bretty's big o' bio
brett m baumgART (aka bretty) is a gender-queer artist based out of Oakland, CA and has been tattooing since 2006. With a love for depth and dimension, they have dedicated their tattoo career to creating body art with a unique feel. brett specializes in color portraits, photo realism, surrealism and tattoos that appear to be done in a different medium.
Although born in Texas, brett spent their childhood in California, New York and Puerto Rico. As a lifelong artist, brett was always friends with creative individuals and was constantly drawing with groups of their fellow students. They like to joke that they've been an artist since they have been able to hold a writing utensil. Although brett tried taking some classes in high school, they had trouble working in the confines of the public educational system's art programs. Whether it comes to the particular style or the utensils used, brett's drawing abilities are self-taught and come from years of trial and error. Although brett almost exclusively advertises realistic pieces now, it wasn't an art form they delved into until their 20's.
Instead of joining the military, circus or church of scientology, brett spent the end of their teens in a tattoo shop. Every two weeks, part of their paycheck went towards a new piece of permanent body art. It was that time in the shop that inspired a very serious interest in the craft. Having been tattooed dozens of times, brett wanted to go from customer to tattoo artist.
It took working 7 days a week, up to 15 hours a day, for 4 months before they were hired as an apprentice in Livermore, CA. brett learned the basics under Gabriel Lane, Matt Decker and Rob Judd. Once the 18-month apprenticeship ended, brett moved to Chico, CA and worked at a handful of tattoo shops. Afterwards, brett spent a few months working in Newport Beach, then moved back down to Houston, TX. Unintentionally creating their own tradition, brett left after almost 2 years to find something bigger and better. In January of 2012, brett relocated to Oakland, CA to work with one of their mentors. Since then, brett has been living and working in the East Bay (i.e. Oakland, Berkeley, Livermore, Dublin).although frequently traveled around the country for tattoo conventions and guest spots.
Follow and keep up with brett by joining the mailing list and on Instagram.
Although born in Texas, brett spent their childhood in California, New York and Puerto Rico. As a lifelong artist, brett was always friends with creative individuals and was constantly drawing with groups of their fellow students. They like to joke that they've been an artist since they have been able to hold a writing utensil. Although brett tried taking some classes in high school, they had trouble working in the confines of the public educational system's art programs. Whether it comes to the particular style or the utensils used, brett's drawing abilities are self-taught and come from years of trial and error. Although brett almost exclusively advertises realistic pieces now, it wasn't an art form they delved into until their 20's.
Instead of joining the military, circus or church of scientology, brett spent the end of their teens in a tattoo shop. Every two weeks, part of their paycheck went towards a new piece of permanent body art. It was that time in the shop that inspired a very serious interest in the craft. Having been tattooed dozens of times, brett wanted to go from customer to tattoo artist.
It took working 7 days a week, up to 15 hours a day, for 4 months before they were hired as an apprentice in Livermore, CA. brett learned the basics under Gabriel Lane, Matt Decker and Rob Judd. Once the 18-month apprenticeship ended, brett moved to Chico, CA and worked at a handful of tattoo shops. Afterwards, brett spent a few months working in Newport Beach, then moved back down to Houston, TX. Unintentionally creating their own tradition, brett left after almost 2 years to find something bigger and better. In January of 2012, brett relocated to Oakland, CA to work with one of their mentors. Since then, brett has been living and working in the East Bay (i.e. Oakland, Berkeley, Livermore, Dublin).although frequently traveled around the country for tattoo conventions and guest spots.
Follow and keep up with brett by joining the mailing list and on Instagram.