COLLABORATE : JULIAN BAST

Julian Bast is a painter and tattooer based in Ann Arbor MI.  Born and raised in Fredericksburg, VA- Bast has been painting his entire life and tattooing for 7 years. His work is vibrant, intricate and inspired. Poor Devil has worked with Bast on a handful of merch releases over the past year and he is the man behind our signature pepper bae.

How did you get into doing what you do? 

Through skateboarding I found love of filming, that led to making music videos, which led to helping the owner of a tattoo shop in town, that lead to a front desk position, that eventually led to an apprenticeship. But looking back, tattooing found me.

What gets you in the creative headspace? 

There are a lot of variables, but being in a good mood is number one. A clear vision of what to create is second. Then a good speech or podcast or music to listen to is very nice. Then a little cannabis is the cherry on top, haha. 

What’s the strangest thing you’ve tattooed on someone? 

That’s such a hard one to answer because strange to me may not be strange to you. I think the small trendy tattoos that won’t age well, sweeping the surface level of tattoo culture like some seasonal fashion trend are very strange to tattoo. 

When you’re not working, what are you up to? 

Dad life, reading bedtime stories, drawing with the kids and exploring with thme, watching them take in the world and experience new things and in tern getting refreshed and seeing the world as new through them. That and a lot of painting, skateboarding, reading comics and graphic novels and daydreaming about making some myself. 

With all of the things happening in the world- what keeps you focused and looking towards the future? 

The realization that it’s always a crazy time in the world. No matter what, somewhere on the planet there is always suffering, war, and the rich getting richer. It helps me to go inward and work on what I can truly control. 

What can you not get enough of right now music wise? (song, album, genre, whatever it may be!) 

Amanaz! Khala my friend. 

What’s your favorite thing to eat with hot sauce? 

Ah, that’s a tricky one too. Because that really depends on what I’m craving to eat! haha. I absolutely love your Kali Curry sauce with breakfast foods, eggs and stuff. 

If you had one meal left- what would it be? 

Maple glazed Salmon for sure.

Find Bast: Name Brand Tattoo and here —>