Meet Rickeon Garrett | Tattoo Artist

We had the good fortune of connecting with Rickeon Garrett and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Rickeon, we’d love to hear more about how you thought about starting your own business?
I want to make an impact on our now, and future black artist. I want to inspire and encourage our black youth that they don’t always have to use anger and violence to express themselves. Having a way to express your thoughts and emotions is so important, but sadly it hasn’t always been encouraged in the black community. I hope that I can help change that by showing other black artist of all ages that we can be heard without anger and violence.

Let’s talk shop? Tell us more about your career, what can you share with our community?
What sets me apart from others is being a Black tattoo artist in a predominantly white profession. I’m excited to show the tattoo industry and the world that you can apply amazing art to melanated skin just as well as non-melanated skin. Starting this journey was easy because art has always been my passion. Now the journey itself was quite strenuous. Trying to prosper as a black male artist definitely had more downs than ups, but those hardships made me stronger. I overcame these obstacles by just continuing to push through because I knew the end goal was much greater. This journey has taught me that all business isn’t good business and not everyone’s intentions are good. I’ve also learned to keep my artistic horizons open to learning and discovering new things. I’d like to show the world that not all black men are inferior. We too can express ourselves in beautiful and creative ways, without aggression and violence. I want to show the world that you can outweigh all of the odds and come out on top.

If you had a friend visiting you, what are some of the local spots you’d want to take them around to?
Houston Texas has become a big tourist attraction for food, so for starters we’re definitely going to find some good grub. My top favorite restaurants would be Razzoos, Travelers Table, Taste Bar, and Kiss. We could definitely start the day off with brunch at Travelers Table. During the day I’d like to go to art exhibits/museums, indoor recreational facilities( Main Event, Fun Plex), and farmers markets/pop-up events. In the evenings I’d like to explore different upscale restaurants such as: Kiss, Lucille’s and Rouxpour. Or if you want a more energetic vibe we could go to , Lost and Found, Bombshells or Bar Louie. There’s also adult bowling(they have a bar inside), movie taverns and adult skate nights, which are always fun. Houston has so much to explore, fun and excitement are limitless here.

The Shoutout series is all about recognizing that our success and where we are in life is at least somewhat thanks to the efforts, support, mentorship, love and encouragement of others. So is there someone that you want to dedicate your shoutout to?
There are three amazing women I’d like to give thanks and appreciation to. First and foremost is my Godmother. She was the first step into my artistic career. She was the first person to speak life into my craft and got me my first tattoo machine. The next person is my courageous Mother. She always stood behind every decision I made regarding my artistic career. She has been a successful entrepreneur my entire life. She taught me what true ambition and perseverance looks like.
The final person I’d like to shout-out has been the anchor of it all, my kids Mother. She supported and encouraged me to bring out me true artistic abilities. She always pushed me further than my limits and helped me to see my true worth as an artist and as a person.
I learned to value and appreciate myself as a Black male artist because of these three amazing women. I am a better artist and person today because of them.

Instagram: @pretty_dangerous_ink

Facebook: @Ricky Garrett

Other: Booking website Prettydangerousink.booksy.com