Tre’ Smith
When did you decide to become a tattoo artist?
That was when I was in college, around 2006, about the time that tattooing became legal in Charleston. I was going to the Art Institute and decided to take that direction after graduation.
What were you doing before you decided to become a tattoo artist?
I worked for a fresh cut vegetable manufacturer for about 5 years, then started computer programming after that ended. I wanted to use my artistic skills more and started taking up graphic design when I started at the art institute. That’s when I found my passion for tattooing.
How did you learn to tattoo?
Started my career self-taught. A few of my friends asked me to tattoo them knowing that I was an artist, I agreed to as long as they knew it was at their own risk. I learned a lot from mentors around me as I went along. I have been fortunate to work with a lot of really good artists.
What is your favorite personal tattoo, and does it have a story?
I don’t think I have a favorite necessarily, since I have a lot of great tattoos. I have my son’s name on my head, that probably has the most meaning to me.
What is the strangest tattoo you have ever done?
A bag of dicks… right on the front of a shin.
What is your favorite style or type of tattoo to create?
Illustrative style, or Japanese influence. Not necessarily traditional Japanese but Americanized that’s heavily influenced by Japanese style.