We Caught Up With Anthony Michaels During His Latest Collaboration

Winning Ink Master changed Anthony Michaels’ career. The years that followed changed something even more important.

We caught up with one of tattooing’s most recognizable artists in the Arizona desert during a cinematic shoot for his latest collaboration with Al Capone Cigarillos. Surrounded by vintage motorcycles and miles of open highway, the setting made for striking visuals.

As the production unfolded, our conversation quickly shifted beyond the shoot itself to the years that followed Ink Master.

“The timing couldn’t have been better because it aligned with a new chapter I’m stepping into,” he says. “Honestly, it challenged me, and I’ve learned that growth usually lives on the other side of those moments.”

More Than an Ink Master Winner

Today, Michaels works from a private studio in Tucson, Arizona, where he continues creating realism tattoos while offering clients a more personal, one on one experience.

Winning Ink Master brought a level of visibility few tattoo artists ever experience.

“Without question, the biggest change has been visibility and reach. Ink Master opened doors and created opportunities that most artists spend a lifetime chasing.”

But the greatest change wasn’t professional.

“More importantly, though, I’ve grown internally. My craft has evolved, but so have I. I’ve become more intentional about who I am, how I create, and the space I hold for the people who trust me with their stories.”

That evolution reshaped the way Michaels approaches both his craft and the people who trust him with it.

“I’m committed to doing the inner work so I can continue evolving, not just as an artist, but as a person. My goal is to create a space that’s safe, intentional, and grounded, where people can find clarity through the creative process.”

Then he offers a simple statement that says everything about the artist he has become.

“Tattooing is ceremony.”

For Michaels, every appointment begins long before the first line is tattooed. Trust, vulnerability, and genuine connection come first. The finished tattoo becomes a lasting reminder of an experience shared between artist and client.

Twenty Five Twelve Collective became another defining chapter in that journey. Looking back, Michaels says the most rewarding part wasn’t building a destination studio, but how the experience helped shape the person he is today.

“The most rewarding part wasn’t just building the studio. It was how much it helped me grow. It revealed parts of myself that needed attention and ultimately gave me the clarity to evolve into a more intentional way of working.”

Today, he’s transitioned into a private studio where he can offer a quieter, more connected experience that better reflects who he is and how he wants clients to experience the work.

Built on Authenticity

For Michaels, authenticity isn’t a marketing slogan. It’s become the standard by which he measures every opportunity he chooses.

That made his collaboration with Al Capone Cigarillos feel like a natural fit. The brand’s “Real. Not Perfect.” campaign embraces the idea that authenticity matters more than perfection, a philosophy that closely mirrors the way Michaels approaches both his career and his life.

When asked what that message means to him personally, Michaels doesn’t hesitate.

“That message resonates with me because authenticity has become one of the most important values in my life.”

He pauses before reflecting on the experiences that shaped him.

“I’ve experienced successes, failures, and plenty of lessons in between. Every one of them has brought me back to the same truth. If something isn’t aligned with who I am, I can’t force it.”

“If anything I’m doing doesn’t feel authentic, I just can’t do it.”

For Michaels, that philosophy extends far beyond tattooing. It’s become the filter through which he approaches every collaboration, creative decision, and opportunity that comes his way.

“I’ve learned that real fulfillment doesn’t come from chasing what’s popular or comfortable. It comes from living with intention, staying true to yourself, and creating from an honest place.”

A Greater Purpose

While tattooing remains the foundation of his career, Michaels says he’s embracing opportunities that continue pushing him outside his comfort zone.

Modeling is one of them.

“It’s been a lifelong dream that I was afraid to pursue, but God opened that door for me. Stepping through it has been both humbling and exciting, and I’m looking forward to seeing where it leads.”

More than anything, he’s focused on creating meaningful connections wherever life takes him.

“Over the past few years, through prayer, self reflection, and a lot of honest inner work, I’ve realized tattooing isn’t the only way I can connect with people. I’m excited to create more space for meaningful conversations that help people find clarity and move forward in their own lives.”

When asked what all of those experiences have ultimately taught him, he doesn’t point to television, awards, or even tattooing.

He smiles.

“The tattoos are just an artifact of the essence of why our connections happen.”