Adam Holtzapfel - You’ve been a part of Days of the Dead as host of their tattoo contest and performed as part of Iron Diamond, how did that start out?

Scott Medjesky - I have known Bill Philputt for years. As they put the pieces in place to create the Days of the Dead they initially wanted to do live tattooing. Knowing that I was a part of the tattoo community, Bill asked me if I wanted to join the team and take this part over. Indianapolis would not allow the live tattooing at the events, but we decided to go forward with a tattoo contest…That Damn Tattoo Contest!

As far as Iron Diamond, horror and metal mix well. My good friend, Dustin Boltjes and I are both in Iron Diamond. After Days of the Dead had a few original bands perform, Dustin and I talked about getting the Diamond involved. I felt like we were a perfect fit for the crowd and the people seemed to agree. We have played 5 DOTD shows in both Indy and Chicago. It’s been very awesome to have the horror community show us so much love.

AH - This is the first year tattoo artists will be tattooing at the LA show, did that seem like a natural extension and do you see that happening in any of the other cities?

SM - Yes, like I stated before live tattooing at the show was the initial plan. With the help of Chris Taylor, owner/tattooist at Ink Therapy Tattoo, and Sam Medjesky, we have grown That Damn Tattoo Contest to a point where people are coming to the con just to enter their art. We have acquired the backing of industry giants Ink Addict and Kingpin Tattoo Supply, and are moving forward with a small tattoo show in Burbank this year featuring about 10-15 artists to get our feet wet. We are further planning our first full scale Tattoo Expo this September in Louisville, KY. We are looking to have 30+ artists, entertainment, and That Damn Tattoo Contest all 3 days! If things go well in these two cities, we hope to eventually spread the show to include Atlanta.

AH - How did you go about choosing what artists to have at the expo?

SM - Chris and myself seek out artists that we either know, or follow on social media. Artists that we know will deliver quality art to our patrons. We intend on keeping this mostly an invite only show to maintain a certain quality.

AH - You also have a vendor table for AV/FX selling custom made frames. How did that venture get started?

SM - Honestly that was a fluke. I am a carpenter by trade and had made a frame for my Texas Chainsaw Massacre poster. I shared it on Facebook and got an order for another. I shared that and got another order… I then made 10 for the upcoming DOTD and sold out. Thus I started making frames. It’s been a good adventure for me. I enjoy trying to make art to wrap the art.

AH-What are some of your favorite spots to eat at when you’re at the LA show?

SM - I am always so busy in LA that I have minimal time to go anywhere! Haha. I do really enjoy getting to go to the Rainbow and having some pizza when the opportunity presents itself!

AH - Last but not least, what’s your favorite movie of all time?

SM - What are you the Devil? Haha…That’s too tough of a question. Almost as bad as asking me for my favorite album! Movies that have a special place in my heart are Coming to America, Friday the 13th Part IV, and Trick Or Treat (NO FALSE METAL)!!! There are so many great films to choose from, but I guess I’ll narrow it down to those three for you at least!