---
title: Portrait Tattoos, Realism & Art with Columbus Tattooer Skoty Fox
description: Tattoo artist Skoty Fox discusses his journey in realism, black and gray portraits, and collaborative tattoo projects in this week's Skin Deep Podcast
image: https://tatsbywes.com/hubfs/Skin%20Deep%20Logo.png
---

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# Portrait Tattoos, Realism & Art with Columbus Tattooer Skoty Fox

[Dan "Wes" Wesley](https://tatsbywes.com/blog/author/dan-wes-wesley)  Sep 13, 2024 4:05:37 PM 

 2024-09-13 20:05:37  1726257937103

What's up Amigos!

In this week's episode of the [Skin Deep Podcast](https://youtu.be/PScAJseaqpw?si=6S47UPtg8LuoMOAR), I got to have a very fun conversation with Skoty Fox, my fellow Tattooer at Sacred Hand Tattoo Society. We talked about his experiences with realism and black and grey portrait tattoos, our collaborative projects, and some of the influences that have shaped his career. 

Check out the episode and if you enjoy the show make sure to [subscribe on YouTube](https://youtu.be/PScAJseaqpw?si=6S47UPtg8LuoMOAR) while you're there. 🤘

 

### The Challenge of Color Portrait Tattoos

Skoty has a knack for creating realistic portraits, but interestingly, he doesn’t get asked to do color portraits very often. One standout piece he created was a vampire lady, a work of art that was as intricate as it was striking. Skoty discussed the challenges he faces when working with color portraits, especially the complexities of achieving the right color composition and maintaining realism without the artwork veering into the illustrative.

He's done some realistic tattoos of horror icons like Michael Myers, but he finds more joy in creating color portraits of animals rather than people. He mentioned that capturing the right balance of colors and textures is often easier with animals. What’s truly admirable is the trust Skoty’s clients place in him, allowing him to tackle these artistic challenges and bring their visions to life.

### Collaborative Tattoo Projects & Other Artistic Mediums

One of the things I love about working with Skoty is the collaborative projects we get to dive into. We've combined different tattoo elements in ways that push the boundaries of conventional tattoo art. One of our memorable collaborations was mixing patches with portraits, creating a unique aesthetic that truly stands out in the tattoo community. We've tackled iconic characters like Darth Vader and even created intricate personal portraits on some heavily tattooed clients.

Skoty's artistic reach extends beyond tattoos. His collaboration with 26 Defender coffee company for their packaging and merchandising is a great example. This project shows his passion for diverse creative outlets and his commitment to supporting local businesses.

### Skoty's Tattoo Influences

Skoty Fox has a deep appreciation for West Coast tattoo culture and draws a lot of inspiration from artists like [Freddie Negretti](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=LnkiDVj5w54) and [BJ Betts](https://www.instagram.com/bjbetts). One thing he's particularly passionate about is lettering tattoos. The way he designs each piece to flow naturally with the body’s contours sets his work apart from the more rigid digital fonts.

In his work, Skoty often incorporates powerful religious and cultural imagery, like praying hands and recently completed a painting of the "smile now, cry later" design. These are a nod to his West Coast influences.

### Skoty's Career Transition to Tattooing

Before Skoty became the tattoo artist we all admire, he actually had a degree in automotive technology and was working as an auto technician. His journey from automotives to tattooing is quite unique. After drawing designs for a friend who frequented a local tattoo shop, he was offered a job despite initial critiques of his portfolio. Moving to Ohio, guided by a fellow tattoo artist, turned out to be a pivotal moment in his career. It gave him essential lessons in business and customer service that still impact his work today.

### How Advances in Tech Have Changed Tattooing

Technology has truly revolutionized the tattoo industry, and Skoty acknowledges this impact enthusiastically. Modern tools like high-resolution photo apps and digital design platforms have streamlined many aspects of the process, making it easier for new artists to learn and improve their craft. Social media, too, has broadened exposure, letting artists share their work with a global audience. Skoty leverages these tools to enhance his artistry and connect with a larger community of tattoo enthusiasts.

### What's Next for Skoty Fox

Skoty is always pushing his artistic boundaries, whether through tattoos or other creative outlets. Recently, he completed a striking series of portraits on a client’s chest, depicting the client's parents with meticulous black and gray realism. He is also working on several large tattoo projects that require multiple sessions to perfect.

Outside the studio, Skoty enjoys riding his motorcycle, smoking meats, supporting local businesses, and exploring conspiracy theories and cryptids. His multifaceted interests and unwavering passion for art ensure that his journey will continue to captivate and inspire us all.

Stay tuned to the Skin Deep Podcast and follow Skoty Fox on Instagram (@skotydont) for more visuals into his remarkable tattoo work and upcoming projects.

Find Skoty Fox 👀   
[@SkotyDont](https://www.instagram.com/skotydont)  
[https://skotydonttattoo.com/](https://www.youtube.com/redirect?event=video_description&redir_token=QUFFLUhqbHM3Q3MzZmUteFYtSDNIaVdId1lCSFJGc1hYd3xBQ3Jtc0ttcTgxWVZDOERlTEIyYUpjcThzSzFDcHNQeVcyaGVJLXBuQk9NMFN3T2w0OEdwQmVwdG05YUJEdG9VRS1ra1VOczBWSFYzT0kxdVl2di1VcE1vSE5TYWxtMW1COTkzRTg5V2JKSDZhNHBMYTl0RUJmQQ&q=https%3A%2F%2Fskotydonttattoo.com%2F&v=PScAJseaqpw)

Production Credits:  
This episode was filmed at [Sacred Hand Tattoo Society](https://www.sacredhandtattoo.com/) in Columbus Ohio, located at 960 Parsons Ave, Columbus, OH 43206.  The Skin Deep Podcast is produced, edited and distributed by [NRMedia Group](https://www.nrmedia.biz/) and [NeighborN8](https://www.youtube.com/@musicfestivalspodcast)

[Skin Deep Podcast](https://tatsbywes.com/blog/tag/skin-deep-podcast), [black and gray tattoos](https://tatsbywes.com/blog/tag/black-and-gray-tattoos), [realism](https://tatsbywes.com/blog/tag/realism)

## Comments

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