About Levi Hilton

Q & A Session W/ Admin

So... A/S/L?
Haha... 36/M/San Diego

How Long Have you been tattooing?
16 Years now

How did you get your start in tattooing?
I just wanted to do something I enjoyed. I always wanted to have tattoos, so after I got my first tattoo, the day I turned 18, I just thought, "man, I could do that". I thought it would be an enjoyable job. I've learned a lot about art, but it's been a lot harder than I thought it would be. 

Have you always been interested in art?
I drew a lot in Jr. High because I hated school. Haha... I was just filling time. I was drawing Dragon Ball Z characters and a lot of naked ladies. Puberty.

Is that any different than what you draw now?
Quality wise, I'd like to think so... haha - I really like the forms of things. I like to try to put animals or girls in really twisty, dynamic positions. Learning how form works and then really pushing it. 

What is your style of tattooing?
Illustrative Tattoos. Anything from more realistic style comic art to very cartoony images. Anime, Disney, Pixar, Ghibli, Marvel, DC, Etc. I draw it and then I try to apply a more realistic approach to lighting and color theory.

What are your favorite styles of tattoos outside of your own?
Japanese is the best. I think any competent tattooer takes a lot from the things that the Japanese figured out over the centuries. How to approach large scale tattooing, form and structure. My favorite tattooers have much more of an illustrative style, but the influence of Japanese layout is an obvious undertone. 

Who are some of your favorite artists or tattooers?
Favorite Tattooers: Curtis Burgess, Tim Biedron, James Tex, Steve Moore, Victor Chil, and Timmy B.

Favorite Artists: Bruce Timm, Dean Yeagle, J.C. Leyendecker, Earl Oliver Hurst, Todd White, Greg Simkins, And Tomm Moore. 

Is there anyone who has really influenced your career and how so?
Adam Hathorn helped me get hired on at Guru and said some really kind things to me upon our first meeting. Eric Guidry and Eli Rothell have been amazing friends and unbelievably supportive of me through the years. Cody Hillman, Joe Caram, Cooper, Will Carr, most everyone I’ve worked with throughout the years…but I have to say Sarah Renee has also done so much for me that I can’t even begin to express the influence it’s had and continues to have. She apprenticed under me and through trying to show her the ropes of this crazy, cool career I learned so much about my own biases and weaknesses. She was able to show me certain aspects of art, tattooing, and even myself that I’d be a lesser person without all the experiences we had. I’m a better tattooer and more aware person because of her and I couldn’t be more proud.  

Earlier you mentioned that tattooing has been a lot harder than you thought it would be. What's been the toughest part about tattooing?
For me, it's probably knowing there is always room for improvement. Something could always be better in some way or another. From drawing, to composition, to line quality...color choices, saturation, texture, smoothness. And each of them can always be improved. It can be tough. Technically, it's very challenging too. Having the perfect hand speed and motion every time, of the duration of hours…sometimes it can feel impossible. 

Okay, okay - enough of serious stuff.... What's your favorite word?
Haha - "Goddamnit" - Because I'm always frustrated. 

Favorite Superhero?
Batman. Because his resolve is his power. He's determined and only cares about true justice. No selfish motive…to an extent. 

One word to describe yourself?
I have to say that's impossible. If I could please use two, I'd say "hilariously negative."

And finally.... Any words of advice to any starting artists or tattooers?
Draw. Try not to be too hard on  yourself or that'll become habit. Study. Read. It's only up to you. No one is gonna hold your hand and make you good. Start good habits young. They'll always stay with you.