Conversations with Ryan Methric

Today we’d like to introduce you to Ryan Methric.

Hi Ryan, 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 loved art. When I was a kid, watching my dad paint with pastels inspired me a lot. I enjoyed drawing and took art classes in school. The turning point came at the age of 15 when, still in high school, I acquired my first tattoo and fell in love with the art form. This pivotal experience ignited a deep-seated desire to pursue a career as a tattoo artist. 

In 2005, I went to CCS College for Creative Studies to learn more about art, but my journey took an unexpected turn as I eventually decided to leave. Even though I explored different jobs and interests for a while, I always believed that some artistic job would be my true calling. 

In 2009, I tried to get a tattoo apprenticeship at different shops with my art portfolio, but I faced a lot of rejection. Some people even said I wouldn’t make it in the tattoo industry. Despite all that, I kept believing in myself and stayed passionate about succeeding. 

The next year, in 2010, I decided to teach myself. I did a lot of research, bought the necessary tattoo equipment, and started my own journey into tattooing. It wasn’t easy, but it marked the beginning of my current thirteen-year career as a professional tattoo artist. 

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?
Teaching yourself anything is a tough journey. When you face challenges, there’s no one around to guide you through. Solving problems that could be easily explained by a mentor might take weeks or even months. I used to believe that once I entered a professional tattoo shop, the road would get easier. I was mistaken; it became even more challenging. 

Working in a professional setting alongside experienced artists was intimidating. These artists had years of experience and a solid client base, while I had nothing. The first few years in the shop were a real struggle. At one point, I couldn’t afford gas to commute to work. As a new artist without a well-established tattoo portfolio, convincing people that I could meet their expectations was tough. 

If someone wanted a tiger portrait, and I hadn’t done one before, I had to convince them I could do a great job or do the tattoo for free. In the early days, I did a lot of free tattoos to build a solid portfolio. Tattooing is a “sink or swim” profession—if you excel, you can go far, but if you make a mistake, it’s crucial to learn from it and avoid repeating it. 

Thanks for sharing that. So, maybe next you can tell us a bit more about your work?
I have a genuine love for various art forms and styles. While I appreciate all mediums, I find myself gravitating towards dry media like charcoal and colored pencils rather than paint. Realism, both in black and grey or color, comes most naturally to me, and I enjoy working with both. Portraits, whether of people or animals, are my favorite to create. 

I have a diverse taste in styles, making it challenging for me to stick to just one. I get bored easily if I focus on a single thing for too long. I firmly believe that exploring different styles is essential for personal growth and learning. One style I’m particularly proud of is my “Darkwave” style, developed over the past few years. It resonates with me on a deep level and reflects my inner feelings. I recognize that it’s not everyone’s cup of tea, but that’s what makes it special. 

Witnessing the progression in my work over the years brings me immense joy. Tattooing demands a lot from the body and consumes a significant amount of time, but I’ve always loved the grind. It’s a satisfying journey for me. 

Where we are in life is often partly because of others. Who/what else deserves credit for how your story turned out?
The cornerstone of my tattoo career is undeniably my family. My wife plays a pivotal role in keeping me on course whenever I veer off track, and my dedication to my work is fueled by the desire to make my son proud of his dad. Following closely as the second essential element are my clients, to whom I owe all credit for the success of my career. Without their trust and belief in my abilities, I would be nowhere. While clients may come and go over the years, I genuinely appreciate each one of them. 

Last but certainly not least, the artists I collaborate with hold significant importance. Being surrounded by inspiring peers who challenge and motivate me is indispensable. I thrive on healthy competition, always valuing the camaraderie and creative energy that comes from working alongside fellow artists. 

Contact Info:

• Website: https://darkskytattoo.com/
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/rm.ink/?hl=en
• Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCHOgp64tJmrU6YnpYfQ6uYw