Life & Work with Big Meas of Downtown Dayton

Today we’d like to introduce you to Big Meas

Hi Big, so excited to have you on the platform. So before we get into questions about your work-life, maybe you can bring our readers up to speed on your story and how you got to where you are today?
Well as a kid I was really interested in lettering. I can remember seeing cool old businesses signs around town that I was always excited to go by in the car. I think that’s where my love of art and specifically lettering began. From there I started learning graffiti and that style of art. At some point along the way I started learning the cool old lost art of pinstriping and hand lettering using a brush. I was working car shows and doing side work with that for years until one day someone randomly asked me why I didn’t learn how to tattoo. It was like a light came on in my head that I had never even thought about ME tattooing. My friends were all tattooers. I was covered in them. I loved them but had never considered it for myself. So from there I sought out an apprenticeship and I was off to the races.

Would you say it’s been a smooth road, and if not what are some of the biggest challenges you’ve faced along the way?
Haha learning anything new and then working your way to the top of it globally is never a smooth road for anyone (atleast I don’t think). Really the biggest challenge I’ve had is once I got to where I was in the conversation of being one of the best at what I do..was figuring out where to go from there. It’s harder to stay relevant when you’ve reached a certain level because all the young kids are hungry to get your spot. So you’re constantly working to improve and find new ways to do things. It’s really difficult..but I love it. Wouldn’t trade it for anything.

Can you tell our readers more about what you do and what you think sets you apart from others?
I am a tattooer / artist that is known specifically for my lettering. I’ve tattooed and taught classes in many parts of the world including South America, Asia, Europe and as far down as Tasmania. I have released 5 editions of lettering guide books, multiple different fonts as well as an online class that teaches my specific brand of lettering. I think I’m most proud of the fact I’ve had some sort of impact on tattooing and its direction. I certainly did not invent what I do but it feels good to know that I’ve added a little bit to it. Because it’s given me so much!

Who else deserves credit in your story?
Oh yeah. For sure. I’ve never been one to believe in the whole “self made” thing. All of us who have found some success in what we do are standing on the shoulders of giants in some way or another. I am no exception to that. I learned from a great mentor named Brian Brenner from Dayton Ohio who owns truth and triumph tattoo. He is VERY inspiring and is for sure had a direct impact on who I am today. Over the years I’ve worked in a few different shops and I’ve worked with/ met many tattooers and artists who I’ve picked things up from along the way. I’m always looking to learn from the people around me. Currently the younger guys working at my shop are teaching me, and they don’t even know it haha

Contact Info:

• Website: https://Bigmeas.com
• Instagram: @bigmeas
• Facebook: @bigmeas