The Durb Morrison Story & Interview
Durb Morrison has a strong new-school neo traditional style combined with the rich color choices that make a great painterly traditional style that are sought after by many tattoo collectors worldwide. Durb can be found many days at RedTree continuing a large tattoo session with a client, or working on organizing the Hell City Tattoo Festivals or working on his numerous True Tattoo Supply projects
Durb Morrison – Tattoo Artist of over 29 years, starting tattooing in 1990 – Owner of RedTree Tattoo Gallery – Organizer of the Hell City Tattoo Fest in Columbus, Ohio as well as Phoenix, Arizona – which has become some of the tattoo industry’s favorite conventions. Durb is also the Inventor and innovator of True Tubes and True Grips and is also a contributing writer for Tattoo Magazine where he interviews fellow tattoo artists from a veteran tattoo artist’s aspect and insight. Considered an industry veteran now, Durb has always worked hard his entire career and strives to give back to tattooing and the industry by teaching his educational seminar “Longevity Of The Tattoo Artist”, where he teaches healthy, preventative ways to prolong an artist’s career by staying strong, limber and aware of their bodies throughout their career.
Durb Morrison – Tattoo Artist of over 29 years, starting tattooing in 1990 – Owner of RedTree Tattoo Gallery – Organizer of the Hell City Tattoo Fest in Columbus, Ohio as well as Phoenix, Arizona – which has become some of the tattoo industry’s favorite conventions. Durb is also the Inventor and innovator of True Tubes and True Grips and is also a contributing writer for Tattoo Magazine where he interviews fellow tattoo artists from a veteran tattoo artist’s aspect and insight. Considered an industry veteran now, Durb has always worked hard his entire career and strives to give back to tattooing and the industry by teaching his educational seminar “Longevity Of The Tattoo Artist”, where he teaches healthy, preventative ways to prolong an artist’s career by staying strong, limber and aware of their bodies throughout their career.
Durb has consulted for some of today’s top tattoo conventions and continues to travel the world for various tattoo conventions, seminars and guest spots. Durb has had artwork sell in numerous art galleries throughout his career. He’s also the owner of Pint Size Paintings, which has released Volume #1 “Miniature Paintings By Big Artists” which is now a free app on the iphone store as well as Volume #2. Durb is also a proud father to Sid Morrison and when he isn’t working (which is rare) he finds time to paint, write, design, train jiujitsu, snowboard, play video games and hang out with family and friends. He enjoys other mediums of art outside of tattooing, including wood sculpture, metal sculpture, watercolor, oil painting, acrylic painting and graphic design. We hope you enjoy the new website and be sure to take your time to browse all the tattoos, fine art, design and much more!
A D V E R T I S E M E N T
INTERVIEW
1.How did your innovative idea for True tubes & True grips come about?
The idea for True Tubes originally came from my own personal desire to tattoo with modern Disposable Tattoo Products but unfortunately I did not like how the cheap plastic tip Disposable Tattoo Tubes Main my tattoo machine run and the friction that it created with my tattoo needle while working. I actually sat back and waited for a while patiently waiting on a company to develop a high-quality Disposable tattoo tube that operated and tattooed just like a traditional steel tattoo tube, keeping the metal on metal relationship, creating less friction and allowing the best possible tattooing process with a disposable tattoo tube.
True grips are memory foam grip covers that came along as a brand new tattoo product to help essentially cushion the tattoo artists hand while working, while at the same time absorbing damaging vibrations like carpal tunnel from holding a tattoo machine for many hours every day. We developed true grips to fit over any 1 inch Disposable Tattoo tube grip which widens the artists hand, relieving many discomforts a solid steel tube gives the artist. Now we have over five styles and shapes of our innovative true grip memory foam disposable grip covers.
2.What were some of your strategies to market your product?
Well the first strategy with my true tattoo products was to actually get them in the hands of reputable and talented Tattoo Artist to get their feedback and also their support. My innovative True Tubes really impressed the tattoo world as it was a nice simple invention but had such a dramatic impact on the disposable tattoo industry, true grips also had a powerful impact on the tattoo industry with both the artists and other supply companies that now carry our products worldwide and distribute them as well.
Another strategy of our marketing was to start advertising in magazines, sponsoring tattoo artists, giving away products as Tattoo awards at conventions, traveling to other tattoo conventions.
3.What are some qualities that make a great entrepreneur?
Some great qualities that make for a great entrepreneur are self educating themselves about the nature of their business as well as the self discipline to manage their business and themselves as well. A strong entrepreneur must have a definitive goal in mind along with a drive and motivation to accomplish those goals in the wisest way possible while treating others professionally and politely along the way and at the same time making sure that the entrepreneur takes care of themselves physically and mentally so they can continue to grow throughout their career.
