Putting 2011 to bed vs the new dawn.

OK! Here goes with the typical, but definitely necessary message on New Years Eve to everyone who might be reading this. I know its a busy day/time of year in general, but Ive felt like i needed to write something for a while. The nature of what i do makes it a little more difficult to often write anything longer than something thats attached to a tattoo picture on instagram, or a random thought on twitter. Not making excuses, thats just how it is and i’d really hope that it doesnt ever come across like i dont care or arrogance or anything ridiculous like that. I try my best. Thats all i can really do. 

There are so many social network avenues these days that it often feels very impersonal. You ‘follow’ or are ‘friends’ with someone who you may not have met, or never will. While im not going to be foolish and pretend it could be any different, i am writing this message to tell you….LISTEN….. that i 100% appreciate the support i have had this year more than youll know! 

It really is a great feeling knowing what you do is appreciated on the level it has been, and i really want to try to better the communication i have with everyone. I think its healthy to not depend on that feeling, but the main point of this message is to let you know that it doesnt go un-noticed whatsoever!

I know being wrapped up in the tv show, there might be a lot of room for assumption….especially with those ‘amazing’ editing skills. It wasn’t my world and it was the hardest thing ive probably had to deal with. Mostly for reasons you guys will never know, but i agreed to do it for the simple reason to try and give back to the one thing that has been the guiding light in my life - tattooing. There would be a list a mile long of people who would take that opportunity and flush it down the toilet….use it for bad and to boost their already delusional view of themselves, but i took it as a platform to rep the good guys, the hard workers, the genuine and the dedicated….as much as possible. From the shirts i wore to the ideas i tried my hardest to push forward on there, it was all genuine appreciation for the countless artists that made ME who i am and still inspire me today. To those who backed me during this time and for that decision, ill never forget it. 

To all the people i have met on my travels, be it tattooing or with the band, it was a pleasure. I feel like i got to see a LOT of the world this year and it was great to put names to faces, tattoos on bodies and songs in ears. We put out a record recently called Every Waking Moment, and now that the tv show is over, i am super excited to finally have the time to tour and make that more of a priority. To everyone who has constantly supported our band, especially to those who were around long before they saw us on the show, youre the best. 

To everyone who has supported the book i recently put out With The Light Of Truth……THANK YOU. This has been an amazing experience and im so glad its finally out for you to see. Thanks to all the artists involved that helped me make HISTORY. 

Moving on…i hate thinking that im rambling so i will leave you with this. 

If you love something, let it be known. Say it. Dont be held back by what you think is supposed to happen, what someone else does or what youre expected to do. If you know you have weaknesses then work on bettering them honestly. Its not a competition, but great things come from HARD WORK. Throw away your insecurities. We are HUMAN. If you want to do something, even just a little but, dont look back. Do it. Take the people who judge or hate on it as FUEL for the fire. They do not exist for any other reason. 

Ive never had a plan, but heres to the PMA in 2012 and sticking to whatever New Years resolutions you have made. Make it what it should be. Its about progression. Bettering yourself always. Have a SAFE night.

I will be back in LA tattooing all of January and most of Feb. I will be at the following conventions this year, so if you live close and want a tattoo from me, then email me at APPOINTMENTS@DANSMITHTATTOOS.COM

MILAN TATTOO CONVENTION (FEB), PORTSMOUTH TATTOO CONVENTION (APRIL), INK N IRON LONG BEACH (JUNE), TORONTO TATTOO CONVENTION (JUNE), LONDON TATTOO CONVENTION (SEP), CALGARY TATTOO CONVENTION (OCT)…..possibly a couple more TBA. 

MUCH LOVE and RESPECT. Onwards and upwards. 

Dan 

Ok now im off to see AMERICAN NIGHTMARE…then BLAQK AUDIO! Sorry…had to brag.