10 Questions with tattoo artist Timothy Strange from Mississauga, Canada

Our series of 10 questions with tattoo artists where we like to pay tribute to beloved tattoo veterans of our trade. Many old friends and some new ones! Thank you Mr. Timothy Strange for letting TattooNews catch up with you!

Your Name and/or artist name if applicable: Timothy Strange | @timothystrange 

Years tattooing: 16 years

Years working in tattooing: 21 years

ONE TWO TATTOO

1801 Lakeshore Rd W #8, Mississauga, ON L5J 1J6, Canada

1- How old were you when you got your first tattoo? Where did you get tattooed and who did it?

I was 18. I didn't want my parents involved so I waited 'till I could get one on my own. It was by a guy named Alex at Reactive Ink in Kensington market in Toronto. I think he's since passed away. 

2- Did you have an apprenticeship? If yes, by whom and where? How long was it?

I did an apprenticeship for about a year and half. I had expected a much longer term, but I think the notion there was more of a 'trial by fire' kinda idea. It was a street shop called Way Cool Tattoos in Oakville which was part owned by Ace Daniels.

I didn't have a singular mentor but was basically the shop apprentice. I learned what I could from the artists there, mostly Greg Garratt, Stan Wong (rip), Joey Reigling and Bert Jackson. I also made a point to visit other shops and hang around so I could soak up as much knowledge as possible.

In those early days, I found that even if you're learning situation is not stellar, you can always learn A LOT about what NOT to do as a tattooer. Observing more than engaging, and picking up on those things, I felt helped me learn invaluable lessons. 

3- Your tattoos are rad! What are the top 3 things you like to tattoo?

Daggers, pin ups, big cats, weirdo stuff. Really anything traditional though. 

4- Do you like travelling and tattooing? Which conventions, guest spots were your favorites?

I'm actually not a fan of traveling and tattooing. I've done maybe 10 conventions. The Rochester and Moncton ones being my favorites. I've done some guest spots in BC, Hamilton at High Five, and in Toronto at the long gone Queen street Way Cool shop.

I'm a creature of habit and anxiety though, so I prefer to tattoo at home and just concentrate on having fun when I'm abroad.

5- Tattoo pilgrimages, have you ever travelled to get tattooed or have been tattooed at a convention? How far have you gone to get tattooed? Who are some of the people you have collected from? 

No big pilgrimages for me yet, and I tend to get tattooed by people in my circle. I like to know the people I get work done by, It feels special to me that way, so I've been tattooed by all the guys I learned from as well as such great artists as Cory Ferguson, Sean Meraw, Brad Dawe, Greg Dyer, Andrew Wheeler and currently have a large piece coming up with Jenn Liles.

6- One of your favorite machines, current or past? 

Really tough decision, I guess its an old Mike pike teacup liner I've had for probably 10 years. I just love the smell of the iron and how it feels in my hand. Great little lightweight machine. No gimmicks. 

7- What was your last tattoo? Do you get still get tattooed?

It was a cover-up, a big Japanese fire toad by Andrew Wheeler. Yeah I've got lots of real estate to cover still. 

8- Where can we see and get tattooed by you this year? (Shop, guest spot, convention, etc.)

I can be found at ONE TWO TATTOO on Lakeshore in Mississauga, Ontario. I'm rarely not there. 

10- What are your interests outside of tattooing?

Backcountry camping, get aways with my wife and 3 dogs, live music and comedy. Weekend road trips and antique shopping. Got into dungeons and dragons recently too! Just livin' life surrounded by good people and good times. 

Follow: Timothy Strange | @timothystrange | @pyramid.ceramics

ONE TWO TATTOO

1801 Lakeshore Rd W #8, Mississauga, ON L5J 1J6, Canada