Artist and tattooer Mike Wardell has been working in the tattoo industry for over a decade. Mike enjoys creating in a variety of styles but is most at home doing neo-traditional, color tattoo work. Mike's artistic influences include mythology, comic book art, skateboard graphics and the American traditional style. Mike's work is based in the culture and history of tattooing as an art form.

Mike received his formal education through the Art Institute, where he graduated with a bachelor's degree in 2012. However, he showed artistic promise at a young age, when he could be found doodling monsters in the margins of his school homework. He flourished in drawing class and eventually made a foray into a disparate array of mediums including acrylic and oil paint, pen and ink, sumi ink wash, charcoal, and colored pencils. In addition to traditional mediums, Mike is also fluent with digital graphics programs, such as Adobe Photoshop.

 Mike has been influenced by a variety of artistic movements, but if he had to pick a favorite he would choose surrealism. He is fascinated by the works of M.C. Escher, Salvador Dali, H.R. Giger, and Alex Grey. Additionally, Mike admits to being fascinated by "low brow" art, such as that featured in Juxtapose and High Fructose magazines. Ron English, Michael Hussar, Chet Zar, and Sheppard Fairey are among Mike's favorite artists.

 In terms of tattooing, Mike confesses that he could talk forever about his influences. He was fortunate to learn under the tutelage of the talented Scott Falbo of Seattle's Apocalypse Tattoo and later with the guidance of Josh Hathaway, owner of Industry Tattoo in Bellingham, WA. A few of Mike's other influences include Jeff Gogue, Nick Baxter, Bob Tyrell, Carson Hill, Tony Ciavarro, Victor Portugal, and Nikko Hurtado. Mike currently works at Spidermonkey Tattoos in Olympia, WA.

 Mike believes that the history and culture of tattooing are an essential part of the industry, and he takes pride in staying current in industry standards. Mike enjoys working with his customers to create visually attractive designs that appeal to both customer and artist. He truly appreciates his clients, who have given him the opportunity to grow as an artist.