by Matt Gomez
Daily Lobo
The cicada-like buzz of tattoo machines and bass-heavy hip-hop provide a soundtrack for Jeff Hayes' business, Rival Tattoo Art Studios.
"We did this building start to finish in 33 days - 12 hours a day, no days off," Hayes said.
Rival Tattoo was originally on Silver, and Hayes was the only artist. When others expressed interest in working for him, the small business had to move to larger facility.
For Hayes, the work was worth it. He said the location will provide him with an area to further develop his skills as an artist and fully realize his goal of creating a tattoo studio that moves beyond traditional bounds.
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Rival Tattoo Art Studios features six tattooing booths, an art gallery and a full-service screenprinting station.
Despite being involved in art for most of his life, Hayes said he did not expect to make his living from the business of tattooing.
"For me, it took a while to get into it," he said. "I drew for snowboard and skate companies for so many years and got paid absolutely nothing to do it, so I could never really fathom how to make a living doing art, honestly. I would work my butt off and be eating instant potato and pea sandwiches for a week. It finally just clicked."
He said the decision to move into the business of tattooing was worthwhile. After gaining experience from a one-year apprenticeship in Seattle, Hayes said it was time to pursue his art full-time.
Rival Tattoo Art Studios employee Jordan Tronolone said he was drawn to Hayes' abilities naturally.
"I haven't seen anybody else do stuff like Jeff," Tronolone said. "He puts his work into his pieces. He really takes his time with it."
Myra Shoults, manager of Rival Tattoo Art Studios, agreed.
"He's just not afraid to try new things and step out of the box," Shoults said.
But trying new things is only one aspect of Hayes business principles. Hayes said to become the best tattoo artist he can, he always begins with his customers.
"I just think everyone out there that gets tattooed deserves to get the best quality piece they can, and I don't think that it matters how much things cost or how long it takes," he said. "It's all about making sure that they get what they want and that they know what they want."
