Josh Bodwell is a new tattoo artist on A&E’s Epic Ink. Epic Ink centers around nerdy, geeky pop culture tattoos. Josh is a fellow sci-fi fan and Yodasnews reader. We are happy to have this opportunity to ask him a few questions.
Yodasnews: First off Josh, how did you get started in the tattoo industry and how long have you been working in it?
Josh Bodwell: I’ve been tattooing for over 12 years now and I was really fortunate in having my friend and fellow tattooist Mike Ruocco at Funhouse Tattooing in Tannersville, PA (still my home base) give me a chance to apprentice. Prior to all that, I’ve been an artist as long as I can remember, mostly inspired by the comic book and fantasy art I grew up with.
YN: Please tell us a little about your new show. How did you get involved with Epic Ink?
JB: Epic Ink is a fun and lighthearted look at the quirky side of tattooing outside of all the drama and sob stories, its about getting the images of your favorite characters and thing on your skin simply because you are the biggest fan ever and being done by some amazing artists and having a few laughs along the way. The gang on Epic Ink are all my extended tattoo family, we’ve all known each other for years and have traveled around the world together. I hope viewers will appreciated our little nerdy family’s comradery!
YN: What are your favorite kinds of tattoos to do?
JB: I do a lot of color portraiture and realism so top of my list is any scifi or movie character portraits.
YN: Of course, we need to know, how many Star Wars tattoos have you done?
JB: Oh man, too many to count! Its hands down my favorite thing to tattoo. I’ve been lucky enough to tattoo at the past Star War Celebration and Celebration Europe 2 as one of the few Lucasfilms licensed tattoo artist. Aside from Epic Ink its probably one of my favorite tattooing moments! Having Carrie Fisher look through my portfolio?! Priceless!
YN: What was your favorite or most unique Star Wars tattoo that you did?
JB: I love when I get an opportunity to tattoo something from the EU, like Darth Bane or Admiral Thrawn
YN: What was the best tattoo you ever did of?
JB: I know it sounds like a cop out answer but really what ever the last few tattoos I’ve done are my favorite. I’m always working to improve and I work hard to make the next tattoo even better.
YN: What was the worst tattoo that you have been asked to do?
JB: haha probably the guy that came to the shop and wanted a tattoo that looked like a jail house tattoo.. so he could “impress” his friends I suppose!
YN: Can you tell us about any Star Wars themed episodes that are upcoming?
JB: Well, I can tell you that throughout the season fellow Star Wars fans will spot tons of collectables, artwork and even costumes all around the shop! I’m also ecstatic that we even had Lucasfilms artist Steve Anderson (known for SW official prints and commercial artwork) create our official show artwork.
YN: With all the tattoo ideas you have seen, do you have any suggestions for any readers that may be thinking of getting some ink?
JB: Number one suggestion: Research your artist. Look at portfolios and seek out the artist you think will do the best job based on what you have seen from them. It also helps if you are going to get a Star Wars tattoo that they are a fan as well!
YN: Thanks for taking the time to talk with us. Before we go, what is your favorite Star wars movie?
JB: I’m still torn because the adult viewer in me loves Empire for its tone and plot tension, but as a kid I was a big fan of Jedi and love me some Henson puppets! lol
Thank you again to Josh Bodwell for talking with us. You can keep up with Josh on Twitter/IG: @joshbodwell or on his website: joshbodwell.com. The official website for Epic Ink: www.aetv.com/epic-ink . Don’t forget to watch Epic Ink on Wednesdays at 10:30/9:30c on A&E!