Evan Duswalt’s Journey: Ink, Injury, and Identity
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.”
Abraham Lincoln Portrait by Megan Jean Morris
The Tattoo That Reconnected a Family
Last year, Evan discovered Christian Boye Larsen. The Danish Artist was visiting the U.S., and Evan reached out in hopes of getting a session with him. "He responded with his availability right away," Evan said. "He's one of the best tattooers in the world."
While Christian was doing a guest spot in California, Evan was living across the country in Pennsylvania. Still, he saw an opportunity. His father, whom he’d recently reconnected with through Ancestry DNA, also lived in California. “I thought it would be a great experience to meet my dad for the first time and get tattooed by one of the best,” Evan shared.
He flew to California, got his stomach tattooed for two days straight, then started on his upper leg. A few weeks later, he drove to New Jersey for more tattooing with Christian again during a guest spot at Grave Tattoos in North Brunswick, where Evan also met Nico Perez for the first time.
“Started following Nico right away,” Evan admitted. “Fanboyed hard.”
Evan eventually flew to Florida, where he met Christian at Borrowed Time Tattoo in Fort Lauderdale to finish his lower leg. "It came together across multiple states and sessions," he said. "Totally worth it."
Photo By: Megan Martin
Evan Duswalt & Christian Boye Larsen
Photo By: Megan Martin
Puerto Rico with Nico Perez
After meeting Nico in New Jersey, Evan saw an Instagram story where Nico was looking for someone to join him at the Puerto Rico Tattoo Convention, run by Yallzee. Evan jumped at the chance.
With overwhelming excitement, Evan flew to the island with his mother and older daughter. "We were on the beach, eating octopus tacos, and enjoying perfect weather," he stated with a smile. "Later, at the convention, Nico stenciled my leg and we went to work."
This tattoo turned out to be an award-winning Ghost Rider piece in Nico’s dark, black-and-gray style. It won first place in the Black and Gray category at the show.
"That was my first award-winning tattoo," Evan remarked. "But more importantly, it built a friendship. Nico isn’t just my Artist. He’s my bro."
Building with Lalo Yunda and Marrow
Evan met CO:CREATE Artist Lalo Yunda in June 2024 at the NY Empire Tattoo Convention. They’d just started messaging a week earlier on Instagram, but Lalo invited him to collaborate on a full back piece at the show, working alongside Mauricio “Marrow” Moraga.
Evan brought a concept rooted in ancient alien theory and symbolism, and Lalo and Marrow brought the tattoo to life.
“It’s the most artistic piece I have,” Evan declared. “You could see it in a gallery.”
They spent long hours working together amid the busy, high-pressure energy of the show. “We pushed ourselves hard,” Evan added. “The result was trust, respect, and a piece I’ll carry with me for life.”
The Crash That Changed Everything
After amassing an awe-inspiring collection of tattoos, everything changed for Evan this past June. He took off on his motorcycle, headed to buy a rose for his younger daughter’s fifth-grade graduation, something she was excited about and had reminded him of all week. Just minutes into the ride, an SUV cut him off. Evan had no time to react; he dropped the bike and slid beneath the car.
“I broke eight ribs, my wrist, had a deflated lung, and road rash on some of my award-winning tattoos,” Evan expressed. “The only reason I’m alive is because I wore a helmet.”
The crash completely reshaped Evan’s life, including his tattoo journey. “I want to freely be who I am,” he remarked. “Before, self-expression was natural. Now, it feels essential.”
Built in Ink
Evan’s tattoos are so much more than just incredible pieces of artwork. They represent his travels, losses, reconnecting, and survival. "They don't make me who I am," he affirmed. "But they remind me."
When Evan enters a room, he captures a lot of attention. People often ask about his tattoos, which leads to conversations, connections, and boosts his confidence. “This is how I share who I am,” Evan said. “And I’m proud of it.”
