Meet Tyson Weed of Sentient Tattoo Collective in Tempe

Today we’d like to introduce you to Tyson Weed.

Tyson, can you briefly walk us through your story – how you started and how you got to where you are today.
I have been artistic most of my life. As a child, I loved drawing, sketching, and doodling. Adults would compliment my artwork but always told me my only option as a profession would be as a cartoonist or art teacher if I only focused my academic efforts on art. As I got older, I worked for several years as a project manager for a networking company. I worked incredibly long hours, traveled several weeks a month, and made great money. But I just wasn’t happy. I just couldn’t shake the idea of doing art for a living.

When I was 27 I decided enough was enough. I quit my “real” job and decided to focus on the artwork. I had always been fascinated with tattooing so I did some research on the best tattoo shops in Phoenix. After a rigorous interview, I earned an apprenticeship at Divinity Tattoo under Paolo Acuna. Paolo is a master tattooer. He was a great teacher. At Divinity, I built lifelong friendships and learned from some amazing tattoo artists. My apprenticeship lasted about seven months and then I was finally ready to tattoo people! I spent another nine years at Divinity before branching out on my own.

Last year, my business partner, Charles, and I created the Sentient Tattoo Collective. Sentient Tattoo was born from the idea of creating a co-operative space where artists of all types could come together and share their passion. Many tattoo shops make profits by taking 50% or more of what the artists make. But we wanted to be different. We wanted a space with positive vibes where artists could pay a flat fee to a better budget for their families. I am thrilled to share that the doors of Sentient Tattoo Collective are now open!

Overall, has it been relatively smooth? If not, what were some of the struggles along the way?
I wish! I have faced many, many challenges in the last year. Initially, Sentient Tattoo Collective had four business partners. The first location we chose didn’t meet some obscure city regulations and due to that stress, two of our business partners decided to step away which increased my and Charles’ investment in the business. After their departure, we needed to make Sentient Tattoo Collective successful more than ever. Now, almost a year to the date after the birth of Sentient Tattoo, we finally opened for business earlier this month!

Please tell us about your business.
Sentient Tattoo Collective is a tattoo studio and fine art gallery in Tempe, AZ. Founded by two tattoo artists with over 20 years of combined experience, this co-operative space is home to appointment-only tattoos and a creative environment for artists of all types. We have five amazing tattoo artists at Sentient: Tyson Weed (@tyweedtattoo), Charles (@charlest_tattoos), Nathan (@nathanzerbachtattoo), Lnz (lnztattoos), and Ivan (@kapustatattoos). I’m inspired by Asian culture and specialize in Japanese themed tattoos like koi fish, dragons, and flowers.

One of the most important elements of the Sentient Tattoo Collective is the community. We have partnered up with Free Arts For Abused Children to offer art classes and tutorials for kids who may not have a creative outlet at home. Art has transformed and inspired us, and we hope that sharing our experience through mentorship and volunteerism will have a positive impact on the Tempe community.

Sentient Tattoo Collective is committed to safety. All artists are professional tattooers that receive annual bloodborne pathogen training and CPR certifications. Our studio is clean and sanitary. The client comes first at Sentient Tattoo Collective so you can be sure that your artist will make sure you feel safe and comfortable for your tattoo experience.

What is “success” or “successful” for you?
Ultimately I define success by happiness. I’ve learned that being successful on paper doesn’t make you fulfilled in life. Many people saw my job as a project manager as “successful.” I made great money, traveled all over the US, and got promoted. But happiness is subjective, and I wasn’t happy. Although I probably work just as any hours now as when I did as a project manager, those hours are now spent doing something I love. And to me, finding what you love and getting to spend the rest of your life doing that thing is a true success.

Pricing:

• Free consultations
• Tattoos range from $150-$250 per hour

Contact Info:

• Address: 227 S. Smith Rd.
  Suite 101
• Website: https://sentienttattoocollective.com/
• Phone: (480) 382-9219
• Email: sentienttattoo@gmail.com
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/sentienttattoo/
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/sentienttattoocollective
• Other: https://g.page/sentienttattoocollective/review?gm

Image Credit:
Rebecca Nguyen

Suggest a story: VoyagePhoenix is built on recommendations from the community; it’s how we uncover hidden gems, so if you or someone you know deserves recognition please let us know here.