What inspired you to get into tattooing?
When I was younger I did freestyle motor cross and after many broken bones and surgeries it was time to find a new hobby. Ultimately it turned into a career and a passion.
Tell us about how you got started in the industry
I did not have a traditional apprenticeship and unfortunately started a bit later in life at 25. When I first started I was self taught and did not have a mentor in the beginning but over the years and as I became more dedicated I was lucky enough to meet and become friends with some of the top artists in the industry who I still speak to and learn from everyday.
As an artist, its your work limited to the human form or do you also paint, draw, etc as another form of expression?
Unfortunately I’ve limited myself to solely tattooing. I’d love to paint, I have been told my work can be very ‘painterly’ – I’ve tried but my energy is so focused on tattooing and I don’t want to take away from that
What type of tattoo work do you like doing the most?
I stick to doing large colour pieces, more towards the realism style but honestly, I love anything with colour.
Tell us a little about your current style?
I’m still trying to find my style… I’m currently trying to find the balance between that painterly style and full colour hyper realism, focusing on detailed areas along with large areas of smooth blended colours.
Do you find your work attracts a specific type of clientele?
I wouldn’t say I get a specific type of clientele but I’m focusing on my style of the large scale colour pieces and the freedom to design the tattoo.
Any advice for the next generation of artists?
Over the last 15 years I’ve definitely learned many lessons but I think the most important is there is no shortcut to tattooing and anybody can do it, it all comes down to how much time, practice and drive you put into it. I’m not a person with natural art talent but with hard work and dedication you can achieve the same or better results.
What is the weirdest experience you’ve had either in your studio with a client, at a convention etc?
The weirdest… I don’t know, I have a ton of stories but I don’t really consider any of it weird… it’s just life.
What do you like to do when you’re not tattooing?
If I’m not tattooing I take every opportunity to get out on my Harley. During the winter or rainy days I’m mostly at the shop trying to improve my work – or just having beers with friends.
What’s your favorite tattoo, that you’ve done, and why?
I don’t have a specific favourite tattoo but there are many pieces I have favourite areas of.
If you could get tattooed by anyone, who would it be and why?
Other than my first few tattoos that were planned I’ve been tattooed very organically in the moment, personally who tattoos me isn’t as important as where, when and why I get tattooed
Finish this sentence: If I could rule the world for a day I would…
.. Fuck that, I can barely run my own life why would I want to rule the world!
Tell us where to find you online and anything else you want us to know!
You can find me on
IG @traviscadeau
FB Travis Cadeau
email: tcadeautattoos