Valley Life
“Everybody gets tattooed for a different reason. If you're getting tattooed, we're all in the same community."
By Angela RoseRed
November 20, 2024
Luke Goodell works on a client. Angela RoseRed
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Some say the tattoo collector community has an unspoken kinship, even among absolute strangers. From the smallest wrist tattoo to the most intricate backpiece, there’s an invisible social thread that ties them together. Scanning a room full of unknowns and finding “that other person with body art” can give an outsider a sense of belonging. That connection is the core inspiration behind the work of Luke Goodell, a tattooer, visual artist, and owner of Rattlesnake Romance Tattoo.
“Everybody gets tattooed for a different reason. If you are getting tattooed, that means we're all in the same community. We all have a screw loose or two and we're all beautiful weirdos,” Goodell says. “If you like to get tattoos, we're together. We're on the same team.”
He fell into the tattoo industry by happy accident, simply being at the right place at the right time. Originally from Colorado, he came to Arizona to attend art school. After becoming a regular client at a local tattoo shop, they offered him an apprenticeship based on his drawing skills.
Goodell explains, “I had no wishes, hopes, dreams, anything as far as aspirations to become a tattoo artist. I just completely fell into it. This was almost like becoming a pirate. I looked at these dudes that worked at this shop like they were just pirates. I was like, ‘How can I get on this pirate ship?’”
A Luke Goodell tattoo design.
Courtesy of Luke Goodell
After leaving his 9-to-5 corporate grind, Goodell dived headfirst into his tattoo career and never looked back. Since he apprenticed in a street shop where artists are expected to be proficient in whatever tattoo request walks in the door, it stretched him artistically. Fast forward to the present: Goodell now has 21 years of tattooing experience, and has been the owner of Rattlesnake Romance Tattoo for the past five.
“I'm grateful for everybody that came before me and all the amazing people that helped me get in this industry and taught me to tattoo,” he reflects. “They didn't have to do that, and they gave me a career.”
Due to the diverse range of his experience, he’ll gladly take on any request. His priority is earning the client’s trust to deliver a quality tattoo they’ll treasure for years to come. His personal artistic style taps into his love of hip-hop music and '80s pop culture references.
“I would almost consider my style with paintings and tattoos like a sampler, almost how hip-hop producers take a little sample from this song and blend it with this song to make their own creation,” Goodell reveals. “You might not even recognize the influence. That's the perfect element of art it makes you happy. Then, you get lucky and someone else by chance likes it as well. That’s the happiest moment of my life.”
Goodell’s vibrant, fun and positive outlook on life is reflected in his shop. Unlike some shops with darker rebellious vibes, Rattlesnake Romance Tattoo displays nostalgic movie collectibles, action figures, custom artwork, vibrant crystals and lively plants. Upbeat music is always on rotation with comic books, lollipops and a Nintendo ready to occupy clients while they wait. His priority is to make everyone who enters the shop smile, feel visually stimulated, and comfortable.
click to enlarge
A Luke Goodell tattoo design.
Courtesy of Luke Goodell
As successful as the shop is, one would assume there have been years of heavy promotion to make its presence known in Phoenix. However, most clients come through word of mouth, client referrals and the occasional passerby, which adds to the special speakeasy tone.
Over the years, Goodell expanded his skillset, inspired others to open their own tattoo shops, apprenticed new tattooers and even tattooed the kids of longtime clients who have since come of age. What keeps him fresh as an artist is staying fluid and adaptable within an ever-changing industry. His lifeline is creating art in a way that brings others together all while honoring those who taught him the ways of tattooing.
Goodelle says, “I'm attracted to just building bonds and building a community. It's based around tattooing, it’s the catalyst that sparks those human interactions. They just vibrate, literally vibrate with the tattoo machine, creating this insane transfer of energy together with our client. I'm grateful and it's amazing that I get to do this every day.”
Visit lukegoodell.com to schedule a consultation or commission artwork with Luke Goodell, and follow him on Instagram at @lukegoodelltattoos. Stay updated on the shop’s journey and see the work of their tattoo artists by following @rattlesnakeromance on Instagram.
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