Bill Fletcher Tattoo Design / Work by Bill Fletcher Tattoo Design / Work by Bill Fletcher Tattoo Design / Work by Bill Fletcher

When did you become interested in tattooing?

My tattoo roots reach long and far, as far back as 1974 and all the way to Honolulu. My first work was done by Mike Malone at China Sea Tattoo. China Sea was originally owned by the late Sailor Jerry Collins, a true icon in this business. I hung out there, did time as the shop gopher, and made a general pest of my self. Along with getting tattooed and sopping up Malone's ever-engaging tall tales.

When did you start tattooing full time?

I started tattooing full time in 1987, in Madrid NY, where I opened Bridge Street Tattoo. During that same time I did continuing guest spots at New Moon Tattoo in Ottawa, Ont. and had the opportunity to work with Dan Allaston. In those days, Dan and I shared this dry sense of humor, full of cynicism. It had to be a real treat to deal with both of us back then.

Where did you go from there?

In 1990 I opened Tattoos by Bill here in Plattsburgh. Some notable European guest artists found their way into the shop. John Sargerson, Jackie Bailey, Sharron Brooks and Max Wood all left their mark on some of the local folks. In the early nineties I was also fortunate to have a young John Bicknell for the first few seasons of his flourishing career. He now owns Steel City Tattoo in Bethlehem, Pa. and is doing some amazing stuff.

Have you worked anywhere else?

Lately I've spent time on the Maine coast with Tom and Cheryl Murphy at Tom's Terrific Tattoo in Ellsworth, near Bar Harbor. Tom and Cheryl are some of the greatest folks I've ever met. From Maine I went to Reno, Nevada and worked for a year at Guy Martynuik's old school shop, Body Graphics. Guy is a living piece of tattoo history, having learned the trade from his dad, the late Pat Martynuik. Pat's trade name was Picture Machine. He earned that by designing and hand drawing thousands upon thousands of Tattoo Design/Works. A lot of that original artwork still hangs in the Reno Body Graphics shop.

What next?

After Body Graphics, I went into partnership with Garrett Casse and we opened Pirate Tattoo, a class act in downtown Reno. We split the cost but Garrett put the bigger share of time and effort into building Pirate which was a huge undertaking and he did a superb job. So, when it was time to come home I unceremoniously handed my half to Garrett, the last real pirate. He's continued to develop the shop which is now truly fabulous.

Do you ever go back there?

Reno is still my second home and I return there often to work and play, thanks to Garrett and his guys at Pirate and all their hospitality.

Anywhere else?

I've traveled much and worked at several conventions including Mad Hatters in Portland, Maine, Am-Jam Tattoo Expo, and Great Canadian Tattoo Expo in Petawawa, Ontario. Lately I've confined my travel to Pirate in Reno.

Any other artwork or hobbies?

I've always done pencil drawings and lately have been toying with acrylics. It's good exercise. A lot of the younger tattooists are working in other mediums as well--they recognize the value of it. My other love is writing--had a couple of short stories published.

Any more on the way?

I wish. It takes me a tremendous amount of time to write even the smallest thing. It's hard to find the time.

What would you tell a prospective tattoo artist?

I'd tell them that this job probably isn't what they think. And that in today's market you really need that art talent. Study all the basic art-nerd stuff. The color wheel, perspective, composition, etc. It's all necessary and should be enjoyable if your cut out for this job. It will make the job so much more learnable if your not struggling with your art skills and the mechanics of tattooing all at once. And you have to be able to do custom work. The clients demand it now.

What's Your Next Move?

I don't know that there is one. I'm fully settled with my partner, Karen. She's my right arm, keeping me from getting snowed under with shop chores, and helping out with the customers. She's really got that eye for color and design and is instrumental in getting the customers on the right track with their designs. We are staying in the Plattsburgh area.