Talking with Cece Sinclair
IR - So Cece, how did you get interested in modeling?
Cece - Well I started doing a lot of self portraits at the age of 14 once I got my first camera. I fell in love with doing it but was so terrified of modeling because that meant working with strangers and people I didn't know. But once I got comfortable more being in front of the camera in front of photographers it just escalated from there and it's something I honestly love doing more than anything!
IR - What's your favorite music at a shoot?
Cece - My favorite music is generally electric, trap, or rap when it comes to shoots. Something that makes me peppy or makes me feel sexy is definitely a mood setter for a shoot.
IR - If you could have a live performance by any musician while you shoot, who would it be?
Cece - Oh man, T.Mills for sure! But at the same time I don't know if I would be too nervous for that! He's so fine!
IR - Ha! So what's been your favorite movie to come out this year so far?
Cece - Probably The Jungle Book. I absolutely fell in love with that movie.It definitely caught me in the feels, I'll tell you that.
Model Cece Sinclair - Photo - TRD Photography
IR - What do you enjoy doing in your down time?
Cece - That's a good question. I love going to the gym, or playing tennis, just being outdoors or planning adventures is usually what ends up happening.
IR - That's awesome. So what's the craziest adventure you've posted on Snapchat? I saw you playing in the toy department not too long ago.
Cece - Oh jeez, I've had many drunk adventures on snapchat , whether it's battling on scooters in the toy aisle or going caving or just spontaneous adventures, it's always a fun time, totally snapchat worthy.
Model - Cece Sinclair - Photo - TRD Photography
IR - So... Snapchat or Instastory?
Cece - I like insta story better! I think it's more convinient having it both in one app plus I can keep up with all my sexy followers! Haha!
IR - If you could make any changes to the Instastory, what would they be?
Cece - Being able to send story's to specific people! Not just to all your followers!
IR - That would be cool. So tell me about your ink. When did you first get tattooed?
Cece - I got my first tattoo a couple weeks after I turned 18. I went to Gary King at Turnin Headz and have been going to him ever since and now I have 27!
IR - I really dig his work! Do you have any new ink coming up?
Cece - Yes! I plan to get background on the lower section of my arm and more flowers on my shoulder!
IR - Awesome man! Where can people find you to give you a follow?
Cece - @rapidkicks on Instagram for sure!
Model - Cece Sinclair Photo- TRD Photography
By Ricky Davis in Ink Revolution
40 pages, published 5/1/2017
Ink Revolution - Tattoo Artist Michael Clester - Shop - Studio 617 - Photo - TRD Photography
Ink Revolution - Interview with Tattoo Artist Michael Clester of Studio 617
Interview with Michael Clester - Studio 617
IR - How did you get involved in the tattoo industry?
Michael - I got involved in the tattoo industry at a young age, my father tattooed and I was always in the shop when he was there getting stencils put on me because I wanted to be as cool as my pops. My time tattooing didn't really start till I was 21-22 where I got an apprenticeship in my home town and it all blossomed from there really, I started in North Carolina and I'm ventured my way out here to Tennessee
IR - When we were hanging out, you mentioned that you began drawing at an early age. Having a father that tattooed, how did that influence you when you were learning to draw?
Michael - Yeah man at an early age I kind of found a passion for drawing, I think just like any other kid, I just loved doodling, my father wasn't around a whole lot being deployed in the armed service, but my mom said I always kind of entertained my self and drawing was that outlet that kept me busy, but I guess to more answer the question I never really thought about how it affected me because I never thought I'd be tattooing for a living, but I guess I'd say I definitely found a interest in it being around it in my younger years.
IR - That's awesome man. For someone that hasn't seen your work yet, how would you describe your style?
Michael - I would say it's an even mix of new school and traditional, bold images with a new school flair, everyone has a hard time describing it and always just says it's a style of its own, but you can tell I did it lol I have my own little trade marks I like to try and put in every tattoo so you know with out a doubt I did it
IR - I'd say that's a good description. Where do you find your inspiration for your art?
Michael - Cartoons, movies and anime, I love the use of vibrant colors and some of the color pallets cartoonist are using now a days, and looking at other artist work like, Timmy b, will Gonzalez, Taylor Cory and Marshall Sinclair are some dudes I look up too.
Tattoo Artist - Michael Clester - TRD Photography
IR - I can definitely see those influences in your work. What's your favorite anime?
Michael - Right now I've been jamming to attack on Titan, Tokyo ghoul and mob psycho 100
IR - I know that Kitty at 617 is a big anime fan too. What's the best thing about your shop? You guys seem to have a good time.
Michael - Everyday is full of us being able to create art in a good environment, we defiantly have a good time there is never a dull moment here at 617. I think kris fords new convention banner pretty much sums up our shop perfectly
IR - Ha! I saw that! I'm looking forward to meeting him.. Seems like a terrific shop. Do you do work in any other mediums?
Michael - He's an awesome dude, and I've worked in earthenware clay, different paint mediums and mixed media stuff, my favorite right now are illustrations done in marker
Tattoo Artist - Michael Clester - Photo TRD Photography
IR - That's killer man! I've enjoyed seeing your illustrations lately. What is one of the most challenging things about being a tattoo artist?
