Meet Paul Giovis | Tattoo Artist & Muralist

We had the good fortune of connecting with Paul Giovis and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Paul, can you share the most important lesson you’ve learned over the course of your career?
Self motivation is key. No one is pushing you to work more when you are your own boss. I have to constantly remind myself that it is all up to me to grow, make better work, and for my business to grow. Balance is the hardest thing to find when you are working for yourself. Am I working too much? Am I not working enough. I have been continuously working on this so I don’t get burnt out doing something I love or finding myself stagnant. Keeping busy and working outside your comfort zone is the only way to grow as an artist.

Let’s talk shop? Tell us more about your career, what can you share with our community?
Ever since I can remember I’ve been drawing. Growing up with a heavy influence of skateboarding and music really pushed me in the direction of making the art I do today. Since I was young I was always fascinated with street art and tattoos. It was always my goal to eventually part of that culture. I like to think of my bold, detailed style as a mixture of all of my influences. I’ve worked very hard over the years to create a style I can call my own, and nothing makes me prouder than when people tell me they noticed it was my work without even seeing the signature. What excites me the most about my artwork is that it can be easily translated from painting murals to tattoo work. The style stays the same, just different canvas’. Its cool to see my large scale work out around town as well as walking around on peoples bodies. I worked a lot of odd jobs and in restaurants and bars for years to get by. All those years I still had a strong focus on my art and kept working at making it my full time thing.

Any places to eat or things to do that you can share with our readers? If they have a friend visiting town, what are some spots they could take them to?
I’ve always been a huge fan of Columbus, Ohio. There really is so much fun to be had and great people to hang out with. If I was trying to show someone a good time I would definitely take them to Wayne Web’s bowling alley where you can bowl under black lights and watch 90’s music videos on projection screens, while drinking too much beer.

My favorite brewery in Columbus is without a doubt Seventh Son. Everything about that place is amazing; the people, their merchandise, the beer, food trucks, and atmosphere as a whole. They have events, flea markets and dance parties from time to time and really just do a good job running their business and treating their people right.

Riding bikes to bars around the city is one of the best ways to have a good time. Columbus is pretty flat so it makes for an easy ride most anywhere in the city with all the bike lanes and trails. Some of my favorite spots include The Oracle, Cafe Bourbon Street, St. James Tavern, Low Beck, and Ace of Cups for shows. Speaking of concerts, I’ve never had a bad time at Kemba Live for an outdoor show, so I would definitely add that to the list.

As far as food, I could go on forever. Some of my top choices though would be Comune, Chapman’s, Nina’s Thai on High, Brassica, Indian Oven, Gemut Biergarten, Wolf’s Ridge, South Village Grill, Dough Mama, and Los Agaves food truck for the best birria tacos on earth.

Franklinton Friday is always a good opportunity to get out in the art community and meet some of Columbus’ best people. You can see live music, art installations, buy art or vintage clothing from local vendors, or visit one of the many open studios during the event. This city works hard and produces amazing things. Everyone is very supportive of each other which makes it truly an honor to be part of this community.

A couple other local businesses that can’t go unmentioned are Spoonful Records, Uppercup Coffee, and Embassy Skateshop.

Shoutout is all about shouting out others who you feel deserve additional recognition and exposure. Who would you like to shoutout?
There are a lot of people out there that shaped me and helped pave the way for me as an artist. If I had to narrow it down to a few people I would have to mention my high school art teachers Aaron Roberts, Tina Roberts, and Beth Eline. These three individuals really pushed me into having a career in art. They saw something in me and helped put the pieces together. I can confidently say that without their guidance I would not be where I am today. I would also like to mention Craig Dransfield, a friend and mentor to me throughout and after college. We have worked on countless projects together and I’ve learned a lot from his talents and limitless skills. Another person who can’t go unmentioned is my tattoo mentor, Katherine Dearwester. She gave me the opportunity to make a career out of tattooing and taught me all I know in the field. I am grateful for every single person who has been part of my journey in the arts.

Website: Paulgiovis.com

Instagram: @allapaulygs