Shotsie Gorman

Shotsie Gorman is the revered founder of Shotsie’s Tattoo, a studio with a rich history rooted in Union City, NJ, where he first opened its doors in 1977. His impactful career began in the 1970s in New York City during a period when tattooing was still illegal. A true pioneer and tireless advocate, Shotsie furthered the art form by publishing ‘Tattoo Advocate’ starting in 1988, a bi-annual magazine dedicated to promoting tattooing, politics, art criticism, and history. He played a pivotal role in advocating for tattoo artist licensing in New Jersey, working with William J. Pascrell to professionalize the industry and weed out amateurs. Over the years, he expanded Shotsie’s Tattoo to multiple locations before selling his Wayne shop in 2006. After relocating to Sedona, AZ, to focus on his painting career, and later opening Tarot Art & Tattoo Gallery in Sonoma, CA, with his wife Kristine, Shotsie has now returned east to New Hope, PA. He remains a profound source of inspiration for tattoo artists globally, often returning to his original shop for guest spots and conventions, which is now skillfully operated by his last apprentice, Mick Metal.