The idea for True Tubes originally came from my own personal desire to tattoo with modern Disposable Tattoo Products but unfortunately I did not like how the cheap plastic tip Disposable Tattoo Tubes Main my tattoo machine run and the friction that it created with my tattoo needle while working. I actually sat back and waited for a while patiently waiting on a company to develop a high-quality Disposable tattoo tube that operated and tattooed just like a traditional steel tattoo tube, keeping the metal on metal relationship, creating less friction and allowing the best possible tattooing process with a disposable tattoo tube.
True grips are memory foam grip covers that came along as a brand new tattoo product to help essentially cushion the tattoo artists hand while working, while at the same time absorbing damaging vibrations like carpal tunnel from holding a tattoo machine for many hours every day. We developed true grips to fit over any 1 inch Disposable Tattoo tube grip which widens the artists hand, relieving many discomforts a solid steel tube gives the artist. Now we have over five styles and shapes of our innovative true grip memory foam disposable grip covers.
2.What were some of your strategies to market your product?
Well the first strategy with my true tattoo products was to actually get them in the hands of reputable and talented Tattoo Artist to get their feedback and also their support. My innovative True Tubes really impressed the tattoo world as it was a nice simple invention but had such a dramatic impact on the disposable tattoo industry, true grips also had a powerful impact on the tattoo industry with both the artists and other supply companies that now carry our products worldwide and distribute them as well.
Another strategy of our marketing was to start advertising in magazines, sponsoring tattoo artists, giving away products as Tattoo awards at conventions, traveling to other tattoo conventions.
3.What are some qualities that make a great entrepreneur?
Some great qualities that make for a great entrepreneur are self educating themselves about the nature of their business as well as the self discipline to manage their business and themselves as well. A strong entrepreneur must have a definitive goal in mind along with a drive and motivation to accomplish those goals in the wisest way possible while treating others professionally and politely along the way and at the same time making sure that the entrepreneur takes care of themselves physically and mentally so they can continue to grow throughout their career.
4.You just released an amazing Documentary that sheds insight around Hell City fest & the tattoo artist community, what inspired you to film 7 years ago?
The inspiration to start documenting the Hell City Tattoo first of all began with the idea and philosophy behind Hell City it’s self starting back in 2002, now nearly 20 years ago. We were just really noticing how much our festival was impacting the Tattoo world and how it was also bringing together so many great artists and collectors under one roof, so we thought we had to document this magical moment in Tattoo history with Tattoo conventions in the Tattoo community. We filmed for over seven years at first of all capturing the heart and soul of the Tattoo community.
The inspiration to start documenting the Hell City Tattoo first of all began with the idea and philosophy behind Hell City it’s self starting back in 2002, now nearly 20 years ago. We were just really noticing how much our festival was impacting the Tattoo world and how it was also bringing together so many great artists and collectors under one roof, so we thought we had to document this magical moment in Tattoo history with Tattoo conventions in the Tattoo community. We filmed for over seven years at first of all capturing the heart and soul of the Tattoo community.
5.What do you hope for your documentary to accomplish?
Bring the public beyond television and into the tattoo world to experience the highest levels of tattooing, entertainment, education and much more. The documentary is actually an in-depth look into the soul of the tattoo artists at the Hell City tattoo fest. Capturing these moments in Tattoo history and preserving them into a Tattoo documentary gives the viewer the true sense of the bond between artist and client as well as fellow artists bonds through tattooing.
6.Who has been your greatest support throughout your career?
Definitely my friends and family around me as well as all the tattoo artists in the industry that have appreciated all the efforts and hard work I’ve done to better tattooing and tattoo conventions over the years.
7.What inspired you to create & organize Hell City Fest?
I started working at Tattoo The mentions when I was just 18 years old, right when I started tattooing I had my first professional studio in Columbus Ohio. Since then I have gone on to do hundreds and hundreds of tattoo conventions over the years. Many of these over the years I personally saw better ways of putting together a tattoo convention that focused more on the tattoo artists, high caliber professional Tattooing as well as world record performances and other entertainment for the Tattoo community. Also we’ve always had a strong focus on education at all of the festivals which has been a great focus over the years and very beneficial for all the Tattoo Artist growing up with Hell City over the last two decades.
8.What were some of your challenges in the process of opening RedTree and how did you overcome them?
The main challenge with opening RedTree Tattoo Gallery in the newest 10,000 square foot location has been pretty much renovating the entire building from the inside out. The studio is impeccable and filled with nothing but original paintings and art and houses the best collection of Tattoo Artist‘s Columbus Ohio has to offer. The tattoo artists have the luxury of working in a super clean and private tattoo studio where they at are able to focus exclusively on styles of tattooing as well as intent focus on their customers who are typically collecting incredible Tattoos. Also I’ve been focusing on growing True Tattoo Supply with the tattoo products that our own personal Tattoo Artists and many Tattoo Artists in the industry love working with including our own True Tubes , True Grips and tons more supplies that we carry right outside of the RedTree Tattoo Gallery door which allows the artists more time to just Tattoo and not worry about all the ordering of supplies etc.
