It’s not uncommon to hear stories about people who’ve had transformative experiences with psychedelics, but Tyler Bledsoe’s journey is particularly compelling. Many might have assumed his recent low profile was due to a classic case of Portland burnout, but the truth is far more nuanced. Bledsoe, a professional skateboarder, has been quietly exploring new paths, finding a balance between his love for skating and a newfound passion for tattooing.
Tyler Bledsoe performing a backside smith grind on a skateboard
Bledsoe’s story isn’t about escaping the skateboarding world; it’s about expanding it. He’s taken a step back to consider life beyond the ramps and rails, picking up tattooing as a way to add a new dimension to his already successful skate career. He’s now skillfully managing both, producing footage for highly anticipated videos while also creating unique body art for his clients. This blend of creativity and discipline has brought a new sense of purpose to his life.
Settled in the Pacific Northwest, Bledsoe embodies the stereotype of a pro-skater-turned-tattoo-artist, and we took this opportunity to catch up with him. If you’re looking to get some work done by Tyler, check out Thunderbird Tattoo in Portland.
The Portland Effect and Sponsor Suspicion
When asked if Portlandia ruined the city, Bledsoe admits that the show likely contributed to the changing landscape, though he believes it was bound to happen regardless. He finds it amusing that the show’s stars, Fred Armisen and Carrie Brownstein, probably experience some weird vibes around town.
In the early days, before Instagram took over, Bledsoe received a lot of flak from sponsors for not relocating to Los Angeles. They were suspicious of his quiet life in Portland, often questioning his dedication to skating. He admits that his communication skills weren’t the best, sometimes going months without contact.
However, things have changed. Sponsors like Chad Bowers, owner of Quasi Skateboards, now seem to prioritize an athlete’s comfort, understanding that happiness often translates to better performance. This shift in perspective has allowed Bledsoe to thrive in his environment, producing skating that is more authentic and interesting.
From Skateboarding to Tattooing: A New Chapter
The transition from a full-time pro skater to juggling skating and tattooing was a significant change. Bledsoe had to earn his GED and attend a nine-month tattoo trade school. He went from a “free-for-all” lifestyle to one that requires responsibility and professionalism. He emphasizes the need to respect his clients’ time and needs, a stark contrast to the more spontaneous nature of skating.
A collection of tattoo flash art by Tyler Bledsoe
Surprisingly, this change positively impacted his skating. Tattooing gave him another outlet, releasing much of the pressure that he’d previously felt about his skating career. Now, he views skating as purely enjoyable, free from the worry and stress it once carried.
He acknowledges the financial instability of skateboarding, especially now, recognizing that tattooing offers greater long-term security. He sees tattooing as something he can pursue well into his 50s or 60s, describing it as the closest alternative he found to skating, a craft he can never fully master.
A GIF image of Tyler Bledsoe skateboarding
Navigating the Tattoo World: Ethics and Social Media
Bledsoe points out that the tattoo industry, like skateboarding, has its share of “kooks.” The market is oversaturated, with many people quickly jumping into the field without proper training or ethics. He notes how some people skip the traditional path of apprenticing and opening their own shops, leading to an abundance of poorly run studios, comparable to the ubiquity of Starbucks.
Similar to skateboarding, social media plays a crucial role in the tattoo world. Many veteran tattoo artists struggle with the need to create an online presence, preferring to wait for walk-in clients. However, social media is now essential for attracting business, as walk-in customers are increasingly rare. This forces artists to actively promote their work, showing off their unique style and availability to a wider audience.
Weed, Skating, and the Flow State
When asked about the relationship between weed and skating, Bledsoe believes that it helps by reducing overthinking. He humorously suggests that the “dumbest” skaters often perform the best because they are more instinctive. For him, a perfect high for skating is situational. He explains that sometimes, being “zooted” can help him connect with his board and enter a flow state. He admits it’s very rare for him to skate without being under the influence of cannabis.
A close-up image of Tyler Bledsoe's hands
Shoe Preferences and the Disposable Nature of Skateboarding
Bledsoe reveals that he recently discovered a stash of old HUF shoes, including some Dylan slip-ons that he wears for special occasions. He also mentions wearing Huppers to work, although he doesn’t skate in them. However, he confesses his deep love for Half Cabs, a shoe he’s always wanted to wear.
He also reflects on his freedom to choose his footwear after leaving Etnies, eventually returning to Vans and particularly, the Half Cabs as his go-to skate shoe. While he isn’t under contract with Vans, they provide him with shoes. This also leads him to a broader point about the skateboarding industry, noting its ruthless and disposable nature, similar to the music industry, but with less financial reward.
Contracts, Finances, and the Loss of Control
Bledsoe estimates he has signed two three-year contracts with Etnies, but no contracts with Alien or Quasi. The peak of his skateboarding income was between the ages of 22 and 24 when he had a shoe deal with Etnies. At that time, he was making so much money that he even forgot to cash some of his checks. This changed when Etnies began reducing his payments, eventually ending their contract with him.
He also acknowledges feeling a loss of control over his skating career. Despite his efforts, he felt that he wasn’t making enough money to justify his dedication. This lack of control was the primary reason why he was driven to explore other creative outlets like tattooing. Since starting tattooing, he feels like he is able to enjoy skating more because he is no longer trying to make a living off of it.
Tyler Bledsoe performing a frontside blunt slide on a skateboard
The Transformative Power of Meditation and Psychedelics
Bledsoe encourages others to explore new possibilities and embrace change when feeling a lack of control. His own journey involved a period of self-reflection, meditation, and borderline isolation when he was around 26. This period sparked his interest in drawing and painting, eventually leading to his pursuit of tattooing. He emphasizes how uncomfortable situations and practices like meditation can lead to personal growth.
He describes his meditation routine as “mellow,” consisting of a 20-minute session in the morning, often combined with stretching. He credits psychedelics, particularly mushrooms, for leading him to meditation.
A GIF image of Tyler Bledsoe skateboarding
He finds mushrooms to be more “genuine” than other psychedelics, explaining that they showed him a spiritual side of life that he had never considered. He shares profound experiences with his deceased father during his trips, getting the equivalent of years of therapy in just a few psychedelic sessions.
He recalls having intense conversations with what he describes as mushroom entities, which convinced him of a spiritual dimension to life. He also emphasizes the supportive nature of mushrooms, viewing them as a guiding friend rather than a force that pushes him to the edge.
Mushrooms Today and the Future of Skateboarding
While he once engaged in heavy doses of mushrooms weekly, Bledsoe now consumes them a few times a year. He observes the growing mainstream acceptance of psychedelics as an alternative to pharmaceuticals. He humorously mentions the constant flow of weed and mushroom tips at his tattoo shop, revealing his mom has also expressed interest in psychedelics, a surprising change given her past reaction to his weed consumption.
A photograph of the interior of Tyler Bledsoe's tattoo shop
Bledsoe also reflects on the historical lifespan of a professional skateboarder, noting that it has generally been about five years. He emphasizes the changing nature of the industry, moving away from pure skill to personality, social media presence, and editing skills. He speculates that a longer career in skateboarding may be possible now due to the shift, stating that skaters no longer need to push themselves to the extreme to succeed.
He concludes that as long as you genuinely care about skateboarding, it will continue to provide in return.
Interview by: Larry Lanza
Photos by: Spencer Snow
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