Rising Stars: Meet Evan Guzman

Today we’d like to introduce you to Evan Guzman.  

Hi Evan, can you start by introducing yourself? We’d love to learn more about how you got to where you are today.
The artistic eye and creative mindset run in my family. I believe I was born with my interest in art. I can’t recall a time when that wasn’t true. Thankfully, as a child, I was surrounded with many things that helped nurture this. Much of that came from anime, manga, and paying cards like Pokémon and Yu-Gi-Oh!, both of which are still, if not more so popular today. I can’t even begin to explain how wild that is, and how old it makes me feel! 

My interest in these things persisted all through elementary school, where it was a near obsession shared by most children. Those were very good times that I look back on fondly. When I got to middle school, that interest was met by rampant and often times confusing bullying. I couldn’t understand why I was constantly being picked on for liking things that were still very widely enjoyed. This took an extreme toll on my young mental state. It was around this time that I began struggling with depression. 

I believe it was my searching for relief from this strange new pain that helped me dive so much deeper into my art. I never put my favorite anime or manga down, regardless of the bullying. The stories became so much more vivid and enticing, the art and character, and background designs kept me flipping back and forth between pages. I’d spend months recreating my favorite panels and various moments, making sure it was as close to the original as it could possibly be. I couldn’t wait for new episodes or volumes to hit my local bookstore or library shelves. Thinking back on those few years, even with all of the unpleasant things that occurred, most of my memories are of drawing my way through classes. 

For me, high school was a much more relaxed time. Somehow, what was once old and uncool had become new and exciting again. It was either that or something one just didn’t care about one way or the other. I didn’t much care, myself! If someone shared that interest or would listen to me while I ranted about it, I was happy. I’m willing to admit there may have been some selfishness in there somewhere! I was still able to draw constantly, maybe even more often than I once was. The speed at which I could complete a piece was also rapidly increasing. I’d have one to three drawings done in a day if my “free time” in classes allowed. I’m also willing to admit that I wasn’t the most studious young man, at least academically speaking! 

I was learning to let go of my previous perfectionist approach to art at this time, as well. I like to think that this is where one’s style really starts to flourish. Stretching out proportions, leaving in those bits of scratchiness or smudges, generally accepting that perfection should never be the goal. This was a very liberating time for my art. I was still very young, but it was also around this time that tattooing crept into my mind. 

Years have passed, I’d become an adult, and more and more things seemed to push me towards tattooing. I thought about it constantly. My job at that point was fulfilling but perhaps not the most sustainable. I knew I wanted to try my hand at finding an apprenticeship, as I believe those with a genuine interest should, but this was no easy task. I was picky. I paid as close attention as I could to any given shop. The caliber of the work, the cleanliness, the attitudes of those working there; I held all of these things to a rather high standard. 

I’d have a few potential prospects as years went on, but nothing of real substance. Then, walking down the sidewalk one day, I noticed a new shop, stopped inside, and from there, the rest is history. It was something like poetry. I hope that doesn’t read as too cliché! I became an apprentice tattooer at the age of 26 and a professional tattooer at the age of 29. I tattoo with two other amazing artists, one being my mentor, at Collective Studios Ink in downtown Rochester, Michigan. 

This will be my occupation till I die. All of my artistic interests, even those from when I was a child finding solace in watching anime on weekdays after school, are still more than present in my work, and it’s because of those interests and passions that the tattoo I just completed on you has the clean lines and solid color that it does! 

Does that count as a success story? In my mind, it does! 

I’m sure you wouldn’t say it’s been obstacle free, but so far would you say the journey has been a fairly smooth road?
As we all do, I struggle. I struggled meeting my goal of becoming a tattooer. Sometimes I’d struggle just getting out of bed, or getting back into it, kept awake by a fury of maelstrom-like thought. Sometimes total exhaustion would have to be what tucked me in. 

I dealt with years of bullying, grappling with the reality that I was becoming one, suicidal thoughts, and seemingly inescapable thoughts of dread. I am not “fixed” now that I am an adult, but I am better, genuinely so, and I am because I chose to help myself and actively continue to. This is simply my experience; I do not make like of the struggles of others. 

I have a healthy relationship with all the various limbs of my pain. This was another road full of struggle, but it’s one I couldn’t be happier to have and still be treading. I spend time in the quiet of the dark so I can enjoy the aria of the light. Beauty is a matter of perspective, and with a little focus, I think that’s something you can see in any artist’s work. 

Can you tell our readers more about what you do and what you think sets you apart from others?
I am a tattooer. That’s right! A tattooer! My favorite style of tattooing is Japanese, any and all eras. But through my clients, I’ve learned of many other styles and have found much I enjoy in tattooing them. If I’m able to tattoo and have a nice conversation with my client; I am a happy camper, s’mores and all, 

I’m known for having some of the cleanest lines this side of the Mississippi! Take one look at my work, and you’ll see it for myself. I am not perfect, and I don’t claim to be. But I know where my skill set lies. I am confident in myself, and that comes from growth. 

What sets me apart is my adaptability. I live my life in a constant state of flux. I love the feeling of friction. In our lives, when we stand at the precipice of a great change we are met with very visceral, almost physical feelings. Fear pushing back on us, excitement pushing us forward, and being right in the middle of that we are left with nothing but the friction created by these clashing giants! It’s the feeling of real potential growth! Friction makes fire, and fire gets us moving! 

Do you have any memories from childhood that you can share with us?
I don’t necessarily have just one. The childhood memories I’m most fond of are simply spending summers with friends, swimming and running, and skateboarding around until well after the streetlights came on. All in all, my childhood outside of school was simple and a relatively positive experience. 

Contact Info:

• Website: Collectivestudiosink.com/Evan-Guzman/
• Instagram: @malaise_tattoos