Interview | Frankie & Marvera
The couple agrees working together has been a challenge. Both Frankie
and Mareva advise that at first if possible it’s best to start out working
separate. They both express the need to remain professional in the work
environment. Frankie and Mareva say “Becoming a tattoo artist alone is
extremely difficult, and together, it’s ten times harder.”.
The couple quotes
Wes Grimm saying
“We think it’s best
to pretend you’re
not a couple while
at work, and work
on your own
separate styles.” Both agree that there is a
trend of couples in the industry, but they
know it takes working separate with other
artist that helps enhance your abilities.
Reflecting back on the past Frankie admits
that he did not do a “full” apprenticeship
with anyone. Starting out as a “scratcher”
in the early nineties Frankie says things
were “shady” back then. “It used to be a
real underground industry.” “It is known
that few artists at that time would accept
“Tattooing is
90% Politics.”
an apprentice. Frankie explains,” It was a
lot more closed door.” “You essentially just
got the door slammed in your face.” Frankie
implies that this was a time during which
supplies were hard to come by and artists
were very territorial. Tattooing is now a
much more “respectable” art form today.
Frankie declares, “Apprenticeship or not,
it’s never handed to you” “In this business
it’s sink or swim”. The Lambough’s admit
this industry in harder for women. Frankie
supports Mareva and backs her when
promoting her work. The couple explains,
“With
all
apprentices,
mistakes
reflect
on
the teacher,
and the shop,
even more
so when it’s
a
couple.”
F r a n k i e
remembers the basics from one particular
artist, Jeremiah Adams, that he should
always buy the best equipment. Frankie
expresses that it’s essential to be decisive
and ethical with your customers and
remember that everything you do has
your signature on it.
Southern
Inked has to
know
“What
was a tattoo
artists’ biggest
annoyance?” The
couple replied,
“Like any job,
there are plenty.”
“For us its cheap
people that think tattoos are like stickers
and the cheaper artist are the best.”“Almost
as bad as people who watch television
shows and think they’re educated about
the industry.”“Some of these shows at least
make the public realize the dangers of just
trusting anyone, but to us, these shows
are similar to watching Jimi Hendrix get
criticized by the Back Street Boys.” “Totally
Ridiculous!”. With that Southern Inked can
approve there is no room for out of genera
judgment.
Most careers consume a bit of us and
can become who we are. This successful
couple is not exception to the rule. A
lot of artist will go as far as taking on
their own collections. Frankie can go on
record stating that his favorite tattoo
on himself is a chameleon by Bob Tyrell.
It has representation of technique and
“I focus on quality
not quantity.”
sentimental value. Mareva tells of an
amazing bonding experience were she
allows her mother and sister test out their
tattooing abilities. As they have both never
tattooed anyone the outcome was exactly
as you would imagine it. She will always
have that memory. Most artist collect
from the best and collect so many that it
becomes on big collage. Frankie explains,
“I don’t ever know how many I have. The
couple expresses that they are influenced
by the best. Early in Frankie’s carrier he
followed Guy Aitchison and now he favors
Nikko Hurtado along with others. Mareva
keeps an eye out for upcoming artist in
all areas of art including painters and
photographers.
Southern Inked questions the couple
about how well they deal with their job
being a life style choice. Mareva explains
it makes it easier when the two worlds
are one. She says “It’s like going to do
something fun.” Life is a big playground.”
“We’re breathing artsy air all the time; it’s
not like going to work.” Frankie states,
“Tattooing is a life style, like the military
and I think it’s that way for all artists.” Just
like with any life style the couple finds it
hard to get their mind off their careers.
Mareva enjoys painting, taxidermy, animal
rescue, the outdoors and her dogs. Frankie
takes time out to plan his next additions
to his portfolio
and plays online
chess.
When asked
if the couple has
a “five year plan”
it
was
made
very clear that
this couple is
determined to be
grouped with the
most elite tatters of this century. Their
future path includes learning from the
masters of our time. Whereas both have
come to understand that their styles
are different, Frankie more of a photo
realism and Mareva more into illustrative
art, there is no doubt that the duo have
success on the brain. Even with all the
hype on the amazing artist and South Side
Custom Tattoos they remind themselves
to by humble. Both express “the more you
tattoo the more critical you become of you
own work.” “It’s important to remember
that everyone has been where you are
right now. “ “Not Jeff Gogue you say? Yes,
him too!”
November 2013
Southern Inked
29