Today we’d like to introduce you to Morgan Bennington.
Morgan, let’s start with your story. We’d love to hear how you got started and how the journey has been so far.
Art is something I found as a passion early in life. Growing up influenced by an older cousin, I found myself fascinated by the comic book art he would draw. In school, I didn’t focus on uninterested topics. I would find art as a pastime, something that kept me engaged. I would lose myself in drawings for hours. It kept my mind off of the things I didn’t like and it allowed me to enter a different world where I was the creator.
After high school per request of my cousin, I went to Arizona State University. While attending, I received a tattoo machine and supplies as a gift for my birthday. Although rudimentary in its purest form it allowed me to see some of the possibilities this industry could hold.
After many premature attempts at tattooing, I was thankful enough to get my foot in the door at a shop as an apprentice close to the University.
Daily, I invested my all into my craft. Learning and absorbing any and all information I could while practicing and dialing in my skills as a tattoo artist. After I graduated with my bachelor’s degree in fine arts and the mentorship of some of the state’s finest and successful tattoo artists, I felt it’s necessary to open the start to my own chapter.
Bypassing many hurdles during the beginning of my career, I found a spot here in Glendale at Double Down Tattoo where I can call home and continue to grow around great artists and great people.
We’re always bombarded by how great it is to pursue your passion, etc. – but we’ve spoken with enough people to know that it’s not always easy. Overall, would you say things have been easy for you?
It definitely hasn’t been the smoothest road traveled. I’m thankful for the mentors who have put obstructions in my path. It allows me to overcome adversity. It teaches me how to focus under immense pressure and circumstances.
This industry has had many twists and turns so far, adaptability is a necessity.
If I don’t find a solution to my problems in this industry, I don’t eat. So, I’ve had to learn how to adapt at a moment’s notice.
I have found that when I’ve been put into a situation where I have to succeed while under incredible pressure, I’ve created some of my best pieces. Pieces that propelled me forward in my art career as a professional tattoo artist.
We’d love to hear more about your work.
I am a professional tattoo artist at Double Down Tattoo. I specialize in providing a bold rich tattoo that you can wear proudly for the rest of your life.
I was fortunate enough to have great mentors who schooled me into being able to “tattoo anything that comes in the door.” I like to create art that resonates with the wearer and its audience.
Collectively, I’m proud to say when I look across at my piers here, that they have the same amount invested and they put their work and the shop as a whole before themselves as I do.
Proud to know we can all provide an atmosphere that is perfect for what we are trying to accomplish together at Double Down Tattoo.
We set ourselves apart by including our clientele into our processes and making them feel as accommodated as possible while you are our guest.
We want our customers to leave with more than what they asked for. To leave with a yearn to return and get the next great piece here at our shop.
What were you like growing up?
Growing up, I was very outgoing. Able to spark a conversation with a complete stranger no matter their appearance, even as a toddler.
Riding public transportation as a child I would sometimes sit with other patrons while my dad watched close by, talking about whatever I was into at the time. I was good at school. Not great as I probably could have applied myself more academically than I did but that wasn’t ever my interest. I was more interested in making cool pictures of comic characters like Batman or the Xmen.
I wasn’t an outcast or a recluse in school, I made friends easily and had a lot of them during grade school and high school. My art skills quick wit and sense of humor allowed others to befriend me easily. I acted out growing up. Seeking laughs rather than learning, I found myself in trouble a lot. I was more a socialite with my friends than a book worm.
Throughout all that time though the constant has been only one. My passion for creation. Everything I give to it, it gives me back 10 fold. I have been grateful so far in my path as an artist, it’s given me everything I could ask for.
Pricing:
- Shop rate =$100/hr
- Shop minimum =$50
Contact Info:
- Address: 4738 W Glendale Avenue Glendale Arizona 85301
- Website: Doubledowntattoo.com
- Phone: 6239341182
- Email: doubledowntattoo@gmail.com
Image Credit:
Priscilla Samudio, Ryan Crawford, Matt Foster
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