This month we took a liking to Tyler Brandt Ferguson. The 23 year old apprentice at Forever Tattoo first caught our eye with his vintage style and customized skin, but Tyler’s amiable demeanor is what stamps his ‘Too Fine’ approval. One of Tyler’s best features is his politeness, which he says he gets from his Mom. “I’m such a Mama’s Boy. She’s really one of my best friends and supports me no matter what. She pushes me to stick with stuff. She supports my apprenticeship.”
Tyler’s tattoo apprenticeship under Mark Stewart has progressed to a paying one, so he sees the beginning of a career. However, Tyler’s first tattooing experience started as a joke. “The first time was even before I was working here. Mark paid Chris for me to tattoo him, and it was a little Sailor Jerry piece. It didn’t come out too horrible, so it gave him the idea that maybe I could do this.”
For a moment our interview with Tyler turns into a Proust-style quick questionnaire like Inside the Actors Studio.
What’s your favorite drink? “Big whiskey fan, but I stick with beer. I love Sam Adams and Guiness.”
What is your guilty pleasure? “Sleeping in, but I do that all the time. I like 90′s alternative rock, like Hootie and the Blowfish. I grew up and it was always on the radio and it reminds me of growing up.”
Do you dance? “No.”
What is your least favorite word? “I don’t like the word epic.”
What is your favorite curse word? “Probably shit.”
What is the last text you received? “Mark was looking for you but no rush. Kk.”
Where do we find you on a Friday night? “Friday I’m here til 8, but I’ll do some local thing like go to a show, hang out with my girlfriend or go see a movie.”
What are your favorite businesses around town? “I just checked out Cool Hand Luc’s, gotta support that. I like going to Paradise Bikes here in Cape Coral and they also have one in Fort Myers. I play bike polo too so they help me out with everything. I love going to Sonny’s BBQ but that’s more corporate. Also the grooming place that just opened next door to us (The Groomers). One of the owners use to work at The Yuppy Puppy, and always did an awesome job on my husky, Montauk. I highly recommend their work if you have a furry little friend.”
Tyler’s soapbox message goes hand in hand with his profession in permanent ink. He wanted to tell “anyone looking to get tattooed, don’t rush it, take your time. Research your artist, because once you get it, you’re stuck with it. There is laser removal and cover ups, but that’s a lot to go through. If there is a day that you want that tattoo and you need it now and there are no openings, it’s not the end of the world. Make an appointment with us.”
<BROWSE TYLER’S TOO FINE PHOTOSHOOT WITH KABLE GREY PHOTOGRAPHY BELOW!>
Shot on location at the “World Famous” Cigar Bar, Downtown Fort Myers
