Ryan Arnold, Tradition style stops in Portland

Let’s find out more about this tattoo artist who produces large pieces, working with great passion at ‘Tattoo Smile’ in Oregon’s capital city.

Hi Ryan, where were you born and when did you realize in your life that tattoo art would definitely be part of your daily commitment?
I was born in Texas and grew up along the East Coast. I was into old cars and motorcycles and naturally gravitated towards tattoos. At 20 I realized it was something I could really pursue and make a career based on how hard I choose to work and not by decisions made by anyone else.

Why that nickname “Red Thorn”?
8 years ago I opened a shop with J Ranno (IG: @j_ranno), he came up with that name and I just added it to my last name on Instagram to promote the shop (IG: @arnold.redthorn). Years later it became recognizable as my name so I just kept it. That tattoo shop was a huge turning point for me so I like to have a part of it around still.

Yours is a very unique Traditional, enriched by NewTrad influences but also by elements that can make it original and refined at the same time. Do you agree?
I definitely pull from multiple genres of tattooing. Based in Traditional, sure, but I’ve worked with several really great tattooers who made amazing large Japanese work which has had a major influence on how I think about layout and making subjects more dynamic. I also pull from so many other things in life outside tattooing. We all look at other tattoos.

I study other pieces to understand technique and how to build a tattoo but try never to create a design based on a tattoo reference.

You’re known for completing very large tattoos quickly, even in one session sometimes. What makes this possible for you?
My approach to tattooing comes from growing up working with my hands. I tattoo like I’m using tools rather than a paint brush, mostly standing and using my entire body. I’ve also learned to draw my designs in a way that allows for efficient tattooing based on the needles I’ll use.

What is it like working at ‘Tattoo Smile’ in Portland, but above all tattooing in Oregon which is one of the great capitals of American tattooing?
Weird… but it’s nice! The tattoo shop (IG: @tattoosmilepdx) is in the center of a residential neighborhood, surrounded by rose gardens and endless trees. It’s quiet, no one wanders in starting trouble or trying to sell you an old stereo like I’m used to! (laughs)

Tell me more about Portland…
The biggest change working in Portland has been the work I get asked to make. I used to have mostly regulars and I would do almost all of their tattoos. In Portland you end up mostly doing the hits, they get a snake from me, an eagle from Gordon, a thunderbird from Cheyenne and so on. You become part of a bigger rotation, which can be cool. It’s been great getting to work next to so many inspiring tattoos.

What are you up to this summer? Will you spend it at ‘Tattoo Smile’ in Portland or will you be traveling around the States or elsewhere busy with guest spots and tattoo conventions?
I do my best not to leave the Pacific North West in the summer. It’s too good. I’ll take weekends off for the first time in my career and I’ll spend as many as I can in the mountains or at the river.