Convention Connection: From Selling Flash at 12 to Anime Tattoo Veteran, Cody Gower’s Story
Cody Gower was 12 years old when he tagged along to a tattoo shop with his brother-in-law. His brother-in-law told him to show the owner his drawings. The owner liked what he saw. He told Cody that if he kept at it, he’d sell Cody’s flash in the shop, and maybe one day Cody could tattoo. From that moment, Cody knew he was going to be a Tattoo Artist. Nearly 20 years later, he co-owns his own tattoo shop, works up to 25 conventions a year, and is known for anime tattoos. We caught up with Cody at the Villain Arts Tattoo Festival in Kansas City for Convention Connection.
Key Takeaways
An early start: At 12, a tattoo shop owner offered to sell Cody’s flash if he kept drawing.
A tough beginning: Cody had a difficult childhood, and he named his tattoo shop Against the Grain because nothing in his life went with the grain.
Anime before it was popular: He calls himself one of the “old heads” of anime tattooing.
His top advice: Stop talking and listen, no matter how long you’ve been tattooing.
Loyal clients: About 90% of his work is repeat clients who return whenever he’s in town.
Who is Cody Gower?
Cody Gower is a Tattoo Artist best known for anime tattoos. He’s been in the tattoo industry for nearly 20 years.
He’s from Nashville, Tennessee, born and raised. Next year, he’ll have spent more of his life in the tattoo industry than out of it.
Cody co-owns Against the Grain, a 12-year-old tattoo shop with eight Tattoo Artists. His partner has been with him for 10 years. Cody says that partner’s hard work and commitment make it easier for him to travel.
The name fits. Cody had a difficult childhood, and he says nothing in his life ever went with the grain. He carved his own way.
Why do tattoo conventions matter for your career?
For Cody, conventions are about the people. He’s made many friends in the industry, and he credits travel for that.
He works between 15 and 25 conventions a year. That includes many Villain Arts shows, a large anime tattoo show in Richmond, and Anime Magic in Chicago.
Conventions also let him meet the Tattoo Artists he once looked up to. Some of the Tattoo Artists he idolized early in his career are now his friends. He calls that a humbling experience.
His advice is simple. If you see a Tattoo Artist you like at a show, go talk to them. Don’t be afraid. At the end of the day, everyone is doing the same thing: paying bills and feeding their families.
Pro Tip: Many Tattoo Artists at conventions are approachable. A respectful conversation can turn into a friendship that lasts years.
What is tattoo flash and why did it launch Cody's journey?
Tattoo flash is a set of pre-drawn designs that clients can pick from. For Cody, it was his first way into the tattoo world.
When Cody was 12, his brother-in-law encouraged him to show the tattoo shop owner his drawings. The owner told him to keep at it. If he did, the owner would sell his flash in the shop, and maybe someday Cody could tattoo.
That was all it took. From then on, Cody says nothing else in the world mattered. He was going to be a Tattoo Artist.
If you are just beginning, start drawing flash now. It sharpens your fundamentals and gives you something tangible to show the world. Our guide on the tools every beginner tattoo artist should know is a smart next step.
How did Cody build a career on anime tattoos?
Cody built his career on anime by tattooing what he loved, long before it was popular.
He’s always been an anime fan. But when he started almost 20 years ago, he says you didn’t tattoo “nerd stuff.” Skulls and roses were what was considered cool, so that’s what he wore and tattooed.
He got into tattooing expecting to do black and gray work. He admired Tattoo Artists like Bob Tyrrell and Paul Booth. Then, during his tattoo apprenticeship, he discovered color Tattoo Artists like Tony Ciavarro and Craig Foster. That changed everything. He hadn’t realized he liked color until he saw their work.
He also loves new school. He says it has no rules, as long as the tattoo is clean. He can create new school quickly, and he calls it his heart.
Today, though, anime is what people know him for. He says being an early anime Tattoo Artist helped his career. He feels fortunate to tattoo what he loves every day.
What can you learn from Cody's story?
Cody’s story shows that humility, consistency, and caring about clients build a lasting career.
Listen first: Cody’s top advice took him a while to learn: stop talking and listen. Whether you’ve tattooed for 2 years or 20, if someone gives you advice, listen.
Set your pride aside: He says pride is the biggest issue for Tattoo Artists. Even after 20 years, you don’t have all the answers. A newer Tattoo Artist might teach you something.
Tattoo what you love: Cody followed his love of anime, and it became what he’s known for.
Work with budgets: Cody says many people don’t have much money these days. If you work with their budgets, you may stay busier and have more fun.
