Today’s spotlight is Steve Rieck, a tattooist who I met during CES last year, and he’s also the person who did my first tattoo. Like many tattooist, he is not only into tattoos, but is also into other things. Well, enough of me talking, let’s get to the interview.

 

NR: Tell us a little about yourself and how you got into tattooing?

Steve: Well, to start, my name is Steve Rieck, and I’ve been tattooing about 5 years now. I got into tattooing because I am always fascinated by the lifestyle, the fact that guys with tattoos always looked cooler to me, and I wanted to be one of those dudes, especially because I was a nerd.

NR: Who/what is your biggest influence on your art/tattoos?

Steve: My biggest influence as far as tattooing goes probably has to be this tattooer in Denmark named Uncle Allan. Also, I’m huge into what’s going on in countries like Germany and Spain with traditional tattooing. Art wise, my biggest influence is everything around me. I take inspiration from tattooing, video games, comics, and especially Star Wars.

NR: Being on the show “Pawn Stars” and selling your PlayDoh Jabba the Hut set… Has stardom changed you in any way?

Steve: No not at all. The only thing I can think is I joke to clients that I’m going to put “As Seen on TV” on my cards. All in all it was just a fun experience and a good memory.

 

NR: Art related, do you do anything else outside of tattoos?

Steve: I paint almost daily and also still practice graphic design for outside companies. I am looking into getting into animation as well soon so that I can put my art into motion.

NR: Do you have a preference on the medium you like to put your art on?

Steve: I love watercolor painting. Normally I just paint on paper, but I’ve been having a lot of fun painting skate decks lately. I also always enjoy graffiti even though it’s been years since I’ve done any spray paint murals.

NR: If you had a choice, what other job would you like to do?

Steve: I honestly love what I do. The only thing I would want to do other than this is animation. I would love to be able to tattoo and work for a company like Pixar or Lucas Film.

 

NR: Since this is a nerd-related website, do you have any nerd tattoos on you?

Steve: I’ve got plenty of nerd tattoos. To start I have a tattoo of Woody from Toy Story on my calf along with Wall-E on my foot. I also have the Autobots logo above my knee and Star Killer’s lightsaber handle on my thigh. Oh, and a quote from BioShock on my chest, “A man chooses, a slave obeys.” I’m also planning on getting a full Star Wars sleeve from Adam Hays in New York.

NR: What kind of nerdy/geeky things do you like to do when you are not working?

Steve: I play a lot of video games along with reading comics like the new Star Wars Dark Times series and of course The Walking Dead. Other than those, just watching movies. I’m a huge horror and sci-fi nerd, so I’m always buying or renting low budget films to find a “diamond in the rough” as they say.

NR: I recently saw that you are part of a website/blog called The Rebel Alliance Tattoo Club. Can you tell me about it?

Steve: The Rebel Alliance Tattoo Club is composed of about 50 tattoo artists from all over the world that love Star Wars. We have a blog website with all our Star Wars work divided by artist so check it out sometime it’s pretty dope.

NR: Do you have anything else to add?

Steve: I do custom work so if anyone wants a nerd tattoo or just a new tattoo period. I can definitely create something unique for you.

NR: Thanks Steve.

So if you are ever in the Vegas area and looking for a good tattooist, and a nerd at heart, look for Steve. He is in Voodoo Tattoo 2; information located below.

Shop: Voodoo Tattoo 2, 3140 S. Valley View, Las Vegas, NV 89169. 702-257-0177

Websites: Tattoosbysteve.blogspot.com, rebelalliancetattoo.wordpress.com, facebook.com/tattoosbysteverieck

 

Jose Gutierrez III

Jose Gutierrez III is an IT tech by day and nerd by night.

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