Myke ChambersAsheville NC and Philadelphia /USA@mykechamberswww.mykechambers.com

Alexis Dgn
May 21
6 min read

Myke is an old-school artist, a pioneer of American traditional tattooing with over 30 years of experience. His life and career have been a source of inspiration for many in the industry. He has served as a judge in prestigious competitions worldwide, and it was an honor for us to have him as a judge in our own competition years ago.

His impact extends beyond the tattoo world, gracing the covers of international magazines and being featured in numerous reports and interviews that highlight his story and legacy. Some time ago, we had the privilege of having a deep and emotional conversation with him. Today, we reconnect with Myke to learn about his present, revisit his artistic journey, and reflect on his life and tattooing over the years.

1. Hey, Myke! How long have you been in the tattoo industry? What has your journey been like so far? Has it been a challenging road or more of an adaptable one?

Hi! First off thank you so much for the invitation to be part of your magazine! I've been tattooing for around 32 years. I hate admitting that because it makes me sound so old. Hahaha but really, I started really young. My journey has been nothing. Short of heartbreaking and amazing. It's been quite the ride.

2. Your life story is truly inspiring. Looking back, how do you think all those tough experiences shaped not just your art but also the person you are today?

I was just thinking about this yesterday. It's crazy to look back at my life when I do it makes me feel like I've lived so many different lives all separate from the other but it's just been one crazy wild ride that is shaped who I am today. It's absolutely influenced by art and molded me into the person that I am proud to be today. I haven't let the hard times harden, my heart and be hateful and resentful because things have been challenging. It’s made me appreciate everything I have in my life I’ve worked extremely hard to get to where I am but I’ve also had a lot of help getting there.

3. You've been open about your struggle with addiction and your road to recovery. Nowadays, besides tattooing, you also help people in similar situations. What message would you like to share with those going through hard times and looking to turn their lives around?

I think the main thing I would say, is you're not alone. And you don't have to go through this alone. You just have to want a different life and you have to be willing to completely change everything.

For me, I had a place where I knew I was about to die and I didn't want to die. There was a small piece of me that wanted to live so bad I just didn't know a way out. I ended up checking myself into a rehab and from there went into 12 step recovery it's nothing I ever wanted to do but it saved my life and I grew to love it. Today my life is amazing and resembles nothing like what it used to looking back on that life. It seems like a movie something probably like Requiem for a dream or basketball diaries and it's hard to believe that that's the person who I was. I’m not that person.

4. Punk rock and underground culture were a big part of your early days in tattooing. Do you still feel connected to the alternative scene? How has it influenced your identity as an artist?

I would like to say that I do but honestly I don't as much anymore. I go to shows here and there, but I'm not active in that scene. I keep in touch with friends but my focus today is more on tattooing and family. I don't have a lot of time for anything else.

I think the influence that it instilled in me was resistance to the norms and the main stream. I had a severe angst against main stream culture and that fueled pretty much everything that I did. I don't know if it was a loathing for something that I internally secretly desired. Did I really want that white picket fence lifestyle and I just rebelled against it and turned it into anger? Then I go to the shop and tattoo for the rest of the day. It's a pretty chill life that I have these days and honestly I love it. Nothing crazy and exciting. I understand that living in this western culture. I am very privileged. Unfortunately, a lot of people in the world do not have that luxury but I think that's a completely different conversation so I'll leave it at that.

5. American traditional tattooing has a set of well-defined rules. How would you describe your personal approach to the style, and what elements do you consider essential in every piece you create?

It does but rules are meant to be broken. As long as you know the rules, you can break them it's all about using artistic freedom and judgment. I think the essentials for me are solid line work whether it's a heavy line weight or something might be just needs to be present at least in a traditional style.

6. Traditional tattooing has a very distinct essence. How do you define your personal interpretation of this style?

I don't even know how to define what I do. I did set out to not emulate anyone else, and while doing so my voice came out in the art and I can't seem to shake it. Hahaha

7. After so many years in the industry, what keeps your passion for tattooing alive and drives you to stay connected to this profession?

I have no idea what else I would be doing! Hahaha. I love tattooing. Mostly, I love the relationships built through tattooing whether it's with my peers or with my clients, that's where the magic is.

8. Besides tattooing, what other artistic or personal activities are you passionate about that complement your career?

I do love to paint with watercolor, but I don't get to do it as much as I would like to these days. Family, tattooing, running businesses… All that seems to take up every waking moment.

I try to wake up each day extremely grateful and excited to go to work and create tattoos for amazing clients. Sometimes I fall short but that's just part of being human. I'm constantly learning something about tattooing and re-learning things that I forgot. It’s crazy that I've been tattooing for 32 years and still haven't mastered this craft. My machine still fucks up on me. It still doesn't flow properly with every tattoo. That's just normal…that's just life. Hahaha

9. How do you balance your personal life with the demanding pace of your profession?

Very delicately. I don't work the long hours that I used to for most of my career. I was at the shop early and staying until the early morning hours tattooing or painting or drawing. With the family that's just not possible so I try and be as efficient at the shop as possible. Sometimes it's hard with ADHD to get started or to finish up but that's a completely Nother story isn't it? Haha

10. What projects or collaborations do you have lined up for the rest of the year? What events or conventions will you be attending soon?

I am currently putting together a book called "traveler: Friends and family" it's a collection of flash that I've had my friends and people that I admire contribute to. They all sent me the original flash or painting to hang on display at my new shop traveler tattoo in Asheville. It's been pretty amazing to watch that come together. Definitely a labor of love, but I'm so grateful for everyone that sent me paintings for this project.

I'm currently working on putting together a tattooers men's wellness retreat with Dan Kuban, Ben Shaw and Ryan Roi. It's going to be in Costa Rica this August. Definitely keep an eye out for that because space is limited if anyone is interested in attending.