Genres
Other
Realism

Loves
Life

Hates
Death

Ride
1997 Cadillac Deville

Story
Mike Parsons was born and raised in Atlanta, Georgia. As a child he spent much time drawing and painting. As he matured, his mother and father would discover he had a natural ability for artwork. Eager to pursue his art talent, he applied to several renowned colleges in the Atlanta area. Unfortunately tuition costs would prove to be out of his reach. Very discouraged, he would put his craft on hold for 6 years. By age 24, Mike was working in the local music scene of Atlanta where he had accumulated a handful of tattoos. One shop in particular, Monkey Man's Club Tattoos, had paid extra attention to Mike's request for art and off time doodles. Newly apprenticed Deano Cook was just parting ways with "Club Tattoo" and with room to spare, The Monkey Man, made the offer. Soon Mike was aboard where he would learn for one and a half years before reuniting with Deano, who had just opened "Psycho Tattoo." Familiar with Mike's work, Deano made room for Mike at his already over staffed location. Over the next 2 years, as "Psycho Tattoo" expanded, Mike moved out of the over crowded single location and into a second "Psycho Tattoo" location as manager. Mike began creating a reputation through magazine articles and numerous tattoo conventions. In 2003, after 8 years with "Psycho Tattoo," Mike made a big step forward by leaving his hometown of 33 years to work for "Gill Monte's Tattoo Mania," located in Beaumont, TX. Over the next year Mike would see tattooing from a completely different perspective, learning history and befriending legends. One such legend was Gill's mentor and long time friend "Doc Dog." The Connection between Mike and Doc was instant. It was then that Mike made another move forward to Tampa, FL where currently he works at "Doc Dogs' Las Vegas Tattoo Co.

Best moment
A client told me the work I did for him didn't match the rest of his collection which was nice, color work from a reputable artist. He said it was too brightand colorful, and wanted to know if I could "tone" it down some.

Shop (they work at)
Doc Dog's World Famous Las Vegas Tattoo Co

Location
Tampa, FL

First got
1988

First gave
1994

How started
Constant exposure to the trade

Influences
Tony Olivas, Gill Montie, Doc Dog, Zeke Owens

Vices
The tattoo lifestyle

Creed
"Do unto others, as they would have you arrested for"