Today we’d like to introduce you to Lance White
Hi Lance, thanks for sharing your story with us. To start, maybe you can tell our readers some of your backstory.
My story starts in 2005, a friend of mine was learning to tattoo at Cast Iron Tattoos in Orlando Florida. I was letting him do a few pieces on me, and I hit it off with Danny Knight, the owner at that time, and soon was brought in as the piercing apprentice. From there once I learned, and was piercing full time, Danny took me on as a tattoo apprentice. I dedicated seven days a week for quite a few years to learn the craft and business of tattooing. From its history, to the equipment, machine building, inks, painting, and composition. Tattooing trends are always changing which pushes me to keep learning and evolving with it. I’ve been fortunate through tattooing, to provide for my family as well as travel and meet so many awesome people! Some of which have become great friends. We’re a family atmosphere shop. Some people I’ve been tattooing since my start have had families of their own and I’m now tattooing their kids. It’s surreal. I’ve been able to be included in art shows, conventions, book publications and tv/ documentary spots.
In 2022 myself and my business partner Matty Bullitt took over Cast Iron Tattoo, after my mentor decided it was time for him to move on. Being behind the wheel of the shop, we’re still thriving in the Sodo district (South Downtown Orlando) after 24 years and looking forward to many more. Sept 2024 will be our 25 years. We’ll be having some get togethers at the shop. Be on the lookout!
I have a beautiful supportive wife, Ria. Who’s been with me my whole journey. She keeps me grounded and also keeps me on track. She’s also an internationally published pinup model and professional hair and makeup artist. She convinced me to attend an event called Viva Las Vegas, April 2014, and i’ve been tattooing there ever since. It’s an annual trip and we’ve made a ton of friends out that way. We’ve had the chance to hang out with Tattooers, musicians and just so many cool people from around the world. While she’s doing her photoshoots I’m slinging tattoos with the rest of the guys in the tattoo room. I love traveling and exploring, as well as collaborating on art projects or events.
Tattooing is a gift and the moments you spend with people are special. You could be getting them through a tough time or just having great conversations or they just need someone to talk to. You never know how you affect someone’s day, nor who’s going to end up in your chair. It’s rewarding and when those moments show up they can teach you a real humbling experience… if you let it.
It’s been a whirlwind of a ride and I’m still going. Our doors are always open come down and hang out.
Can you talk to us a bit about the challenges and lessons you’ve learned along the way. Looking back would you say it’s been easy or smooth in retrospect?
“A smooth sea never made a skilled sailor.” This quote by Franklin D. Roosevelt speaks volumes. The further you go the more challenges and obstacles there are. There are puzzles to be solved to make you a better craftsman. Overcome them and it gives you an insight you may never have thought before into how you look at things. There’s a shift in any business with the growth of technology and social media. I’m doing all I can to learn all of this new information and apply it. Tattooing evolves with the times. With that comes rough times and growth. Keeping tradition alive at Cast Iron with moving forward is the fun part of seeing where it takes us!
Ive got a great group that works with me at Cast Iron. Amazing artists and great people in general. Make sure to check out the shops social media and give the crew a follow.
Appreciate you sharing that. What should we know about Cast Iron Tattoos?
Ive got a great group that works with me at Cast Iron. Amazing artists and great people in general. We have 4 tattooers myself (Lance White), Joe Mosso, Kris Santos, and our piercer Maria. Everyone crushes it and has fun with what they’re doing. Make sure to check out the shops social media and give the crew a follow.
How can people work with you, collaborate with you or support you?
Being in an artist driven environment is amazing. We have opportunities to do things we normally wouldn’t get to do.
Each year I go to Las Vegas to tattoo at Viva Las Vegas.
I’ve had art in a few volumes of Tattoo Punks. An art book with tons of designs from other tattooers.
A few art shows and some clips in film and tv.
Collaborating with bands, busniesses, and local public figures doing graphic work with them as well.
I’m excited to work on more projects in the coming future.
I hope to see you soon!
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.castirontattoos.com
- Instagram: https://Instagram.com/castirontattoos
- Twitter: https://Twitter.com/castirontattoos
