Today we’d like to introduce you to Rick Savage.
Hi Rick, we’re thrilled to have a chance to learn your story today. So, before we get into specifics, maybe you can briefly walk us through how you got to where you are today.
I always had an art fascination, so once I started getting tattoos using a skill, I had consistently worked at seemed a natural progression from pen, pencil, painting to eventually skin. I started a formal apprenticeship at 18 years old under Jim Thibault at Tattoo Works of Vermont. The apprenticeship was a 2 yearlong venture that led to tattooing full time. After approximately a year of tattooing in Vermont, I decided to relocate to Florida. I worked at a few different studios in central Florida over the next several years. In 2010 I opened my first studio. Then in 2014, I opened my second studio followed by a private studio in 2015. After several years of owning business, I felt the need to step away and refocus on the art aspect of my career. I then took employment at another central Florida studio and stayed there until the end of 2022. In November of 2022 Eclectic Tattoo Collective was opened by myself, my wife Bekah, as well as two other artists and friends, Kelcie Spector, and Jessica Addison.
Would you say it’s been a smooth road, and if not, what are some of the biggest challenges you’ve faced along the way?
There has not been a smooth or even directed road for the majority of my career. Initially in 1999 just to obtain an apprenticeship was an extremely difficult task. Every aspect of tattooing is difficult. No scenario is the same from day to day or client to client. There is a constant need to improve not only the quality of the product you produce but to also improve the rate of effectiveness in which it’s done. Opening a business poses many difficulties as well. From financial strain to location to being responsible for other individuals to whom are in your employment. The stress is significantly greater being a business owner at the same time continuing to be a tattoo artist. It is a delicate balance to maintain and try to improve upon both.
As you know, we’re big fans of Eclectic Tattoo Collective. For our readers who might not be as familiar what can you tell them about the brand?
We are a new studio in central Florida with years of experience. As a studio, we offer an extremely broad range of tattoo styles.
I would say we are known for our overall quality. We strive to not only provide the best body art we can, but for us it’s about providing an entire experience.
We have a very welcoming, stress-free, and honest experience for all of our clients. This day and age to stand out from so many others is a difficult thing to do. I feel we do so particularly well. Each artist at our shop is a partner in the business. This creates a dynamic in which as individuals we are able to do our own thing, but also as a collective come together for the betterment of our business, ourselves, and our clients.
We offer full custom tattoos of several different styles, from neo-traditional color, to dark ornamental. Beyond the tattoos, we offer a studio of artists who care about the individuals who come into our studio. We take the time to connect with our clients on many levels, as we are a locally driven business, and have roots in the community.
What quality or characteristic do you feel is most important to your success?
I would say the biggest characteristic to my success is the absolute willingness to work. Plain and simple to get better at anything it takes work to do so. A willingness to work all day every day and continue to grind year after year to reach a goal. Most of what I learned or achieved was trial and error but regardless of the outcome there is always a desire to improve in all aspects.
Pricing:
- $100 shop minimum
- $150 hourly rate
- Holiday specials
- Customer appreciation days with discounts
Contact Info:
- Instagram: eclectictattoocollective
- Facebook: eclectictattoocollective
