Our Featured Tattoo Artist for January 2015 is Matty McTatty — artist and owner of Engine House Tattoos in Germantown, Ohio. Matty has been tattooing for about 19 years. He apprenticed under Panama Red, who's studio was across from Matty's local skate shop. Matty told us, "when I was tired of skateboarding, I would go hang out at his studio."

Engine House is the second studio Matty's owned. He relocated his studio closer to home in 2012 after learning his unborn son had a severe heart defect that would require several surgeries and months of hospitalizations. So it was no surprise that Matty told us being closer to home is what he likes best about his studio.

Likewise, he enjoys spending his free time when he's not tattooing with his family and painting. He says, as a tattoo artist, he has to sacrifice family time a lot to prepare for upcoming appointments. So spending time with his family is something that's very important to him and also how he unwinds from the day. Painting is another escape for Matty because he isn't bound by what a client wants, "I’m free to create what I want without exception which is a nice change of pace from the daily grind."

Matty likes doing a variety of different tattoos. He told us, "as a tattoo artist, I try to be as well versed in all the different flavors that tattooing has to offer," and pointed out that people who come to him often want different types of art. That said, he does have a preference for realism. He said, "it’s always a challenge to capture not just the detail, but in some cases, the 'mood' of the piece."

When asked about artists who were influential for him, he says most of his influence comes from the artists who have been around for awhile (although he points out that there are so many great artists in this industry, both new and old). Matty told us that Deano Cook was one of the first artists to have a big influence on him. "I used to travel all over the place just to take his seminars. He was very down to earth, knowledgable, and didn’t have an ego. He genuinely wanted to share his knowledge."

Matty's advice to someone looking to get his or her first tattoo:

"First off... Go to a PROFESSIONAL!! Do your homework. I’ve said it a thousand times... Just because the window or door says 'TATTOO' on it doesn’t mean they know anything or do good work. Ask questions and look at portfolio’s are the two biggest things. Feel comfortable with your artist. I personally wouldn’t want to spend several hours and tons of hard earned money with someone who was an asshole. Also, be patient. Any good, respectable artist is probably going to have a list of people ahead of you.

"Do not get pushy and think that you are 'owed' anything. Listen to what your artist recommends... We do this for a living! I wouldn’t presume to tell my chef how to prepare my meal when I myself cannot cook. And lastly, be original. Do not let friends or pop culture determine what is going to be on you the rest of your life. You have to look at that tattoo every day until the end of time…not them."

Matty's advice for artists just getting started:

"My advice to them would be to stay humble. Once again, nobody owes you shit!! Keep your head down and do the best you can. Listen to those who offer critiques and don’t get butt hurt about it. Ego is a killer of all things!"