Meet Chipper Harbin

Today we’d like to introduce you to Chipper Harbin. 

Hi Chipper, we’d love for you to start by introducing yourself
I’ve had a passion for art and skateboarding for as long as I can remember. While studying graphic design in college, the two worlds met and my involvement with commercial art began. This included designing skateboard graphics, punk rock show posters, band logos, and commission-based print work and paintings. Right before I turned 30, I was balancing both a “normal job” and being active in the creative life (music, art, etc.). The artist I was being tattooed by at the time offered me a tattoo apprenticeship based on our relationship from already making art together for his studio. That was the beginning of my tattoo career. 

I tattooed in North Carolina for seven years before moving to Nashville, TN in 2013 with the purpose of establishing a signature style as a contemporary tattoo artist. One day a woman came into the studio I was newly working at, requesting a “watercolor tattoo” and was told there wasn’t really anyone who did that style. I had done a couple at that point, so I spoke up and let her know I was confident in taking on the work. She told her roommate and the two happened to be yoga instructors where the tattoos were always being seen, and things kicked off from there. 

In 2018 I started booking privately and am genuinely humbled by my clients and where they come from. It’s mind-blowing to know they are not just local and stateside, but international also. They typically give creative freedom in developing imagery that allows me to tell their story in a subtle way. I continuously look for ways to be progressive and challenged, while expressing the deep intent behind my client’s idea. 

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?
Tattooing has without a doubt been one of the hardest things I’ve ever tried to do. Some of the challenges have been learning to manage expectations and being patient. Being patient in the sense that the work itself is time-consuming. There is not always an immediate result, one-piece can be two or three sittings. You have to slow down your movements and really focus on the work. Sometimes you’re respectfully having to let the client know that their idea may not work how they envisioned it. This could range anywhere from the size to the amount of imagery they are wanting in one tattoo. It definitely has taught me humility. 

Can you tell our readers more about what you do and what you think sets you apart from others?
I am a contemporary tattoo artist, specializing in graphic imagery with abstract accents. Known for “watercolor tattoos”. I am most proud of having an artistic voice and identity for my work. 

My style sets me apart from others and I would hope the experience as a whole would do the same. After going private, I started to take deeper pride in customer service, doing my best to give each client a customized experience. 

What were you like growing up?
Growing up I was always outgoing and friendly. I’m not the tallest man by any means, so I was always small in stature, big in personality. Heavy into skateboarding and punk rock music. 

Contact Info:

• Email: [email protected]
• Website: chipperharbin.com
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/chipperharbin/
• Yelp: https://www.yelp.com/biz/chipper-harbin-tattoos-nashville

Image Credits
Jered Scott Martin