Rising Stars: Meet Alex Bernstein of Gahanna

Today we’d like to introduce you to Alex Bernstein.

Alex, we appreciate you taking the time to share your story with us today. Where does your story begin?
I always had a passion for art and wanted to do something to help people in life, and tattooing was the perfect crossroads between those two. After I discovered my passion for tattooing, I worked non-stop for 6 years working on learning art skills, the tattoo business, and interning at various companies around the tattoo community. I moved across the country from Southern California to the Columbus area in search of a tattoo apprenticeship, and landed one at Red Tree Tattoo Gallery in town here. Throughout the apprenticeship, I traveled to conventions throughout the Midwest making new connections, learning and creating content about the history of tattooing, and continued to further my artistic abilities. Now, I’ve been tattooing for 2 years, still keeping my nose to the grindstone and working on paintings in-between convention and guest spot travels to further my knowledge about this craft.

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?
It’s been a rocky road, but a very fulfilling one. Moving across the country with no connections was one of the hardest things I’ve encountered, especially in an industry where knowing as many people as you can leads to a quicker early success. Despite that, I’ve been adapting and rolling through it to come out the other end a stronger and more fulfilled person having ridden the harder road.

Alright, so let’s switch gears a bit and talk business. What should we know about your work?
I’m a well-rounded artist who can tackle just about any project that comes my way. If I had to pick my strengths though, it’s definitely my color work. I love getting to design cartoon/anime designs while using my art knowledge to apply a photo-realistic touch to the typically flat iconography. I also have a passion for biomechanical art, an abstract tattoo artform based on nature and the textures of the world. It’s all about flow and making a believable image out of something that doesn’t exist, using all the tools in the toolbox to achieve a believable depth to abstract shapes and objects.

So, before we go, how can our readers or others connect or collaborate with you? How can they support you?
I’m always accepting tattoo clients at skiesafiretattoo.com. Though my home-base is in Columbus, I travel across the Midwest to tattoo in the surrounding areas. Aside from the tattoo work, I’m also available for custom paintings and other commission work. I also make funny videos on Instagram @skiesafiretattoo, sharing and liking those is the best free way to support my work (and any other artist you’re into).

Pricing:

• $150/hr
• $100 minimum

Contact Info:

• Website: https://skiesafiretattoo.com
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/skiesafiretattoo
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/skiesafiretattoo