Today we’d like to introduce you to Brenton Weaver.
Brenton, we appreciate you taking the time to share your story with us today. Where does your story begin?
I’m Brenton James Weaver – a Mid Michigan native, born and raised in Kawkawlin and a true child of the swamp. I’ve always had an affinity for the arts (particularly visual arts) and more specifically painting and drawing. I studied fine arts at Delta and received my Bachelors in Fine Arts Painting from Kendall College of Art and Design in Grand Rapids. After graduating I moved to Bay City, Mi and received a tattoo apprenticeship in Saginaw, Mi. A few years later I switched to a busy tattoo street shop in Midland and decided to move to Center City.
Soon after settling permanently in Midland, I reconnected with an old acquaintance. We both collected vintage mopeds and had first met about ten years earlier at a moped rally in Detroit — though she lived in Florida at the time. When we reconnected, she was planning a visit back home to Michigan, and we talked about going for a moped ride together that summer. That ride turned into a steak and shrimp dinner, which eventually led to a daughter (plus another on the way!) and a happy little home filled with love, laughter, family, and animals.
After a decade of tattooing I recognized the need for a more private experience for my clients, an environment conducive to creativity, and a place for my tattoo art to really thrive. My partner Angel had over 15 years business ownership experience so we put our heads together, got on our mopeds, and rode around Center City looking for a home for our lil’ tattoo shop. We found a few but one *really* stood out – a midcentury modern gem that feels like a perfect representation of the Midland vibe – and right in our neighborhood! It was meant to be.
With lots of elbow grease (and a little help from our friends!) we made the space what we’d dreamed of. After a few months of preparation we finally opened in early December 2024, and celebrated our Grand Opening in January of this year. I’m very fortunate to have so many wonderful clients who followed me to the new space. After tattooing in the new shop for nearly 6 months I can confidently say that it feels like “home”.
I’m sure it wasn’t obstacle-free, but would you say the journey has been fairly smooth so far?
When I told my dad I wanted to be a painter he replied “it takes a lot of Monet to make the Van Gogh”. I didn’t quite get it then but, earning a BFA in 2010 during the great recession … well… you get the idea. Tattooing in general is never a “smooth road” as far as career paths go. In the beginning I had to make a lot of sacrifices to be able to endure an old-school apprenticeship while still making ends meet. It took a lot of time, practice, and patience to get to become a tattooer. I worked two jobs to get through the early years of my tattooing career – it was a difficult balancing act that definitely gave me a few ulcers but also knowledge that I continue to use and build on daily.
Building clientele was difficult – especially with so many choices of artists – but I learned that focusing on the individual projects (and people!) is what makes all the difference. Thankfully, over the last decade I’ve cultivated lasting relationships with so many wonderful clients who have supported me along the way.
Opening our tattoo studio with a 1 year old child and a full time job caused at least 2 more ulcers – but the journey was made easier by the encouragement and support of our wonderful community, and lots of help from my partner, Angel and our family. Thankfully, Angel has decades of marketing, web design, and business-ownership experience so she handles the monumental task of everything computer / customer service / scheduling / marketing / accounting / management – which allows me to focus on creating custom designs and tattooing my amazing clients.
Alright, so let’s switch gears a bit and talk business. What should we know about your work?
I’m most proud of being able to do what I love as a career. I specialize in creating custom tattoos and bringing my client’s visions to life – which requires solid communication, attention to detail, and artistic versatility. I try not to pigeon-hole myself with just one tattoo style which allows me to create unique pieces for clients throughout their own tattoo journey and continue to grow with them as their personal artistic style evolves. I am highly skilled in several styles including; black and grey realism, illustrative tattoos, blackwork, neotraditional, coverups (and reworking/refreshing tattoos), as well as creating mixed-style pieces. You can view my portfolio on instagram/facebook @notnerbjames & @brasscattattoo.
Is there any advice you’d like to share with our readers who might just be starting out?
For those interested in becoming a tattoo artist I’d recommend the following: do not tattoo at home. Just don’t do it.
Focus on making art (specifically pencil drawing), compile a portfolio of your best work – burn it – redraw it all. It will be better next time. 🙂
But seriously, make a digital portfolio, visit local shops, and ask if they’ll check out your portfolio and offer any advice. This is the best way to get your foot in the door and potentially get an apprenticeship where you can learn the skills necessary to safely begin a career in tattooing.
Pricing:
- I price by the piece or by the hour for longer sessions. Book a consult and we’ll chat about the design and I’ll provide an estimate.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.brasscattattoo.com/
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/brasscattattoo
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/tattoomidlandmi
- Yelp: https://www.yelp.com/biz/brass-cat-tattoo-midland
- Other: https://brasscattattoo.as.me
Image Credits
Headshots/ Studio:
@youngephotography
Younge Photography LLC
(989)280-8698
Tattoo Work:
@notnerbjames
