Meet Branson Hoog

Today we’d like to introduce you to Branson Hoog.

Branson, let’s start with your story. We’d love to hear how you got started and how the journey has been so far.
I have been obsessed with art since I was a little kid, I still have some sketch books from before I really have memories! It was more than just physical art though, my sister and I used to do the competitive dance too. I always enjoyed music but that was more my sister’s thing. I never had any doubt that I would end up in some sort of artistic field, but what I really wanted to be was a cartoonist.

When I was 13 my little brother wanted to learn guitar but he was afraid to go into the lesson alone. He was five years younger than me. Thankfully, I joined him because that truly changed my life. After learning guitar I had a new art form to obsess over. It was the classic “kid-going-through-changes-playing-guitar-til-his-fingers-bled” story. But it was an amazing outlet. After a series of open mic nights and bar shows, I auditioned into my friend’s band called “Shatterproof” as the vocalist. I didn’t realize it would be such a large part of my future. The band grew on a local level until we finally got recognized by our dream label (Which has not been announced yet so it’s a secret). We had an amazing run locally and were fortunate enough to play festivals such as Warped Tour and South by South West. But I know that whatever this next chapter is is going to be special.

Throughout the band’s growth, I was continuing my journey with physical art as well. The culture in the emo-rock band scene heavily involved tattoos so it was no surprise that I wanted some ink.

I got my first tattoo when I was 18, this was a defining moment. Not because of the permanent life decision, but rather because I saw this grown man with a family and two kids making a living for himself by stabbing me with his art. I wanted a piece of that. Plus, I was sure the small success as a band would at least give me a head start on finding clients.

And here we are! I’m not the biggest success story yet, but I am so proud of what I have accomplished. The band is signed and expecting a drop in early 2020, and in the meantime tattoos are keeping me busy; I’m usually seven to nine months booked out. But more importantly, I get to draw and make music every day, which is the biggest accomplishment I could have hoped for.

We’re always bombarded by how great it is to pursue your passion, etc – but we’ve spoken with enough people to know that it’s not always easy. Overall, would you say things have been easy for you?
My dad taught me at a young age that life has seasons: when it’s winter, stay positive. Summer is right around the corner. And when it’s summer, prepare for winter because life won’t always be that easy.

I remember friends becoming acquaintances as everyone I used to know slowly took a back seat to my obsessive dreaming. I remember feeling lonely and trying to justify it with a vision. I remember feeling depressed and trying to understand myself. I remember working 40-60 hour weeks for no pay and trying to convince myself that my tattoo apprenticeship was going to be worth it. I remember ramen… for every meal.

There was no earth shattering moments thankfully, just the endless battle with my own thoughts. I told myself that every bump in the road is simply adding chapters to a kick ass biography.

So, as you know, we’re impressed with your work – tell our readers more, for example what you’re most proud of as a company and what sets you apart from others.
I am an artist.

I am a tattooist. I specialize in flowers, lady faces and animals. Anything dainty and pretty. I have only been tattooing for three years and I am incredibly proud of how sought after I’ve become in that time. My process is what sets me apart. I was at an incredible tattoo shop for the majority of my tattoo career until I made the jump to my private studio. I have this vision of what tattooing is supposed to be: a more spiritual experience. At my private shop, I try to only do 1 big tattoo a day, where there is endless time to drink coffee and get to know each other, work on the design together, and ultimately do the tattoo. The individualized experience is really nice though, the whole day is about them, and if we want to take a break and make some food, we can. It emphasizes the experience instead of the paycheck.

I am a vocalist. I sing in a band formally known as Shatterproof. We have a new project coming soon… This past year we signed to one of our favorite labels and will be starting the drop in early 2020. We just recorded our first full-length album in Portland, Oregon. (This is the first time a label has paid for us to fly, probably a small detail, but I was really stoked about it) I am so proud of the four of us for so many reasons, but I will have to reveal those after the world is introduced to our new band.

So, what’s next? Any big plans?
I’ve always had a little bit of a fantasy about being able to tattoo while touring… And I think this upcoming year I will finally have the opportunity to try that out. I am looking forward to so many things. I am excited to be the small band on a big tour. A little nervous, but mostly excited. I am also excited to meet some of the other bands on our new label… We have looked up to them for the entire 7 to 8 years we’ve been a band. And on a side note, I proposed to the most adorable human and I am SO EXCITED to marry her.