Meet Isaac Riendeau | Tattoo Artist

We had the good fortune of connecting with Isaac Riendeau and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Isaac, what do you attribute your success to?
Success is defined in so many ways. For me being in the service industry, my success has come from the respect and integrity i show my clients and try to live by, myself. When I first started my journey in the tattoo industry it was very grimy, cutthroat. It was every man for himself so to speak. As i started to learn more about my craft and the artform itself, a new respect for what i was doing grew. As I matured into the industry i watched as the industry began to change around me. The tools changed, our machines got more sophisticated and our processes became more efficient. Everything was changing, including the clientele. I went from tattooing small flash tattoos, to bigger pieces and eventually whole body parts, like arms and legs, chests and back. As i watched the industry change around me, one thing that did not was the mentality of the artists. It was still very grimy and cutthroat. After 20 yrs in the industry, i finally decided it was time to open a studio. In 2021 I opened Knoxville Tattoo Collective, with one goal in mind. To change the stereotype. We welcome all walks of life into our studio with one goal in mind, to provide our clients with the best possible experience. Keeping the traditions of the old time alive, but with a less grimy and cutthroat approach. Respect for our clients and our craft, and Integrity in the work we do is what makes Knoxville Tattoo Collective a successful brand.

Alright, so let’s move onto what keeps you busy professionally?
Ever since i can remember i was coloring, drawing or doodling. Most of my influence came from comic books, I loved the art and the fantasy, which was great for a creative mind. Most of my tattoo style directly comes from this graphic art form. My work takes on a very strong and dominating appearance, which almost brings to work to life on the skin. A lot of my style is influenced by my culture. The lowrider culture, or the chicano culture has directly influenced my entire career. The images i create on skin give the wearer a sense of pride about themselves. Pride in my work and my work ethic is whats helped in my success today. Always staying true to my craft and myself. My 20yr journey into this industry has been anything but easy. But without the fails, and faults i wouldn’t be where i am today.

Any places to eat or things to do that you can share with our readers? If they have a friend visiting town, what are some spots they could take them to?
Knoxville is full of history, from old buildings and churches to historic battle sites. If history is your thing there’s plenty to learn. Lets not forget we are also home to the Volunteers, and the women’s basketball hall of fame. You talk about sports, this town is built around them. Food is amazing, there are more restaurants than people to eat in them. Everything form southern food to mediterranean, There is something for everyone. If the city life it to overwhelming, the smokey mountains are only 45 min away. Hiking, tubing, camping. Not to mention one of the biggest and hottest tourist spots in the country. Always something to do in East TN.

Shoutout is all about shouting out others who you feel deserve additional recognition and exposure. Who would you like to shoutout?
My success is due to the support of my family, my clients, and my mentor Tyre DuVernay of Aartistic Inc in Winooski, VT. If he hasn’t taken me under his wing 20 yrs ago, I wouldn’t be here today.

Website: www.knoxvilletattoocollective.com

Instagram: www.instagram.com/knoxvilletattooco