The Writching Hour is Upon Us | Rich Wren | Inside Fireside Live!!
Introduction
Rich walked us through his 25-year journey from scrappy home tattooer to the artistic powerhouse he is today, sharing real insights about finding your voice in this industry. This episode covers everything from the grind of finding apprenticeships back in the day to his current process of creating multiple design versions and building that creative environment for his family. Trust me, whether you're just starting out or you've been slinging ink for decades, Rich's insights on technique, client interaction, and staying true to your artistic vision are going to make an impact.
This episode was made possible thanks to:
This episode was Also made possible thanks to:
Interview by By Jake Meeks —
Writing By Daniel Pushcarich ---
Topics: tattoo apprenticeship, technique talks, tattoo artist journey, home tattooing, tattoo hygiene, drawing process, client interaction, creative freedom, tattoo style evolution, flash design, family priorities, homeschooling, creative environment, technical skill, design improvement, thumbnailing, line work, portfolio expansion, witch imagery, cursed items, humor in tattoos, tattoo community
[1320x1080 image of Tattooers work]
"I feel like my style was to make the client happy and show them their tattoo can be great."
— Rich Wren
Rich Wren (@therichwren) started his tattooing career over two decades ago, grappling with the challenges of gaining an apprenticeship in a predominantly biker-dominated industry. Rich is known for his vibrant, illustrative style and ability to adapt client concepts into unique pieces of art.
Rich Wren is based in Horsham, PA and owns @relictattoos.
Please enjoy!
INTERVIEW LINKS, MENTIONS, AND SHOW NOTES BELOW…
SELECTED LINKS FROM THE EPISODE
Connect with Rich Wren:
Shop: @relictattoos | IG: @therichwren
SHOW NOTES
[01:41] The Journey of Finding an Apprenticeship
[04:14] Tattooing from Home and Overcoming Obstacles
[05:40] Gaining Valuable Skills and Knowledge
[09:26] The Importance of Learning Techniques
[10:50] Unique Tattoo Preparation Process
[12:47] Client Interaction and Creative Freedom
[13:55] Evolution of Tattoo Style
[18:05] The Role of Art in Daily Life
[19:24] Prioritizing Family Over Traveling
[20:33] Homeschooling and Creative Environment
[27:16] Creative Process in Tattooing
[28:40] Defining Art and Technical Skill
[31:22] Improving Designs and Client Interaction
[35:47] Drawing Technique and Process
[38:15] Consultation and Client Interaction
[40:33] Tattoo Shading and Line Techniques
[44:26] Listening to Your Intuition
[44:45] The Value of Thumbnailing in Tattoo Design
[46:12] Personal Processes and Drawing Preferences
[47:54] Importance of Foundational Skills in Tattooing
[49:01] Expanding Your Portfolio with Multiple Designs
[52:58] Exploring the Art of Witch Imagery
[54:10] Tailoring Designs to Client Preferences
[55:52] The Role of Research in Tattoo Design
[01:01:53] Exploring Cursed Items in Tattoo Lore
[01:02:23] The Challenge of Originality in Creative Work
[01:04:04] Humor in Tattoo Creations
[01:06:28] Recommendations for Engaging Content
The Writching Hour: Rich Wren's Journey from Scrappy Beginner to Artistic Authority
Rich Wren's story starts like so many of ours did back in the day - with rejection, determination, and a whole lot of grinding it out from unconventional spaces. Twenty-five years ago, when biker-affiliated shops dominated the landscape and getting noticed meant surviving intimidation tactics, Rich was hustling tattoos out of his house while juggling full-time school. The financial barriers were real, with some shop owners literally charging aspiring artists for apprenticeships, but Rich's persistence and existing drawing skills eventually landed him that crucial unpaid apprenticeship where he learned the fundamentals of hygiene and client protection.
What sets Rich apart isn't just his technical evolution, but his philosophical approach to the craft and how it intersects with his life priorities. His creative process involves creating multiple design versions until he finds something that truly resonates, and he's shifted from simply fulfilling client requests to infusing his own interests into his work - making pieces that are both personally satisfying and appealing to clients. Now, with a two-year-old daughter, Rich has made the conscious choice to prioritize family over travel, planning to homeschool and raise her in the creative environment of his shop, proving that success in tattooing isn't just about fame or travel - it's about building the life and legacy that matters to you.
The Apprenticeship Struggles
Biker-Affiliated Shops
Rich describes the intimidating vibe of biker-affiliated tattoo shops in Texas, where he often felt ignored and undervalued.
Financial Barriers
Rich recounts the financial hurdles he faced, where multiple shops required substantial fees for apprenticeships, which were often unaffordable.
DIY Learning
Instead of succumbing to these challenges, Rich began tattooing out of his own home, gradually refining his skills and building a portfolio that would later earn him a spot in a professional studio.
The Turning Point
Rich eventually found a mentor willing to teach him hygiene, sterilization, and machine use basics, which marked the beginning of his formal training.
Developing a Unique Style
Client Collaboration
Rich values the consultation process, often sketching three or four versions of designs to ensure client satisfaction.
Creative Freedom
Rich emphasizes the importance of creative freedom, often taking client prompts and adding his own artistic flair to create something exceptional.
Maintaining Consistent Output
A key element of Rich's approach is his relentless output, often creating around fifteen pieces of flash art weekly, which has contributed to his extensive portfolio.
Balancing Family and Art
Prioritizing Family
As a father, Rich decided to reduce traveling to spend more time with his daughter during her formative years, without feeling he's missing out.
Creative Environment
Rich plans to homeschool his daughter in a creative environment, blending family time with his artistic endeavors.
Future Aspirations
Looking ahead, Rich hopes to return to traveling for work, with plans to include his daughter in his journeys, fostering a shared creative experience.
More Quotes from Rich
On Creativity
"The change for me was to find out what I think is interesting and then try to make it interesting to other people."
"I feel great when I draw. It gives me a dopamine rush."
Balancing Passion and Work
"My inability to slow down has caused me to be prolific with my drawings."
Family and Future
"I decided I'll sacrifice what I need to have the best relationship with my daughter."
This episode was made possible thanks to:
This episode was Also made possible thanks to:
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