Richie Merritt has been working with me for several years. Well, something like sixteen or so. You could say we've grown-up together and have been business partners along the way. From playing in bands together, to owning web & graphic design companies, marketing businesses and a lot more.
Over the years I've been trying to tempt Richie back to his roots of tattooing. Mr. Merritt is a life-long artist and started an "Old School" tattoo apprenticeship back in the mid 90's and later "switched-gears" to pursue other endeavors. Throughout the years he's been right there to watch the majority of my journey through tattooing's ups-and-downs.
So it was only natural that when I started my own studio, "Tattoo Alchemy" in Montclair, California. I started planting the seeds in his head about finishing an up-to-date apprenticeship under my tutelage and to pursue his artistic talents. It took the right bait to pull him away from his multitude of talents, but I think it was my last statement in an email that said, "The 'coils' are calling you Richie..."
That's all it took and he has never looked back. In fact the dude already knows more about tattoo machines than I ever cared to know. So it's been over a year, a shop build-out, and lots of eraser shavings on the floor—and I believe he just might be ready to hit the floor running soon.
Richie has several professional tattoos under his belt now and at the moment fancies himself a Traditional Electric Tattooer. I personally believe he will be very successful in his niche. Richie specializes in: Traditional American Tattoo Folk Art, as-well-as, Blackwork Tattooing and Mehndi influenced art.
I am extremely proud of his accomplishments and I am looking forward to working side-by-side with him once again. Don't miss the chance to get tattooed by Richie, contact him now.
To stay up-to-date with Richie Merritt Follow him on Twitter or visit RichieMerritt.com
To see some of Richie's artwork, view our Wall on Facebook and Like us.
See Richie in action in this video...
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