When did you first come up with the idea for Group Therapy?
As we were putting together our Stack the Deck project, our inspiration grew, and we could see how we could do this in a bigger way. As we planned the STD event, more people wanted to be involved, so we kept talking about it. Over time it became
bigger and bigger.
We thought it would be great to give back to the community and to have a place where artists could really contribute not just once, but in some kind of ongoing way.
What was the basis for forming GT?
To showcase the artistic talent of the local tattoo community and to somehow benefit
children in need and our community.
What is the main goal of GT?
We want to unify the tattoo industry, to support and contribute to a growing local art scene and to raise money for charities that we care about.
How do you choose what charities to support?
We choose areas that we care about and make sense to us. We meet a lot of other people who are passionate about their own cause and need help. We choose organizations that are inspiring and are doing good for our community.
How do artists get involved with GT?
By word of mouth. We've approached a lot of people because of their
Reputation, people who are respected in the community and have integrity. These are people who are willing to contribute their artwork to a good cause.
What gave you the idea for the Stack the Deck event?
Justins connection with other tattoers and my connections in the arts
Community. Justin is part of an artist group, and they were already trading cards of each others work. He thought it would be cool to have the group do a deck of cards. As
we talked about it more and more and brainstormed ideas, it became bigger and
Bigger and we ended up with Stack the Deck.
How did that project go?
Amazing! Were getting national coverage and interest and we met a lot of wonderful people. People loved the decks and we learned so much from the experience.
We also raised a nice amount of money and gained a lot of support, so it has been extremely rewarding. It turned out so well that we are beginning to plan a Stack the Deck 2, which will be out at the beginning of next year.
Tell me a little about Justin and yourself.
Justin is the owner of Bad Apple Tattoo Company, and has been tattooing for 13 years, 10 of them in Las Vegas. And since his business has become successful here, he really felt that he wanted to give back to the community.
I am a creative business coach and the owner of InVision (www.getinvision.com), which I have run for 11 years.
I have coached so many creative people over the years on their ideas, that it was time to do something of my own. So when Justin came to me with this idea, I knew it was the perfect one for me.
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