Zak Spilo

Connect What inspired your most recent tattoo?

my grandfather, who was an important / core figure in my life, passed away. i had my cousin draw a couple of ideas to commemorate his life. we landed at a bengal tiger surrounded by chrysanthemums. he was an indian man from orissa. the tiger was his favorite animal. he told me stories when i was young about going on journeys to see them in the wild. the tiger represents the strength and individual spirit he had in life. the chrysanthemums represent the love in the family he started.

If your ink could speak, what would it say?

i think the tiger would provide the sage advice my grandfather used to give me. the thunderbird would remind me to "walk backwards." that is, go against the grain. when the crowd is doing one thing, do the exact opposite both because it's fun and to remind others there are different ways to be. the hamsa i don't think would speak. i feel it's more of a loving energy / protective spirit.

What would you do with the $25,000?

i would invest in my music career. try to improve my product and grow my audience. thank you!