Daily Inspiration: Meet Brantley Moore

Today we’d like to introduce you to Brantley Moore.

Hi Brantley, please kick things off for us with an introduction to yourself and your story.
I’ve been drawing my entire life. As soon as I could hold a pencil I was trying to put on paper what ever was flowing through my brain.
I spent the better part of my youth trying to draw comic books, which blossomed into a brief and unproductive time at Kendall College of Art and Design.
I dropped out, disillusioned, and found my way into tattooing mixing my illustrative background with my nefarious punk rock roots and over-whelming desire to not work for anyone ever again.
I cut my teeth on the Westside of Grand Rapids before spending the bulk of my career so far working in the heart of downtown Grand Rapids.
After the pandemic, I sought a more productive and inspiring environment in GreenLion Studios which is where I currently ply my trade.

Can you talk to us a bit about the challenges and lessons you’ve learned along the way. Looking back would you say it’s been easy or smooth in retrospect?
It has been a tough ride. My apprenticeship was not the most productive, and resulted in borderline torture and humiliation in exchange for a subpar education. I had to fill in a lot of blanks by myself and with help from friends and artists I respected in the industry.
There are advantages and disadvantages with working closely with a small group of artist. You’re able to see different perspectives in art and how the business is run, for better or for worse.
Unfortunately, the tattoo industry can attract a lot of ego, and toxic behavior that can be frustrating to navigate.

Can you tell our readers more about what you do and what you think sets you apart from others?
I believe my style fits into the traditional/illustrative forms of tattooing. I like bold lines, defined shapes, and eye-catching designs. If you can’t tell what the tattoo is, in the first second you see it, from across the street, I haven’t done my job properly.
What I’m most known for is a hard question for me to answer, but I like to think I’m known for clean tattoos, and a comfortable environment for anybody.
I’m honestly most proud of the amazing group of clients I’ve gathered over the years, and that I’m still excited to go to work over 13 years later.
I try to go above and beyond with designing tattoos for people, ask all the right and wrong questions so I can make sure the client leaves happy.
I also have a industrial sized hopper of terrible jokes I’m sure my coworkers are sick of hearing.

Can you talk to us a bit about happiness and what makes you happy?
First, I will preface this question with I don’t think any artist is ever completely happy with their work.
What makes me that happiest is a good days work where I can go home and feel accomplished with what I’ve done.
Also, whenever someone tells me that their Grandmother hates tattoos, but she doesn’t hate the ones I’ve done, that makes me feel pretty accomplished.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://www.greenlionstudios.com/custom-tattooing
• Instagram: BmooreRATC