Influence In The Bones, Art On The Sleeve | Corey Bernhardt Technique Talk | EP 298
Influence In The Bones, Art On The Sleeve
| Corey Bernhardt Technique Talk | EP 298
Alright folks, we've got something special for today as we dive into the mind of Corey Bernhardt! A true artist who’s not afraid to wear his influences on his sleeve. When Corey came to the Inside Fireside Club, he brought decades of artistic evolution that shaped his unique approach to technique - from those early comic book days to modern painters.
Corey breaks down his philosophy into what he calls "self-learned technique, learned technique, and working technique," giving us a real peek behind the curtain at how an artist evolves from imitation to innovation. So grab your notebooks and settle in as we explore everything from influences, the powerful impact of deadlines, to designing surreal artwork.
This episode was made possible thanks to:
Interview by By Jake Meeks —
Topics: influence, technique, art career, comic books, self-learn technique, learn technique, working technique, deadlines, studio setup, drawing areas, tattoo equipment, dip caps, Dan Cuban machines, inks, needles, tip-on session, color selection, Kurosumi inks, Eternal, World Famous, Dynamic inks, gray washes, white washes, mixing inks, procrastination, multiple studios, mural work, photography, tattoo longevity, restaurant design, color palette, simplification, anthropomorphize animals, rule of thirds, foreshortening, complementary colors, pricing art, budgeting, session structure, session length, traditional needle setup, coil machines, voltage settings, red stencils, purple stencils, innovation, sterilization, cartridge systems, fundamentals, iPad workflow, figure drawing, core shadow, surrealism, comic book, webcomics, artistic identity
“As artists, all of us are influenced by a number of people. And, everything that makes up our ‘style’, it’s not like we just came up with that on our own. We’re looking at tons of artists and artwork and it’s a culmination of all those things”
— Corey Bernhardt
Corey Bernhardt (@cbernhardt.tattoo) has spent most of his life dedicated to art. With a love for painting, mostly with oils, he can often be seen taking mini breaks from tattooing to dedicate time to fine art. This helps him to naturally improve artistically, both traditionally, and in the tattoo world, and has helped shape his style today.
His tattoos are primarily illustrative, however in addition to the Illustrative style, Corey likes to work in his interpretation of Neo-Traditional and Japanese. His favorite subject matters are animals, insects, fruit, flowers, and fungus, combined with interesting objects for them to interact with.
Corey is based in Sacramento, CA and owns Neon Tiger Tattoo.
Please enjoy!
INTERVIEW LINKS, MENTIONS, AND SHOW NOTES BELOW…
SELECTED LINKS FROM THE EPISODE
Connect with Corey Bernhardt:
Neon Tiger Tattoo | IG | Studio IG
SHOW NOTES
[00:00] Technique Talks Overview
[01:41] Corey's Perspective on Technique
[03:18] Importance of Visual Learning
[08:53] Artistic Community Collaboration
[10:05] Personal Setup and Tools
[17:55] Client Touch-Up Sessions
[19:54] Ink Selection and Experimentation
[26:37] The Use of Whitewashes in Tattooing
[28:01] The Practical Advantages of Working with Different Washes
[33:11] Artistic Focus and Honesty in Tattoo Practice
[34:53] Artwork Collaboration with Culinary Creatives
[37:50] Budgeting and Artistic Vision
[43:48] Techniques of Anthropomorphism in Art
[45:20] Design Philosophy and Client Collaboration
[46:34] Rules of Tattoo Design
[49:40] Color Choices in Tattoos
[53:15] Strategies for Negotiation and Client Interaction
[01:01:19] The Importance of Line Work and Color Choices
[01:05:20] Business Philosophy in Tattooing
[01:09:25] Personal Preferences in Tattoo Equipment
[01:12:20] Understanding Machine Settings and Techniques
[01:17:21] Application Techniques for Stencil
[01:18:33] Innovation in Tattooing Tools
[01:27:24] Embracing Traditional Methods at the iPad's Side
[01:32:04] The Shift in Drawing Techniques Between Digital and Traditional
[01:34:04] The Importance of Unique Artistry and Personal Growth
[01:42:40] Influence of Esao Andrews
[01:46:20] Music's Role in Artistic Development
[01:48:42] Influences and Style Evolution
[01:50:41] Transitioning from Tattooing to Painting
[01:51:42] Influential Mentorship and Techniques Learned
[01:53:58] Core Shadow Techniques and Gestural Drawing
[01:59:21] The Unique Approach to Art
[02:02:12] The Influence of Other Artists
[02:04:53] Balancing Life and Art Projects
[02:08:14] Exploring Comic Book Distribution and Ideas
[02:10:58] Integrating Art and Business
[02:12:24] The Artistic Process Behind Surreal Imagery
[02:16:33] The Concept of Lifelines in Art
[02:17:35] Exploring Surrealism and Contrast
MORE Corey QUOTES FROM THIS INTERVIEW
Painting Techniques and Style
[39:56] “I'm trying to keep the color palette pretty simple, like maybe three to five colors per element.”
— Corey
Business Philosophy in Tattoo Art
[01:05:20] “I would rather have people come back consistently than trying to squeeze a lot of money out of them every time they come in.”
— Corey bernhardt
The Shift in Drawing Techniques Between Digital and Traditional
[01:32:04] "You're reinforcing your own technique; you're actually helping yourself more than you're helping anybody else."
— Corey Bernhardt
The Influence of Other Artists
[02:02:12] "I really agree and encourage other people to buy other people's art so that you have an opportunity to support somebody that you really like."
— Corey Bernhardt
PEOPLE MENTIONED
Howie Horowitz
Matt Driscoll
Dave Ornitz
Chris Yoakum
Mike Manson
Jessica White
Esao Andrews
Matt Lambdon
Gallery Of Corey Bernhardt
This episode was made possible thanks to:
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