I make an intention to create an open and welcoming experience for anyone looking to adorn their bodies with art.
I am in love with all styles of tattooing and enjoy pushing myself to explore new styles and techniques. And most of all, I enjoy meeting new people and hearing their stories while I work.

What are your plans for the future?
My goals are to continue working on my craft and growing as an artist. I want to fully devote myself to my trade and keep developing my skillsets.
I plan to further expand my network and keep getting my work out there. I love meeting new people and connecting through art and I hope that never stops.

Pricing:

• $150 per hour
• 15% off discounts for referrals

Contact Info:

• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/cjr_art/
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=100011467897175
• Other: https://www.tiktok.com/@cjrart