My name is Richard Parker. I was born and raised in Queens, NY. I currently attend Wagner College on Staten Island where I major in art and play on the football team. I have also been a tattoo artist for almost 3 years now and continuing to work to perfect my craft.

Question: What drew you into getting tattoos in the first place?
Richard Parker: Tattoos are a very interesting form of art. They are a way for an artist to make his/her work come to life. Personally my tattoos are a way for me to express myself. I was never well with words so images spoke for me.

Question: Which tattoo was your first? Why did you get it?
Richard Parker: My first tattoo that I got was my theater mask, comedy and tragedy. I placed a quote with them that reads "One day a smile, next day a tear" At the time I got the tattoo done I was going through the football recruit process and it was very stressful moment for me with many ups and downs.

Question: Which tattoo would you say is the closest to your heart? Why?
Richard Parker: The tattoo that I feel is closest to my heart is the flipping coin that I have on my ribs. It means, "You take a chance with every choice you make". I did not incorporate the words with the tattoo because I rather let my images explain themselves. I got this tattoo during a critical decision making time of my life when I decided to re enroll myself into school after a year of leave.

Question: What would you say is your motivation for getting your tattoos?
Richard Parker: All my tattoos I have I get done are done during times of my life that I feel are very significant for me to remember and reflect on because they helped build my character.

Question: What made you want to become a tattoo artist? Why?
Richard Parker: I never set out to become a tattoo artist but I am grateful that the opportunity was presented to me. My friends played a big role on my decision to pick up the craft.

Question: Which tattoo you would say hurt you the most and then which one hurt you the least? And Why?
Richard Parker: The tattoo that hurt the most was probably the one that I have on right side. Ironically the tattoo that hurt me the least was my first tattoo, which is on my left bicep.


Question: If you could choose any tattoo artist to tattoo you, who would you choose? And Why?
Richard Parker: If I could choose any artist to tattoo me it would either have to be Miya Bailey or Mr. Cartoon. I am moved by their work and as well as their drive to uplift urban art.

Question: What's next for you in the future?
Richard Parker: As of now my main focus is to improve the quality of my work and branding my name as an artist. My work speaks for itself but marketing my name is essential if I want to continue to be successful in this business.

Question: Any last words for the people that are reading this right now?
Richard Parker: I appreciate the fact that you took the time out to read up on me. Thank you.

onestroke tattoo gallery
233-10 merrick blvd
queens ny 11422
(718) 276-7151
www.onestroketatgallery.com