Check Out Colby Morton’s Story

Today we’d like to introduce you to Colby Morton.

Hi Colby, we appreciate you taking the time to share your story with us today. Where does your story begin?
My story started in January 1986 in Fremont, Nebraska. Fast forward to 2012, and an abrupt move to Lake of the Ozarks, I began tattooing professionally. I felt at home when I saw the bright lights, neon, and overall lake atmosphere. Given the opportunity at what I felt was a second chance at the lake, I began taking life and tattooing more severely than I ever had before. In the fall of 2014, I quit drinking, which led to even more opportunities. After a few years of tattooing at the lake and having my third child, my partner and I relocated to Kansas City.

Kansas City welcomed us with open arms. The first landlord (Ron Taylor, a legend of an artist with decades of pottery experience) we had became my greatest mentor. Everything was falling into place. I began attending tattoo conventions around the county and competed in ´Tattooed Gloves.´ A charity boxing match for Tattooers led to an article in Inked Magazine and invitations to make tattoos at tattoo shops across the county. I took up as many people as possible on their offer and was learning all along the way. With the push from Ron Taylor, I began looking at life as more of an art and realizing I could at least survive creating and step away from the rat race of modern capitalist society. I spent a few years at Working Class Tattoo while they were still located in Raytown.

While at Working Class Tattoo, I began traveling even more and seeking out the artists and tattooers that inspired me. That has allowed me to meet and, in some cases, develop great friendships with some of the most inspiring creative people I have ever met. After WCT, I tattooed out of Golden Stag Tattoo and Gallery. While at Golden Stag, I had the opportunity to curate an art exhibition featuring tattooers I admired. The exhibition was titled Hocus Pocus and took place in 2019. I have enjoyed being involved with and volunteering in grassroots organizations such as Food Not Bombs. In early 2021, I was fortunate to be included in a Body Of Work, an art exhibition at The Museum of Pop Culture. In 2020 we relocated from Kansas City to Columbia, MO, where we are currently based. I also take great pride in my collection of tattoo history memorabilia and my appreciation of the ones that came before me.

Would it have been a smooth road, and if not, what are some of the biggest challenges you’ve faced along the way?
All that glimmers isn’t gold. This path has not been the easiest one. Addiction, losing family and friends, consistently moving, starting over, mental health, parenting, and trying to find balance. My mother’s legs were amputated before I was born. Being raised by a mother with prosthetic legs came with its challenges. I am honestly grateful for the hard times that came before. I know I wouldn’t be who I am without those experiences. I’m proud to continue living an alcohol-free life and using the experiences that have challenged me. The times of struggle allow me to empathize with and relate to my clientele and help me grow as a human and artist.

Thanks – so, what else should our readers know about your work and what you’re currently focused on?
I create tattoos mostly and enjoy creating art in all aspects. I enjoy the Learning and freedoms of living an artist’s life. I specialize in Traditional Tattooing and feel that’s what I’m most known for. One of my proudest art moments is being included in the “Body Of Work” exhibition at the Museum of Pop Culture in Seattle. I like to do things that help myself, and others feel good. Something that sets me apart is my dedication to the history of tattooing.

Do you have any advice for those looking to network or find a mentor?
The best way to find a mentor is to be open and honest with people. Don’t hide your intentions. My most excellent mentor, Ron Taylor, was my first landlord when I moved to Kansas City. We became close through mutual interests in art and tattooing, and he honestly showed me it was possible to live the artist/creative lifestyle well into old age! Respecting what came before me has helped me navigate the seas of tattooing and the art world. I’ve been lucky to meet and learn from many I admire and respect.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://www.colbymorton.com/about
• Instagram: @Colby_morton
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/cmortontattoo1/