Getting to Know Founding Artist Curt Montgomery

In the world of tattooing, where every creation tells a unique story, Curt Montgomery stands out as a seasoned artist with a remarkable journey that spans humble beginnings, precision, and a lot of good times. Curt, one of the 10 incredible Co:Create Ink Founding Artists, is a true gem in the tattoo industry with his *unique* subject matter, simple, line minimal tattoos, and a smile that can brighten up any day. 

A few members of the Co:Create Ink team traveled to Toronto to spend the day with Curt in his shop – The Attic Tattoo. As soon as you walk through the door, it is immediately apparent that you are a welcomed friend and in for a good time. Good times were certainly had, wild stories were shared, and we got to watch the maestro give a tattoo of a really cute little kitty. 

Co:Create Ink is proud to work alongside Curt as he is always eager to try new things and experiment with fun ways of engaging the community. 

Co:Create Ink Auctions – Comfortably Tied: February 14th

Curt will be one of the first Founding Artists to use Co:Create Ink Auctions – a novel means of buying and selling tattoos that enables collectors to submit competitive bids on tattoo designs they want. Just like other auctions, the tattoo will sell to the highest bidder if a reserve price is met after a set period of time defined by the artist.

With Co:Create Ink Auctions, the value of an artist's work is no longer confined to the hourly rate of time in the chair. Rather, the artist will earn based on the value a collector sees in the work. On the other hand, collectors can get the tattoo they truly want despite the seemingly endless waitlist to book with world class artists.

The Early Days 

Hailing from Elora, two hours outside Toronto, Curt's unconventional background lends itself to some fascinating and hilarious tales. Tales we will not reveal in this article, so go buy a tattoo from Curt, ask him about the time he was late milking the cows because he was getting tattooed as an apprentice, and thank us later. Seriously, go do it. 

Curt's journey into the world of tattooing started in 1998, at the age of 18, long before tattoos became a mainstream form of self-expression. As the upstanding Canadian he is, his first ever tattoo is of a red maple leaf on his shoulder. The experience of getting this tattoo was far from conventional, with no aftercare instructions provided. The tattooer simply slapped a paper towel on the fresh ink, leading to a scab about three inches thick – creating a lasting mark both on his skin and in his memory.

The early 2000s saw Curt immersed in tattoo culture, working in shops as counter staff and absorbing the essence of the craft. He chose a deliberate path, focusing on honing his illustration and line work skills before fully committing to an apprenticeship. It wasn't until 2014 that Curt took the plunge into formal tattoo training, marking a pivotal moment in his journey. 

Sure, Curt tattooed his friends and himself before officially giving his first officially paid tattoo. But the story behind the first tattoo as an apprentice showcases not only his technical skills but also his ability to turn unforeseen challenges into stunning works of art. Another story we won’t reveal, so when you go in for your appointment with Curt, definitely ask him about his “first official tattoo” and get the story from him first hand.

Humility and FanBoy Moments

Curt has made quite the name for himself both in the local Toronto art scene and the global tattoo community. People from all over travel to Toronto to spend time in his chair, and he has had some pretty big names in that chair. 

Even with clients Halsey and Sophie Turner, Curt's fanboy moments are reserved for clients Terry Ryan, Montreal Canadians hockey player, and Toronto based actor Evan Stern. 

We had to pull these little factoids out of Curt by the way. He is not one to boast about his impressive client list; rather, he kept reiterating the idea that everyone who walks through the door is treated the same – like a friend. 

In Curt Montgomery's world, tattoos transcend mere body art – they are stories etched in ink, encapsulating humor, warmth, and a journey that continues to unfold with every stroke of his needle.

Get Involved

Check out Curt’s latest tattoos available on cocreate.ink. All tattoos are for sale and to be applied to your skin by Curt. 

Get ready for Curt’s auction of Comfortably Tied which kicks off on February 14th. Could there be a more perfect Valentine's Day gift? I think not. 

Enter to win a tattoo by Curt for you and a loved one by following @cocreateink on IG and tagging 2 friends on this post. No purchase necessary.  Void where prohibited.  See Rules for odds of winning and details.