Before Evan Duswalt’s tattoos gained recognition, he was a 14-year-old in Florida trying to understand and work through his pain. That year, he promised his mom he’d stop branding his skin if she let him get a real tattoo. She agreed, and he chose the Eye of Ra for his back, a symbol of protection. He hasn't stopped getting inked since.

“My grandfather, my mom, and I went to the shop together,” Evan said. “An hour later, I was in the tattoo club.”

Tattoos became a constant in his life, marking his struggles, growth, and journey to self-identity.

From Craigslist to Cleen Rock One

In 2016, Evan appeared on Ink Master Season 7, Episode 7, after spotting a Craigslist ad looking for canvases.

“Most people apply through the website,” he chuckled. “I lucked out and saw they were looking for canvases on Craigslist. I spoke with the producers and later got the call.”

The challenge was presidential portraits. Cleen Rock One handed out the golden skull, and Evan was paired with Megan Jean Morris, receiving a portrait of Abraham Lincoln. Evan was pleased with the piece, but eventually felt it could use some additional work.

Evan later returned for Ink Master: Redemption (Season 3), and Megan offered to rework the Lincoln portrait. Evan declined. “She already dealt with enough of my antics,” he says. “I was lucky enough to get my chest tattooed by her.”