Tattoo Artist Corey Miller

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The world of tattoo artistry is filled with unique stories of passion, creativity, and raw talent, and few embody this spirit more than Corey Miller. A self-taught tattoo artist who transformed his punk rock roots into an extraordinary career, Miller has become a legendary figure in the tattoo industry, leaving an indelible mark that extends far beyond the ink he creates.

The Unconventional Beginnings

Born on March 13, 1967, in Southern California, Corey Miller didn’t follow the traditional path to becoming a tattoo artist. At the tender age of 15 in 1982, he began his journey with a makeshift tattoo machine crafted from truly inventive materials. His first “tattoo kit” was a remarkable contraption consisting of:

• A fish tank pump motor
• A bent toothbrush
• The tip of a Bic pen
• Guitar string as a needle
• A bottle of Pelican ink

Carried around in a Vans shoe box, this homemade setup was Miller’s introduction to the world of tattooing. His punk rock background and DIY ethos would become the foundation of his unique artistic approach.

The Hollywood Tattoo Scene

Miller’s breakthrough came when he discovered Spotlight Tattoo in Hollywood, run by the legendary Bob Roberts. This wasn’t just a tattoo shop; it was the epicenter of hardcore punk rock tattoo culture. Intrigued by the hand-drawn skulls and aggressive designs, Miller knew his shoe box days were numbered.

In 1987, a pivotal moment arrived when Fat George gave Miller his first professional tattooing opportunity at Fat George’s Tattoo Gallery in La Puente. This was where he truly began to hone his craft, working alongside influential artists and developing his distinctive style.

Rise to Prominence

Miller’s career trajectory took a significant turn when he opened Six Feet Under Tattoo Parlor in Upland, California, on April Fools’ Day in 1997. But it was his appearance on the TLC reality show LA Ink that catapulted him to national recognition. Throughout the show’s four seasons, Miller showcased his exceptional black and gray portrait work and freehand tattooing skills.

Celebrity Clientele

His reputation grew not just through television, but through an impressive roster of high-profile clients, including:

• James Hetfield from Metallica
• Custom motorcycle builder Jesse James
• Former MLB star Jason Giambi

Beyond Tattooing

Miller isn’t just a tattoo artist. He’s also a passionate musician, playing drums in his band PowerFlex 5. In 2009, Ludwig Drums even released a drum set featuring his signature flash designs, highlighting his multifaceted creativity.

🎨 Note: Miller's self-taught journey proves that passion, creativity, and persistence can overcome traditional barriers to entry in any artistic field.

His approach to tattooing has always been about breaking boundaries. Without a formal apprenticeship, he learned by “going on my own and falling on my face,” a philosophy that has defined his unique path in the tattoo world.

As the owner of Six Feet Under Tattoo Parlor, Miller continues to push the boundaries of tattoo artistry, creating timeless pieces that reflect his decades of experience and uncompromising artistic vision.