Joseph Funck shared their story and experiences with us recently and you can find our conversation below.
Joseph, really appreciate you sharing your stories and insights with us. The world would have so much more understanding and empathy if we all were a bit more open about our stories and how they have helped shaped our journey and worldview. Let’s jump in with a fun one: What do the first 90 minutes of your day look like?
Usually it involves giving my dogs some good pets and loving making some coffee then sketching for a bit with a nice anime on.
Can you briefly introduce yourself and share what makes you or your brand unique?
I am a tattoo artist of 15 years and shop owner of my studio Ethereal Tattoo Body Art in Old Colorado City on the West side of Colorado Springs.
I specialize in large scale work in styles like neotraditional, anime, new school and black and grey realism. I feel I provide more variety in styles and have a personal flair to my work and Im constantly pushing myself to create works that flow and contrast well. I feel my color work and my black and grey work are pretty polished which is something you dont see too much with other artists whereas these days people really try to stick with one thing.
Thanks for sharing that. Would love to go back in time and hear about how your past might have impacted who you are today. Who taught you the most about work?
I would say that my clients and my co workers have had major influence on noticing and fulfilling my potential as an artist. Art making comes with a lot of self doubt, at least for me it has. The support and confidence I have gained from working with some of the best in my town and when getting tattooed by my influences reallt showed me a lot by way of encouraging me to see my value. The fact people have a choice and choose to come see me for their needs and tell me how many compliments they get on my work just blows me away. I am very blessed to have self realization through all of these means. I am so glad I have decided to work so hard at this, it really has payed off and put me in an position to help those around me just by being able to provide a relaxed atmosphere, where I believe we heal each other through artistry and comeraderie.
What did suffering teach you that success never could?
Suffering showed me, in a sense, just how capable I truly am. Ive endured a lot to keep my business afloat and nearly lost it all by choosing the wrong partner. Through the pain I pushed harder into my work to cope, and eventually I could see that the connections I had made over the years were invaluable to keeping me alive and kicking. Sometimes to become the best version of yourself you have to completely deconstruct…its a theme that has been commonly taught throughout time and I am so lucky to still be here pushing to accept all the things I truly deserve in this life.
So a lot of these questions go deep, but if you are open to it, we’ve got a few more questions that we’d love to get your take on. What truths are so foundational in your life that you rarely articulate them?
To live and love genuinely is something thats so hard to tell…you more just have to be. I have no qualms with anyone I just simply remove myself from the drama of things and try to focus on building my life the way I see fit. I want to be a light, I want to inspire, and I want to live in a way that is a service to those around me and not some self serving thing.
Before we go, we’d love to hear your thoughts on some longer-run, legacy type questions. What is the story you hope people tell about you when you’re gone?
That I was genuine, caring and carefree. That I lived happy and chased all of my goals and dreams. That I was thankful for my position and all the blessings Ive been able to receive. Also, that I always did my best to give to those around me whether material or support…it feels good to give.
Contact Info:
- Website: Https://etherealtattoos.com
- Instagram: @funcktattoo
- Facebook: Ethereal Tattoos
