My name is Corey, and I’m an aspiring tattooer based in Brooklyn. I’m the apprentice at Monolith Studio studying under Oscar Akermo. I just wanted to share a bit about myself here.

In 2020, I graduated from Harvard University (with highest honors), and I thought some money sounded cool, so I started a job at one of the big investment banks here in the city. Surprise surprise that was a super uninspiring path lacking soul or spirit. I just couldn’t do it.

Fast forward to late 2021, I was working with Oscar, and we had gotten somewhat close through just spending time together in the studio. I’m not sure why because I had zero art experience at the time, but he told me he thought that I could excel in tattooing. I’ve taken those words and run with them ever since.

What you should know about my practice is that right now I am 95% focused on technique/execution. Most of the artists that I look up to, across disciplines, are really just master craftspeople with good taste. I really value building a strong foundation because untethered creativity requires technical fluency. So to enrich my drawing fundament, I spent a year studying from life at Grand Central Atelier. With tattooing, you’ll notice I do a lot of traditional work because those are all about efficiently delivering an airtight tattoo that’s precise and crisp. So that’s where I’m at; it’s a long path that will take many years but will be worth it.

Tattooing has saved my life. I feel honored, lucky, and grateful to be a part of its lineage, and all I can do in return is give it my absolute best, day in and day out. I hope my love for this beautiful craft comes through when we work together.

Thank you for reading; thank you for being a part of my journey.