When it comes to American Traditional heavyweights in the tattoo industry, Myke Chambers often comes to mind. A self-proclaimed “gutter punk” with tattoos literally from head to toe,
Today, Chambers has made a complete 180 since he first began tattooing and is the owner of the Seven Swords Tattoo Company in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. Since leaving Austin, Texas, Chambers has made Philly his home and has had opportunities to tattoo clients from around the world. He recently returned from a trip to Ireland, where he attended the Limerick Tattoo Convention, and he has plans to attend conventions across the United States and throughout Europe for the rest of 2017.
How long have you been tattooing?
My math isn’t so good. I started tattooing in ‘95, ‘96-ish. So, a long fucking time.
How did you get into tattooing? How did this crazy journey begin?
I was 12 years old and I was at my house with my little brother and my best friend growing up. We took a needle and thread and just started tattooing each other. My first tattoo, you can’t see it, it’s actually this little cross right here. A hand tattoo was my very first tattoo and I got a cross because I knew my mom was going to kill me for getting a tattoo.
How about your career as a tattoo artist or getting into tattooing other people?
This story is from the July 2017 edition of Inked.
Start your 7-day Magzter GOLD free trial to access thousands of curated premium stories, and 8,500+ magazines and newspapers.
Already a subscriber ? Sign In
This story is from the July 2017 edition of Inked.
Start your 7-day Magzter GOLD free trial to access thousands of curated premium stories, and 8,500+ magazines and newspapers.
Already a subscriber? Sign In
Leaving Her Mark
Shina Novalinga discusses her entry into throat singing, going viral on TikTok and getting her face tattooed
A Phoenix Rising
Salice Rose turned to social media when she was at her lowest. In doing so, she found her true calling
A Flower Growing In Concrete
Creating art has helped Jose López navigate through the darkest periods of his life
Carolesdaughter
As tattooed people, we seldom consider how our body art will impact the people around us. But, it only takes a stranger seeing one tattoo, one time, to change their entire worldview.
Hit the Jackpot
Rapper Latto on breaking into hip-hop, representing Atlanta and making her next big move.
Tess Holliday – Bombshell
Model and body positivity activist Tess Holliday channels her inner Pamela Anderson for this sexy shoot.
Bhad Bhabie
Bhad Bhabie took her 15 minutes of viral fame and turned it into a viable career. The rapper dishes on her only fans and upcoming new music.
Building a Work of Art
To celebrate the release of the 2022 Indian Chief the legend-ary motorcycle company got together two of the world’s most sought after builders, Paul Cox and Keino Sasaki, to customize a bike for celebrated tattoo artist Nikko Hurtado.
Adam Weitsman
Social media forever altered our perception, in ways both large and small. Not only has it changed the way we look at other people, it changed the way we present ourselves to the world. With every post he makes on Instagram, Adam Weitsman is fully aware of the latter.
Problem – All The Answers
Problem has the perseverance and drive to make his dreams come true. We spoke with the rapper about his latest mixtape, entrepreneurship and how his tattoos remind him of what’s important in life.