Where did you grow up? What kind of stuff were you into as a kid/teenager and why did you start getting tattooed?
I grew up around Northern California and in the Bay Area. I was always attracted to art, through my mom. We were either getting into ceramics or sewing, painting or drawing. There was always art around the house.

As a teenager I got into punk rock; Dead Kennedys, Cock Sparrer and the Misfits were some of the first bands I really got into on my own. I would go to local punk shows and the older kids had tattoos. They looked tough, mysterious and part of a world I had never connected to, so I wanted in. When I was 15 I heard of a guy that wouldn't ID you. He was tattooing kids at my high school. They were all getting stupid shit. I drew up a jack-o-lantern, brought it to him and he tattooed it on me. I was forever changed. I knew I wanted to tattoo immediately after that. I thought it would be the perfect way to escape the typical American life that I wanted no part of. I wanted to travel, make art and separate myself from the ordinary. So I decided I wanted to tattoo.

What was your first experience tattooing like?
My first experience was horrifying. I wasn't ready or prepared at all. I couldn't stop shaking I was so nervous. I tattooed a girl I had grown up with. I had no idea how difficult it was going to be. I'll be honest, it was a rough start. I ended up in tears in the back of the shop. I will say that the girl I tattooed is coming to get tattooed by me again for the first time since I tattooed her so many years ago. So it must not have ruined her life.

Who inspires you and why?
My co-workers. I work with an amazing group of men. Matt Shamah is my tattooer and I feel like a lot of my work is directly inspired by him. He helped me get hired at Analog; he changed my life path. Adrian Lee, Jim Miner, Ron Earhart and André Malcom are the other guys I work with, their dedication, passion and talent all drive me forward. I aspire to be as good as them. To dedicate myself so lovingly to my craft.

How has your tattooing style changed or evolved since you first became a tattoo artist? How do you want it to continue to evolve?
I think I've always focused on traditional tattooing. I love all types of tattooing, but since I started it's always been traditional that I've been drawn to. It took me a few years to get a style and direction going and I feel it continually evolving. I like working with a limited color palette, with strong lines and lots of black. I'd like to continue forward into doing larger scale tattoos. Traditional tattoos can be very stiff --which looks awesome!-- but I want to incorporate that traditional feel into larger work with movement and interest as it covers the body.

How is where you tattoo now different from the other shops?
Our shop is owned by Adrian Lee: his ideas and tattooing are so inspiring and differ greatly from what so many other tattooers are doing. He's traveled the world to create books depicting the world's best tattooers. He's created a legacy with his tattooing. I think it's clear when you come to our shop it's special, unlike any other shop. There is a focus on large scale tattooing, sleeves, back pieces, bodysuits. The relationship between tattooers and clients is very intimate. We love the people we tattoo; there's a relationship with trust there. We help our clients push forward to get the best tattoos possible. Helping people step out of their comfort zone and get something truly amazing.

What is the biggest misconception about tattoo artists or the work they do?
I'm not sure how people conceive us. I feel like I don't know what life outside of this is like. I don't know what the rest of the world thinks of me and other tattooers. What I know is that tattooers are some if the most passionate, dedicated, and interesting people I know.

What's in the future for Megan? What's your biggest career goal or dream?
I plan to work for Analog Tattoo Arts Kolectiv for now...probably until I retire. I couldn't imagine myself at a better shop. I hope to travel and tattoo more often and I just hope to grow as an artist. I want to continue to get better, everyday, every month, every year.

With her passion, perseverance, and artistic prowess it seems Megan has nowhere to go but up.

You want in? Make an appointment with Megan here and follow her here.

body modificationbody modification

Slinging Ink with Megan Wilson, Bay Area Tattoo Artist