Steve Stricker

 How did you become interested in tattooing?

At age 13 I first saw a tattoo being done and thought, “Hey that’s cool!” it was fascinating to see the process from blank skin to finished art.

 So, how old were you when you started and where did you apprentice?

I was in my 20s when I started to apprentice.It was at an old shop in Toronto, it took around 3 years. After that I stayed on and tattooed there for 4 years.

 When did Wylde Tattoo open?

In 1988 Wylde opened in Toronto, then we moved to North Bay in the early 90’s and by the mid to late 90’s it landed in Hamilton where it has been ever since.

 So, you have been tattooing for over 25 years, why do you still do it?

It’s still fun! Some designs are getting a little boring to do but the people, well, they are always different so even if I’ve done it a zillion times, it’s still fun.

 What has been your worst day?

I was tattooing in North Bay and I had 4 of the same tattoos in a row! It was a little too repetitive for me, my eyes were bloodshot by the end of it!

 What was your best day?

Hmm, that’s not easy to answer. I can’t say the best days have always been about the tattoo, it’s been about the people, the people make my days good. Doing the only thing that I have ever wanted to do, I am fortunate and most of the time I have fun!

Now how many people do you know can say that about being in the same business for over 25 years!

To see some of Steve’s work, click here.

Butch – Bio

How did you become interested in tattooing? Is it all your brother Steve’s fault?

I’ve been an artist ever since I can remember, I’ve had no formal art training but I always had art in my blood. Having used many different mediums, I find that I take a lot from natures cue. Steve being into tattooing made it easy for me to get into it (tattooing). For me, it’s another medium formy art, it’s the hardest to work with because the canvas is never the same, but it’s the one keep going back to. Tattooing keeps life interesting.

So, how old were you when you started and where did you apprentice?

I was Twenty-six going on twelve in the world when I got interested...my apprenticeship was with my brother while he was in Toronto. And yes, we still like each other!

When did you start with your brother at Wylde Tattoo?

At the beginning, when the shop opened in Toronto I started there.

So, you have been tattooing for over 20 years, why do you still do it?

Bad habits die hard? No really, it’s the people that make it fun for me. It’s such a social art, I enjoy that part of it more than the tattoos some of the time. And of course a challenge makes me step up grinning every time!

What has been your worst day?

Yesterday? How do you define “worst” day?

What was your best day?

Tomorrow and everyday after that!

To see some of Butch’s work, click here.