Interview - Maggie Serpica Artist - Maggie Serpica Status - Pro Artist SM - MilkandHoneyTattoo.com
Magie Serpica is one of Staten Island’s best tattoo artists. She is the co-owner along with Liz Manzolini of Milk and Honey Tattoos, a tattoo parlor located on Castleton Ave.. Maggie has been tattooing in New York since 2001.She worked at several famous shops that were stepping stones to becoming a shop owner herself. The artist voices her opinions about companies and people in general judging one based on their ink. She also gives her thoughts on where her shop’s name came from, why people label Staten Island as a “forgotten borough” and how she feels about tattoo reality TV shows. Serpica hands out her personal insight to people interested in tattooing and those interested in getting a tattoo.
Q: What kind of obstacles do you face while doing tattoos?
A: Tattooing is definitely difficult at times. I would have to say that the obstacles I’ve faced have evolved over the course of my career as a tattooer. In the beginning, there was so much to learn; Everything ranging from the technical aspects of how to work the equipment, to how to work with different skin types and body parts, to being hyper focused on the health and safety portion of tattooing. That's a huge load to worry about before worrying about the actual art of it, and focusing on the design itself. Over time that has become like clockwork, and learning to advance and push limits as an artist while being mindful and respectful for the living being canvas is a tough learning process as well. Nowadays, I can happily say that after seventeen years tattooing, I don't really face too many obstacles. I spent a ton of years and and unlimited dedication to learning my craft where I can do many things that were once a struggle now with little effort. I've cultivated a great approach of collaborating with every single person I tattoo, and it's become and intuitive method where i can take their ideas and transform it into body art. It can be tricky to tactfully tell someone that their idea may not work but still have them happy with the final product. I feel fortunate that I have earned a lot of trust at this stage in my life from my clients.
Q: Why do you think people judge people based on tattoos ?
A: Unfortunately, there are still certain stigmas associated with tattoos, though I can honestly say this has diminished quite significantly from what it once was. Tattoos were once a visible indicator of a lifestyle (bikers, jail, gang,etc) but I feel it's come to be appreciated as art. Nowadays I guess it could possibly indicate a spontaneous or reckless lifestyle from the perspective of older generations. A lot of clients though, still have to be cautious of visible tattoos in the workplace. Its an antiquated notion that I honestly hope is gone sooner than later.
Q: Where did the name Milk and honey come from for your shop?
A: It is incredibly hard naming a business! When Liz and I first signed our lease and had to come up with a name, we cycled through so many ideas. We had to take into consideration a name that is available for use, would be memorable, easy to spell, and we definitely did not want the words "ink" or "tattoo" in the business name. Milk and Honey comes from the phrase "from the land of milk and honey" which refers to a place where everything flourishes in abundance. It honestly has nothing to do directly with tattooing, but we thought it sounded cool with hopes that the originality of the name would make it stick. (We think it worked!)
Q: How old were you when you got your first tattoo and do you remember the experience? If so how was it?
A: I got my first tattoo in 1998, when i was seventeen. This was illegal (since the age minimum is eighteen) but tattooing had just been legalized in NYC a couple years prior. My dad took me to his friend's place in Brooklyn to get it, after I threatened him several times that if he didn't take me to his friend, I would go to an illegal spot in the Village and get it there. It's not something I would ever recommend anyone doing to their parent, but it worked. It hurt a lot, and was quick and only cost $25. It has since been covered, but only because i decided to do a huge piece in that area and it was in the way (on my back).
Q: What advice do you have to people interested in tattooing?
A: The number one thing I would advise very strongly is absolutely do not attempt to learn on your own. Just the cross contamination blood borne factor alone is very dangerous and you need to be trained in a shop to fully understand this. I would say that finding a tattooer that you'd like to learn from is the first step. Get tattooed by them. Spend money at that shop. Show intense interest in being around tattooing. Ask for a portfolio review from the artist. This goes without say, but draw all the time and really learn how to do it. Draw tattoo designs. Draw from life. Draw every single day. See if that artist would consider taking you on as an apprentice. If they say no, find out why. Do your drawing skills need improvement? Are they just not in a position to take on an apprentice? Be open to criticism. If it's something you truly want, you will make it come to fruition by being persistent in finding an apprenticeship at a reputable shop. Oh, and finally, under no circumstances should you waste your money at tattoo school.
Q: Would you do a tattoo that you think would be offensive to a certain group of people?
A: I stand very firm that I would not do any tattoo that is hateful in any way, shape, or form. If someone is offended by just tattoos in general, then too bad for them.
Q: Why do you think Staten Island is labeled the ‘forgotten borough'?
A: On an obvious level, I would say this is strongly in part due to the lack of accessibility in transportation. The rest of the boroughs have subways and commuting between them is significantly easier. In other ways, the label could be due to the lack of spotlight from the media on the amazing things that happen here. Funding is less for the arts here. Also, while the rest of the city votes "blue", Staten Island is sadly predominantly "red", thus making us an outsider.
Q: What was your favorite piece and why?
A: This is so hard to answer! Will I get brownie points if I say Christian of Projectivity's piece? Haha. But seriously, I have done thousands of tattoos, and I approach each one with the idea that "this one is going to be my favorite". I love so many for different reasons. As not to be vague, I will say one that recently stands out in my mind: I did a Yeti/winter scene piece on an entire ankle to knee wraparound sleeve. I loved it because the client totally trusted me with this idea i had for using a very specific color palette of muted purples and blues. I absolutely loved how it came out as a result.
