Neotraditional Realism with Ben Friday
- hellflowermedia
- Jan 9, 2024
- 4 min read
Tattoo Artist Rating: E Instagram/TikTok: BenFriday The internet is a fantastic tool to find inspirations and service providers. While doom-scrolling on Instagram in 2019 for local tattooers I found the exceptional art works of Ben Friday and have been a major admirer ever since. In 2020, I was honored to be a part of a printed series of works he was creating for a project and still to this day it is one of my most favorite portraits ever created of me and one of my favorite collaborations. Though following the narrow scope provided by the internet, Ben has faced his own journey and has a story so much bigger than our past experiences growing into owning his own business that is exclusively appointment only and tons of learning experiences. I am grateful for the artworks that bring joy to my day as his posts cross my feed and treasure watching his growth throughout the years.
Art is my life. I do not recall a time when my life that did not revolve around art and being creative. I feel like art is a mirror reflection of the world around us and I've always wanted to be a part of that and push myself to be better and better. I've been tattooing half my life and it's really a place where I feel like I belong. I've been inspired by many artists in my industry and field. If I had to pick one, I'd say Justin Hartman who actually is from Arizona. Aaron Riddle and Siege are big influences, as well. But, truthfully, my biggest inspiration has been my dad. Who has traveled the world, seen and done quite a bit. He is also a masterful artist in his own right. He and my mother definitely taught me a lot about life, for which I'm thankful. My biggest obstacle is definitely spending most of my life being undiagnosed with bipolar. Short answer, medication and therapy has been absolutely instrumental in controlling how I conduct my life. It's been a bit of a life saver after going through a bit of my personal hell. I recommend anyone and everyone to focus on diagnosis and the right medication. Despite my journeying with a disorder, this past year I endeavored to travel more and attend conventions in Texas and Colorado. I took a seminar in Austin where I met so many of the artists who I look up to and learned absolutely so much. It fundamentally changed how I approach making all forms of art. I was also recently invited to guest spot at The Crucible in Denver, CO where I was able to work some of the most talented artists I've ever worked with. It's hard to pick a specific "favorite" moment, but I do recall when I decided to make an extra effort and committed myself to really focus on my paintings. I made a few that I was really proud of and that got a lot of attention, I sold out of multiple runs of prints. After that my career started to really change and I've had a lot more freedom since then. Making those additional efforts contributed to opening my private studio in 2023 and that has been an absolute game changer in how I make art and how I conduct business. I tried to make a space that would not only be home base for me but where clients feel comfortable with their experience. I noticed that the hectic street shop environment where I came up in was a bit disorienting and sadly, at times, unwelcoming. I hope that my clients will feel at ease while visiting and the change definitely helps me feel better about the process. There are many stigmas in the tattoo industry but if I can be extremely blunt, the industry particularly in Arizona, regulations fall more onto the professional obligation of what a shop might feel is best. Basically, there aren't many regulations and even less enforcement of standards. I actually hope to help change that in the future. Having people who'd like my advice, I actually get asked quite a bit, the quickest way to get a taste of the industry is to attend expos and maybe even take a seminar or two. There is a huge amount of information when going to conventions and if someone relates to the experience, they'll know right away. I remember going to conventions when I was younger and it just made me crave more and more. I encourage others to go experience the industries wholeness. I am committed to growing my business and gaining more and more mastery of my craft. I don't plan on traveling quite as much in the near future but I would like to continue to enter competitions as I feel it's a great way to be seen and learn about what is dominating the industry. I've toyed with idea of expanding my shop into more of collective environment with a few more artists but that's years from now. In the mean time, I just hope to meet more friends and tattoo rad stuff!
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