For our first year it sure was a doozy. Over the course of several months, Rooster Magazine scoured the depths of the tattoo industry looking for artists to jazz up our logo in the first annual Cock of the Walk tattoo art competition — and win sweet prizes in the process! We received plenty of worthy submissions, the best of which we printed in this month's issue for your enjoyment.
Through it all one artist reigned supreme: Julian Howard. He reps Sworn Oath Tattoo in Olde Town Arvada, Colorado, and likes whiskey and puppies. Read below to get more acquainted with him, and be sure to pick up a copy of the magazine to see the others; maybe get inked up with something regrettable like a meme tattoo or whatever?
Luckily, these artists’ skills are better than your judgment. So regardless of what you get, it’ll at least look good enough to show grandma over Thanksgiving …
Name: Jullian Howard
Age/Location: 38. Live in Downtown Denver and tattoo at Sworn Oath Tattoo in Olde Town Arvada.
Favorite midnight snack: Whiskey.
Was there a specific moment in your life when you knew you wanted to be a tattoo artist?
Probably when I was in high school and would be bored in class. I would Sharpie an entire sleeve on my arm while sitting in math.
How many hours worth of drawing would you say you do in a week?
On average, I would say 25-30 hours of tattooing and another 20-30 hours of drawing at home or at the shop. More if I’m trying to finish a painting or a Rooster cover.
What are some of the worst habits clients tend to have while getting tattooed?
Bad BO or bringing an annoying-ass significant other with them who won’t stop talking or asking questions. You know they are annoying, leave them at home. I need to focus on your tattoo, not answer your boyfriend’s dumbass questions. Also, turn the ringer off your phone.
There’s an article online about tramp stamps making a comeback; are tramp stamps making a comeback?
Sweet merciful crap I hope not.
Who are some artists — both old school and new school — that you look up to?
Soryama, Royo, Frazzeta, Bernini, Dali.
Hands, face, neck — should younger people be tattooing these places or should they wait?
Bad face tattoos are all the rage these days. You should probably get your sleeve done before your hand. And if you don’t have other tattoos, getting your hand, face or neck just looks silly. But hey, I’m just an artist, not your life coach.
Do you have any beef with tattoo removal?
Not at all. There are more shitty tattoos in this world than good ones, and they can’t all be covered up.
Where can readers check out more of your work?
Instagram: @tattoosbyjules
Facebook: Tattoos by Jules
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