For Dan Smith, music and tattooing go hand in hand: They’re the soundtrack to and storyboard of life. Born in England and raised in New Zealand, Smith looked for excitement in environments where he could be himself and just feel good during those awkward teenage years. He found what he was looking for in the kitchen of a punk house where, at age 15, he got his first tattoo. From there, he learned from his mentors—fellow tattoo artists and musicians who hammered a hard-work ethic into him. Today, he’s a thriving artist and a shining example of the CounterClass.

Smith’s tattooing plays homage to the traditional, but he still breaks the rules. His work demonstrates a deep understanding that, while it’s important to blaze new trails, you need to understand where your passion comes from. In this video, he shares more about his inspiration and experiences, including the first tattoos he ever gave and received.

Check out Dan Smith's Captured Tattoo: http://www.capturedtattoo.com/

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