Check Out Erik Stevenson’s Story

Today we’d like to introduce you to Erik Stevenson. 

Hi Erik, please kick things off for us with an introduction to yourself and your story.
I’ve been tattooing since the early nineties, starting in Albuquerque where I was in college working toward a fine art degree at the university of New Mexico. Tattooing took me all over the country, including Atlanta, Seattle, and most recently, Petoskey and Ferndale. I had my own tattoo shop, Lakeview Tattoo, in downtown Petoskey since 2005 until I was forced to close in 2020 because of the covid pandemic. Since closing, my wife and I have moved to Ferndale and now I’m part of the Dharma Tattoo Collective working alongside some great inspirational artists. 

We all face challenges, but looking back would you describe it as a relatively smooth road?
It has been a very long and, sometimes bumpy road. Tattooing has gone through so many ups and downs in the last 25-30 years. It was not nearly as popular and accepted in the early part of the 2000s and was an outsider art until the last 10-15 years. 

My shop, Lakeview Tattoo, was the first and only licensed tattoo establishment in Emmet County for many years. Making a living and carving out a clientele in that area was definitely challenging. 

Alright, so let’s switch gears a bit and talk business. What should we know about your work?
I think one thing that I can say is that I’m able to do whatever comes in the door. I was taught early on that I’m not special just because I put ink in skin. Much like a barber or a mechanic I’m here to serve the client not my own ego. That being said, I do try to progress in my art and craft by always being open to new things or ideas. I work with people that are much younger than me with less experience in the game and I learn new things from them daily. 

I love to do blackwork tattoos, sacred geometry, and still like to do traditional flash designs from time to time. 

Is there anyone you’d like to thank or give credit to?
So many people have helped me along the way it would be impossible to thank them all, the good and the bad. I’ve been lucky to have supportive friends and fearless clients along the way and especially my wife, Bex, who is always my biggest fan. 

Contact Info:

• Instagram: @Satya.tattoo

Image Credits
Tryst Red