Rising Stars: Meet Michael Penhale

Today we’d like to introduce you to Michael Penhale.

Hi Michael, please kick things off for us with an introduction to yourself and your story.
I’m a full-time tattooer at Think Tank Tattoo on Brodeay and Cedar. I apprenticed under Riley “Spuds” Pusatory at Art With Heart in Aurora in 2017. During that time I also started my skatepark Curbside in Sheridan.

Can you talk to us a bit about the challenges and lessons you’ve learned along the way? Looking back would you say it’s been easy or smooth in retrospect?
Hasn’t been the smoothest road the whole time. I’ll just say I learned to keep my eyes fixed on the goal and to remember it’s about serving the people and not myself.

Can you tell our readers more about what you do and what you think sets you apart from others?
I specialize in traditional tattooing leaning more toward European influences than American.

But I was always raised to make sure that whatever request walks through the door, whether traditional or not, leaves me happy. If anything was to set me apart from other artists it’s probably how hungry I am to learn and improve as well as my devotion to the customer.

We’re always looking for the lessons that can be learned in any situation, including tragic ones like the Covid-19 crisis. Are there any lessons you’ve learned that you can share?
Yes, germs are gross, and saving money is good.

During that time there was a lot of political stuff and civil rights going on too which led me to learn a lot about myself and my way of thinking especially in regard to my identity. I learned to be more considerate of others, slower to speak, and to do some research if I don’t know about something. Knowledge is power.

Pricing:

• Tattooing rate 150$ an hour
• Skatepark Sessions at Curbside are 12$ for 2 hours
• Skatepark Private Rentals are 150$ an hour
• Skateboard lessons are between 60-90$
• 10 Session Punch Cards are 80$

Contact Info:

• Website: Curbsideskatepark.org
• Instagram: @michaelpenhaletattoos

Image Credits
Brock Fetch