Introducing Crash Van Zan

Crash Van Zan is an outstanding tattoo artist who works at Wicked Addictions in Oakland Tennessee. Crash is a Navy veteran who is originally from Lafayette in Los Angles. His tattoo portfolio brims with a variety of styles and pieces, from black and grey realism to colourful characters. When we first spoke to Crash about the interview, he was more than happy to be involved and we are so happy to have him on the site. If you’re interested in reading more about Crash, keep reading.

When did you get into tattooing and what has changed since then?

I started my apprenticeship in February of 2012 and graduated in August 2013. Since then, everything has changed. I’ve learned a lot and have grown as an artist and as a human being. I’m always looking for ways to improve any and every aspect of my chosen craft.

Who would you love a tattoo by?

There are too many artists I would love to get tattooed by. Niko Hurtado, Freddy Nagretti, Carl Grace, Bob Tyrell, Kelley Doty, Jessie Smith, Viktor Chill…I could go in and on and on. There’s a lot of fantastic artists out there.

How would your colleagues describe you?

My colleagues would describe me as a hard-working, passionate, and dependable person…if they were inclined to say something nice.

Do you have any pet peeves when you are tattooing someone?

Being too picky. I understand the customer wants a good tattoo. I want to give a good tattoo. And I’m not talking about people who know what they want and stick to their plan. I’m talking about the guy who asks you to move their stencil fifteen times at a distance of 2mm to the left. Or 1/64 of an inch down.

Then after moving it a dozen times winds up in the exact same spot it was in the first time you laid the stencil…that and the whole “I want to put 15 names with birthdates in a rose on my thumb” people.

Advice to those looking to get a tattoo for the first time?

I’d advise the first-timer to take their time when picking out their artist. Find someone who is passionate about their art and takes your tattoo just as seriously as you do.

What do you do in your spare time?

I draw, write, paint, play video games, and ride my Harley.

Finally, if you could only eat one meal for the rest of your life what would you pick?

Jambalaya