Shop/Artist Spotlight: Big Steve @ Funcity Tattoo NYC

Flicks By: Emmanuel Blackwell

How did you get your start in the ink business?

Well I was working here (Fun City Tattoos) and one of the owners Johnathan Shaw came in one day and basically fired everybody and told me to sink or swim. And I only did 5 tattoos at that point. So I went from doing 5 tattoos to doing tattoos 7 days a week.

Before that what got you into tattooing?

I used to draw all over myself. But really I didn’t want to go to school. I didn’t want to deal with bullshit. Tattooing seemed like the only job I can be a degenerate at and still make money.

How long have you been tattooing?

7 years. And I’ve only worked @ these two shops. (Fun City, Dare Devil)

Favorite music to work to?

I listen to everything. If you come in here some days we’ll be playing Biggie, others Bob Marley. Any given day of the week it could be some different shit.

How would you describe your style?

That’s difficult. I do mostly script. But then theres some traditional, portraits, japanese, a lot of different stuff.

Who would you like to get tattooed by most?

There’s so many. But I’d say Mike Rubendall who I have an appointment with. And Jack Rudy (epic pinta-style tattoo artist in L.A).

Big Steve is the dude to see in New York if you’re looking for some firm script. He can be found working at either (Fun City, or Dare Devil)  Both shops are located conveniently in the place to be either in the East Village or the L.E.S.  It’s a friendly shop to new comers and first timers. Get up on MAGIC!!