The tattoo artist who goes by Mish, of Fall River, MA, created this month’s cover. “I got the nickname when I was younger, and it just kinda stuck,” she says. Also, it stirs a little mystery into life.
Mish was born in Watertown, NY, and, after graduating high school, attended the University of Rhode Island, until she got bitten by the tattooing bug. “I had been getting tattooed consistently,” she recalls, “and I wanted to try my hand at it.”
So four years ago, she served an apprenticeship at Momento Tattoo RI in East Providence. After a stint at another tattoo parlor, she joined Bold and Old Tattoo in Bristol, whose owner, Robert Gobin, had inked some of her own tattoos. “I’m thankful for such a supportive and chill shop owner,” she says.
In her job, she meets a lot of people, which to her is probably the best part of working for Bold and Old. Another plus is the freedom she has with job scheduling.
“I really enjoy working with our clients,” the artist emphasizes. “I like hearing everybody’s story, such as why they’re getting a particular tattoo. A lot of our clients are down-to-Earth and have a good sense of humor. So when I’m working on them, it doesn’t feel like I’m actually working. We’re just chit-chatting while I’m inking.”
She continues, “I do love when people get pet-related tattoos. I consider my cats my little children, and love all animals. It warms my heart when other people have that same feeling.”
And adds, “I feel that some people get a tattoo because they have an insecurity over a body part. So when I’m inking a tattoo on them, I’m helping these people feel better about themselves.”
For the tattoo-themed cover, Mish drew a vase with a Rhode Island Red rooster in the center of it. There are flames on either side of the vase, and a variety of flowers are sticking out of the mouth of the vessel. “It’s springtime, so I really liked putting the flowers in,” she comments.
The vibrant colors Mish chose for the cover are typical of her work. “Anything bright and bold is right up my alley,” she remarks.
Mish designs her tattoos through a mix of freehand and Procreate, a digital illustration app on her iPad. She also paints; with watercolors on paper or canvas, and acrylics on fabrics. She enjoys going back and forth between the distinctly different mediums.
While working at Bold and Old Tattoo, Mish listens to hardcore rock bands Excide, and Speed, and post-hardcore groups Movements, and Citizen. When she’s working on her own at home, Mish listens to metal music, such as hardcore Sunami, and metalcore Kublai Khan.
To unwind from work, Mish pursues seasonal activities – snowboarding during wintertime, hitting the links when it’s nice out (her goal is to finish the golf course). “I’m a big beach bum in summer,” she adds, favoring the beaches in Narragansett and Westport, MA. And she absolutely loves Bristol in the summertime.
When asked to name her favorite tattoo, Mish replies: “Everyone always asks that. But I’ve never narrowed it down.”
Many of her designs are abstract or, as she puts it, “kinda funky.” She mentioned a panther whose mouth is a portal; another panther which sports two pairs of eyes, one above the other; and a lady’s face with a twisting staircase coming out of her right eye.
“I love being a tattoo artist,” Mish concludes, “and will keep doing it until I can’t.”
– John Picinich
Mish’s work can be viewed on Instagram @mish.inks.