Michael - The main challenge I face every day is that every clients skin is different it's never the same tattooing one person as it is another, also trying to do something creative for a client can be difficult with the images and things found on Pinterest, some people think that's the end all be all of tattoo related images which is kind of funny
IR - What has been your most meaningful accomplishment so far in tattooing?
Michael - Winning my first 3 awards, I was blown away, because when a client comes to you seeking out your work you know and so do they that you are going to give them a tattoo they will love, but having that work judged by your peers in the industry and they think it's cool enough to be awarded something is super awesome to me, I cried like a little girl because tattooing is my everything
IR - That's awesome man! To be able to be passionate about something like that, it's what it's all about man. What are your next goals that you want to accomplish?
Michael - My next goals are to travel and try to do more conventions and get my art and name out there more, I want to grow my collective of people who support what I do is my main goal
IR - That's a great perspective on things to have man! We wish you nothing but the best! I appreciate you taking the time to talk with us. Where can people find you and your work online?
Michael - No problem man I always enjoy support my work can be found in Instagram at miketattoo617 or on like at studio617.com and Facebook studio 617
Tattoo Artist - Michael Clester - Photo - TRD Photography
By Ricky Davis in Ink Revolution
40 pages, published 5/1/2017
Ink Revolution - Spring 2017 - Now Available.
We are pleased to announce that the latest, and most likely, final issue of Ink Revolution magazine is now out and available. One of the things that I have loved most about IR over the years is getting to talk to and interview a variety of people, and hopefully take interesting photos of them. That will not be going away. I have plans to carry on interviews and such, but in a blog format and without the the restrictions of keeping it as a "tattoo magazine." I love the tattoo industry and will continue to interview artists and be a part of it, but I want to be able to share stories and opinions of people on a variety of things without worrying about how many tattoos someone has or doesn't have. Stay tuned. And go pick up this kick ass issue.
By Ricky Davis in Ink Revolution
40 pages, published 5/1/2017
Ink Revolution - Interview with BMX pro Caleb Ruecker
Ink Revolution - Issue #2 interview with BMX pro Caleb Ruecker
One of the highlights for me in 2013 while I was out in Portland, Oregon was getting to meet and work with Caleb. I met Caleb through a mutual friend, who just happens to be a killer model, Lucille Suicide. Caleb and I shot some photos and it was just great conversation. Recently Caleb has been doing some insane long exposure photos in and around Portland. You should check him out on Instagram @calebrueckersphotos You won't be disappointed! Below is the interview that we did in Ink Revolution Magazine, issue #2.
IR: How did you get started in BMX?
Caleb: I have always had a BMX growing
up, but got really into it after I had a bad
skateboarding accident. I fell in love with
BMX and knew it was my dream, my
passion, and my life.
IR: What is your best memory from being
on the tour?
Caleb: Oh man, there are so many! I would
have to say riding for Metal Bikes and riding,
traveling, and becoming friends with all my
peers and all the dudes I looked up to when I
was just a little BMX rat. They are all amazing
memories and I wouldn’t leave any of em out.
IR: Where are some of the coolest places you
got to visit in your travels?
Caleb: Back east and Montreal for sure. I loved
New York and Boston. Fun memories for sure!
I really enjoyed just pushing through different
states with a van full of rad dudes, just seeing
different things go by.
IR: When you were out on the road, how big
were tattoos in the BMX culture?
Caleb: It definitely wasn’t. I remember seeing
a bunch of BMX dudes all bare skinned and
before you knew it they were all blasted out.
It kinda fell into the ‘thing to do’, but you
should never rush anything, especially tattooing
your whole body.
IR: I wholeheartedly agree! When did
you get your first tattoo?
Caleb: Haha. I got it when I was 14 years
old and I got it done in a Hells Angels house.
IR: That’s just what the health inspectors
like to hear. You’re working in a shop in
Portland now, right?
Caleb: Haha. Right? Yes, I work at Lady
Luck Tattoo in Portland, Oregon. I have
been a part of this tattoo shop since 2002
and I love it and everyone here.
IR: That’s awesome bro! What do you do
there?
Caleb: I run the front, aka, I’m the shop bitch.
IR: What’s one word of advice for those going
to a shop for the first time?
Caleb: Always look at the artist portfolios and
do your homework, no matter what you hear
about the artists. And don’t be afraid to ask
questions or voice concerns you may have.
IR: Great advice! What are your upcoming plans?
Any traveling?
Caleb: Yes! I plan to fill my backpack up and
grab my bike and go wherever the pavement
takes me. Not sure where yet, but thats the best
part about taking that leap and going with the wind.
IR: Sounds amazing man! We wish you all the
best on your journey!
I hope that you enjoyed checking out that interview from Ink Revolution #2 with Caleb. All photos were taken by me, TRD Photography. We'll be sharing some more interviews from Ink Revolution magazines, as well as I've got several new interviews in the works as well.
If you're interested in my work, I'm based in the Chattanooga, TN area. I am booking sessions for February and March currently. Slots are filling up fast. Check out more of my work at the links below.
www.facebook.com/trdphotography - Instagram @trd_photography - Twitter @trd_photography - Email trd@trdphotography.com - Chattanooga, TN