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

Hi Antonio, what’s something about your industry that outsiders are probably unaware of?
How competitive it is! The tattoo industry is full of amazing artists so that means the competition is steep. Every client that comes through my shop door has more than likely has a few other artist and shops in mind. They are just weighing out their options. It’s my job too show them why I am their best choice each and every time.

Alright, so let’s move onto what keeps you busy professionally?
I am a professional tattoo artist, I like to add that professional part to the top because to me this isn’t a hobbie or just a passion it is more than that. It is something that I bring the highest level of skill and knowledge to. What sets me apart from other artist is my sheer enjoyment of working with my clients and how important it is for me to manifest their ideas into reality. I’ve been tattooing since 2011 and the road has not been easy at all. Constant doors being closed in my face to the challenges of turning this into a profitable profession and not just a hustle. I overcame those challenges by working smarter and working harder than the people around me. I understood that this industry was filled with so much talent I had to become more than just that. I want the world to see me as someone who can understand their vision down to the smallest minute detail and really bring it to life. That’s what my brand HeART Synergy is all about connecting with each other to create more!

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?
First stop for something to eat we would definitely have to hit up a downtown Detroit brunch spot “Le Petit Dejeuner.”

For dinner would have to go to downtown Detroit as well for some upscale soul food from “Savannah Blue”

Throughout the week we could do some local spots like “Las Palapas” in Livonia
Or “French toast” in canton. Also if you want to get fancy “Habib’s” in Dearborn is an amazing Lebanese restaurant.

For some artistic architectural inspiration the Detroit river walk is always a nice place to just chill and enjoy the scenery of the city.

Last but not least we would definitely have to spend some time at “HeART Synergy Studios” where some of the best tattoo artist in Michigan call home.

Who else deserves some credit and recognition?
I’d like to shout out David and Donni from the Social Proof Podcast. To me they are strong leaders in the entrepreneurship community. They know how to be entertaining and informative and have brought me value many times over the pas few years I have been listening to them.

Instagram: @theartofantonio

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