Michael 'Mikey' Cormier: Tattoo Artist

Michael ‘Mikey’ Cormier is a friend of over ten years. After high school, we fell out of contact for some time. Eventually I found out that he was a tattoo artist and have been following his career ever since. 


Mikey has always put himself within arms length of creativity. When I met Mikey he wasn’t tattooing yet. Mikey was constantly skateboarding and drawing. Whether on the board or on paper, Mikey was creating everyday, and even back then you knew; Mikey was going to end up doing something amazing. That ‘something amazing’ was tattooing.


Everyone starts somewhere. I knew I had to start at square one. I managed to get in touch with Mikey and he was nice enough to take some time out of his day to answer a few questions.



Atonal Asides: Hey man, thank you so much for taking time to answer a few questions.


You’ve been tattooing for a long time now, what made you decide you wanted to make this a career?


Mikey: No worries man! 


I was still working at the glass shop downtown *Bangor Maine* and knew a couple people who blew glass… since there were only two torches, when they finished up their work I was able to hop in and screw around. So during my downtime I was just drawing…


I got to a point where I was getting tattooed more while I was working with glass… I had always done art in pretty much all styles and mediums, but tattoo art culture… Traditional American and more Neo-traditonal had a hold of me instantly. I started to draw more in a tattoo minded style… random people would see me drawing… and say that looks nice. That grew my confidence… to get a portfolio together… and see where it’d take me.


Atonal Asides: What was your inspiration when it comes to your tattoo style? Was there an artist that contributed to your style now, or did it just come naturally to you?


Mikey: I’d say it’s a good mix of both. I’ve always loved strong bold lines and bright colors… Miguel Lepage from Montreal, Eddie Czaicki from Paris, Christian Lyze from Alaska… people like them… have definitely given me ideas on subject matter, composition, color theory… that made me want to strive for my own [style]… I feel like I’ve started to… friends and clients… came back to me saying a complete stranger complimented them [saying] “Nice tattoo, did Mikey do that?”. That in itself is validating and makes me want to [continue] to strive… [towards] the artist I could be for you!


Atonal Asides: Do you happen to have a favorite piece that you’ve done?


Mikey: Oh man, that's a hard one… some new pieces I’ve scheduled… may be up for that title but each one has [a] place… with each one I do, I get better, and learn something… each one brought me to where I am today. [I’m] forever grateful for anyone [who] has put their trust in me!


But [in the context] of the question… I did this yellow dagger and rose on a shin with a cobra head for the hilt… and I’m super proud of it. 


Atonal Asides: Last one and then I’ll let you get back to your day. Where are you tattooing now, and do you think you’ll open up your own shop in the future?


Mikey: I’m tattooing at Ghost Rose Tattoo in Ellsworth Maine… and I definitely will, I have a name picked out and it’ll be in Maine. 


Atonal Asides: Thank you again for taking time out of your day to answer a few questions.


Mikey: Hell yeah dude, thanks for thinking of me… for your blog.



Mikey has a lot of talent and I can’t wait to see what comes from him next. Do yourself a favor, book an appointment with Mikey, and head down to Ghost Rose Tattoo to get your new favorite piece. Below I’ve linked Mikey’s Instagram so you can check out his entire portfolio.


Instagram



Copyright 2024: All Writing Owned by Justin Grevencamp (Atonal Asides Blog)

All images of artist used are for free use under Section 107 of the Copyright Act 1976

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