WHY MATT BRODNAX?
TRADITIONAL AMERICAN TATTOOS IN NYC
American Traditional Tattoos • Bold Custom Tattoo Work • Cover Up Tattoos • Color Tattoos • Backpiece Tattoos • Sleeve Tattoos & Fineline Tattoos
WHY MATT BRODNAX
Choosing a tattoo artist is about more than finding someone who can execute a design. It is about finding someone who understands the traditions behind the work and has dedicated years to mastering the craft.
Matt was born and raised in Austin, Texas, where he developed an early passion for drawing, painting, and music. That artistic foundation eventually led him into tattooing through a formal apprenticeship from 2008 to 2010 under respected tattooer Myke Chambers in Austin.
Since then, Matt has spent his career refining his skills, learning from experienced tattooers, collecting knowledge, painting flash, and continually studying the traditions that built modern tattooing.
His approach is straightforward: create bold, readable tattoos designed to look good the day they are done and decades later.
Traditional Tattooing Built on Tradition
Matt specializes in Traditional American tattooing, often referred to as Old School tattooing.
His influences include legendary tattoo artists such as:
- Sailor Jerry
- Bert Grimm
- Ed Hardy
- Stoney St. Clair
- Many of the artists who helped define American tattooing
Rather than chasing trends, Matt focuses on the principles that have made traditional tattoos endure for generations:
- Strong linework
- Solid color saturation
- Clean composition
- Readable designs
- Tattoos that age well
Whether creating a classic eagle, panther, skull, rose, dagger, ship, pin-up, sleeve, or large-scale custom project, Matt approaches every tattoo with respect for the history of the craft.
A Career Built in New York City
After completing his apprenticeship in Texas, Matt relocated to New York City and built his career across multiple boroughs and neighboring states.
His experience includes tattooing in:
- Manhattan
- Brooklyn
- Queens
- New Jersey
He also spent five years tattooing in the Lower East Side and East Village, two neighborhoods with deep roots in tattoo culture.
Over the years he has completed guest spots in Kingston and Buffalo, New York, and has worked at the Baltimore Tattoo Convention, gaining experience with a wide variety of clients and tattoo projects.
Today, Matt continues tattooing in Manhattan at Red Rocket Tattoo while remaining active in the broader tattoo community.
A Student of Tattooing
The best tattooers never stop learning.
Matt continues to study tattooing through multiple avenues:
- Painting flash daily
- Collecting reference material
- Studying historical tattoo designs
- Getting tattooed by respected artists
- Refining his understanding of traditional tattoo composition
His dedication extends beyond tattoo design itself. Matt also has extensive knowledge of assembling, tuning, and maintaining traditional coil tattoo machines, giving him a deeper understanding of the tools and techniques that built the industry.
Custom Tattoo Work
Matt works with clients seeking:
- Traditional American Tattoos
- Custom Tattoo Designs
- Sleeve Tattoos
- Backpiece Tattoos
- Cover-Up Tattoos
- Color Tattoos
- Fine Line Tattoos
- Bold Blackwork Designs
- Classic Flash Tattoos
Every project begins with a conversation about the client's goals, ideas, and long-term vision for the tattoo.
Whether the project is a single tattoo or a multi-session sleeve, Matt believes communication and planning are essential to achieving the best possible result.
Beyond Tattooing
Outside the studio, Matt continues to pursue the artistic and creative interests that have shaped his life.
He paints flash regularly, collects jazz records, plays clawhammer banjo, and shares life with his two French Bulldogs.
These influences contribute to the creative perspective he brings to his tattoo work every day.
Schedule a Consultation with Matt Brodnax
If you're looking for a Traditional American tattoo artist in New York City, Matt welcomes consultations for everything from small tattoos to large-scale custom projects.
Whether you have a fully developed concept or only the beginning of an idea, Matt is happy to discuss your project and help determine the best direction.
Ready to get started?
Book a consultation with Matt Brodnax at Red Rocket Tattoo NYC.