9.In your opinion, what makes a great tattoo?
Attention to every process of the tattoo, from linework to shading to color to composition and more. So definitely the art and application of the tattoo. I also think a great experience with the artist makes for a great tattoo and a great memory of the process!
I started working at Tattoo The mentions when I was just 18 years old, right when I started tattooing I had my first professional studio in Columbus Ohio. Since then I have gone on to do hundreds and hundreds of tattoo conventions over the years. Many of these over the years I personally saw better ways of putting together a tattoo convention that focused more on the tattoo artists, high caliber professional Tattooing as well as world record performances and other entertainment for the Tattoo community. Also we’ve always had a strong focus on education at all of the festivals which has been a great focus over the years and very beneficial for all the Tattoo Artist growing up with Hell City over the last two decades.
8.What were some of your challenges in the process of opening RedTree and how did you overcome them?
The main challenge with opening RedTree Tattoo Gallery in the newest 10,000 square foot location has been pretty much renovating the entire building from the inside out. The studio is impeccable and filled with nothing but original paintings and art and houses the best collection of Tattoo Artist‘s Columbus Ohio has to offer. The tattoo artists have the luxury of working in a super clean and private tattoo studio where they at are able to focus exclusively on styles of tattooing as well as intent focus on their customers who are typically collecting incredible Tattoos. Also I’ve been focusing on growing True Tattoo Supply with the tattoo products that our own personal Tattoo Artists and many Tattoo Artists in the industry love working with including our own True Tubes , True Grips and tons more supplies that we carry right outside of the RedTree Tattoo Gallery door which allows the artists more time to just Tattoo and not worry about all the ordering of supplies etc.
9.In your opinion, what makes a great tattoo?
Attention to every process of the tattoo, from linework to shading to color to composition and more. So definitely the art and application of the tattoo. I also think a great experience with the artist makes for a great tattoo and a great memory of the process!
10.What are some of your hobbies outside of work?
Painting, JiuJitsu, hanging with family, Skateboarding, Lifting, digital design and consulting other tattoo artists or convention organizers in the tattoo industry
11.What are some business lessons you have learned throughout your career of over 30 years?
To take care of the art form that has taken care of me all of these years! I typically wake up every day to give back in some way towards Tattooing, staying true to the art form is credibly important. Never forget your roots and also to not pay attention to drama or anything that will distract you from your tattooing. You have to educate to dominate, so taking seminars, getting tattooed by artists you love, attending conventions and focusing on all the other ways of learning tattooing also!
12.In what way has jiujitsu made an impact in your life and business?
Jujitsu has had a huge impact on my life, both physically and also mentally. Jiu Jitsu gives me the outlet and exercise I’ve always looked for, all While giving me a whole team of friends to have in my life. I always say that I have my Tattoo family and my fight family which feels amazing! In regards to my business and Jiujitsu, Jiu Jitsu has definitely calmed my mind and taught me more patience in business than ever. Jiu Jitsu has also introduced me to other people within different aspects of business within Jiu Jitsu., so meeting other entrepreneurs within different fields of business has been nice!
13.What advice would you give to someone who is looking forward to opening their own tattoo shop?
To start small and simple and grow from there, learn money management from the beginning and no matter how much money you’re making have personal discipline with your finances, expenses etc. Make sure you hire good artists and keep a friendly vibe to your studio. Being a shop owner requires much personal discipline to get up day in and day out, even on your supposed days off to tend to your business, your artists and make sure everything is perfect. It could be stressful if you overwhelm yourself with growing too quickly, the number one failure business is to grow too quickly, so slow and steady business wins the race!
14.What would you like to be remembered for at the end of your career?
At the end of the day I’d like to be remembered for trying to help as many artists and other entrepreneurs within tattooing over the years. I truly tried to make an impact with improving Tattoo and Conventions as well as having tried to inspire every tattoo artist that has ever worked at my studio. I’ve always tried to treat people right throughout my tattoo career and journey I feel like it is truly give them back to me in many amazing ways. So I guess I’d like to be remembered for my contributions towards Tattoo conventions, innovative Tattoo products that will now always be a part of tattooing as well as trying to teach and inspire other artists along the way!
15.What is your definition of success?
My definition of success would be when you were reaching those goals you set for yourself while at the same time moving towards new larger goals which not only bring you financial success but also bring you personal comfort knowing you continue to grow personally and professionally
Visit Durb Morrison's Website to keep updated with new projects, Hell City fest etc.
https://durbmorrison.com/
https://durbmorrison.com/
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