Build clients for life: About 90% of Cody’s work comes from repeat clients who follow him across the country.
Before you start, read about the mistakes aspiring tattoo apprentices should avoid.
How do you start your own path at a convention?
You start by building your skills, showing up, and treating people well.
Step 1: Keep drawing. Cody’s path began because a tattoo shop owner saw his drawings.
Step 2: Get real training. Cody’s tattoo apprenticeship introduced him to the Tattoo Artists who changed how he saw color. A structured tattoo apprenticeship gives you Mentors and direction.
Step 3: Find what you love. Cody’s love of anime became his specialty.
Step 4: Go to conventions. Watch other Tattoo Artists work and introduce yourself to the ones you admire.
Step 5: Listen more than you talk. Take advice from everyone, no matter their experience.
Step 6: Make booking simple. Cody keeps it easy. Clients send him a DM with their idea, placement, and budget. He sends available dates and collects a deposit.
Step 7: Keep coming back. Cody’s repeat clients see him every time he’s in their area.
If you’re ready to make a change, explore a career change with a tattoo apprenticeship.
How does Ink Different help you become a Tattoo Artist?
Ink Different Tattoos helps beginners become job-ready Tattoo Artists through the Traditional Tattoo Apprenticeship, with hands-on training from experienced Mentors.
Cody built his career through grit and many years of experience. The Traditional Tattoo Apprenticeship gives you a structured path from the start.
Tattooing is also an AI-proof career, because it depends on human connection. Read more on why tattoo artists are still essential, and see how tattoo apprenticeships are gaining ground as a solid alternative to college.
What You Can Expect from Our Traditional Tattoo Apprenticeship
The Traditional Tattoo Apprenticeship takes 18 to 24 months across four phases. You’ll learn drawing fundamentals, machine handling, and safety, including the OSHA bloodborne pathogens standard.
Beginner-friendly: No prior art experience required.
Hands-on mentorship: You learn in person from experienced Mentors inside a working tattoo studio.
Licensing support: Guidance through your state’s requirements.
A guaranteed job offer: You’ll receive a guaranteed job offer at one of Ink Different’s tattoo studios.
A Career That Comes With Confidence
This is a career that comes with confidence. You’ll finish with job-ready skills, licensing support, and a guaranteed job offer at one of Ink Different’s tattoo studios. Ink Different has trained Tattoo Artists for 15 years.
Mentorship That Pushes Your Brand and Skills Further
Once you’ve built your foundation, you can keep growing with Ink Different’s Master Mentors, including Al Fliction, Liz Cook, Kyle Dunbar, Boneface, and Jordi Pla. Learning from Tattoo Artists at that level can help you develop a signature style, the way Cody did with anime.
Making Tattoo Training Accessible for Everyone
Ink Different offers Spanish-speaking locations in Denver, Orange County, NYC, Miami, San Antonio, and San Diego. Seats are limited, with only two apprentices per tattoo studio per Mentor.
Ready to write your own story?
Cody Gower’s journey started with a stack of drawings and a tattoo shop owner who saw potential. Nearly 20 years later, he travels the country, tattoos what he loves, and sees the same loyal clients year after year.
His advice is to stay humble and keep listening. Your story can start with the right Mentor.
Ready to become a tattoo artist? Apply now to Ink Different's Traditional Tattoo Apprenticeship and start building an AI-proof career with licensing support and a guaranteed job offer. Prefer to explore first? Fill out our quick questionnaire to see if the Traditional Tattoo Apprenticeship is right for you.
To get tattooed by Cody, send him a DM on Instagram at @codygower88 with your idea, placement, and budget.
Frequently Asked Questions
How did Cody Gower get started in tattooing?
At 12, a tattoo shop owner saw his drawings and offered to sell his flash in the shop if he kept at it. Cody later trained through a tattoo apprenticeship.
What is Cody Gower known for?
Cody is known for anime tattoos. He was tattooing anime before it was popular, and he also loves new school.
What is Cody’s best advice for new Tattoo Artists?
Stop talking and listen. Cody says pride is the biggest issue for Tattoo Artists, and anyone can teach you something.
How many conventions does Cody Gower work each year?
Between 15 and 25, including Villain Arts shows, a large anime tattoo show in Richmond, and Anime Magic in Chicago.
Do I need prior art experience to become a Tattoo Artist?
No. Ink Different’s Traditional Tattoo Apprenticeship is built for beginners and teaches drawing, line work, and technique.
How long does the Traditional Tattoo Apprenticeship take?
The Traditional Tattoo Apprenticeship takes 18 to 24 months across four phases, with licensing support and a guaranteed job offer.
