Cameron Pohl is a tattoo artist thrust into the limelight through his time on Ink Master season 12. His career beginnings and decision to appear on the show is discussed in the article below.
Cam Pohl has always been interested in art. Since he was a child, it was his only pursuit of self-expression; and it appears to have turned into a lifelong career for this talented individual.
When passion becomes work, it can quickly turn into something less desirable for many people. But Cam Pohl is one of the lucky ones — immersing himself in the culture of tattooing for almost his entire working life has only deepened his love of the art.
The Beginning of Cam Pohl's Career
In a 2019 interview, Cameron Pohl spoke about how his
love of art blossomed to a career in tattooing. He reminisced on his time doodling and drawing in class rather than paying attention before heading to a graphic design course at community college, ultimately realizing the college scene wasn't for him.
After what many may call a setback, Cameron Pohl entered a tattoo parlor in his hometown on a whim, asking, "Is there anything I can do?"
The studio's employees were somewhat taken aback, but Pohl persevered, popping in three weeks in a row before someone finally said, "Do you want to mop the floors?" And he agreed. Little did he know that sentence would put him on a path to tattoo-related fame in a relatively short period.
Although he purchased an ink machine at 17, the now 30-year-old talented artist began his tattooing journey in 2013 at the tender age of 21, noting that it was a tremendously humbling experience.
However, he quickly realized that it was much more than a career path. It was a lifestyle. Every aspect of his life was rapidly encompassed in a huge culmination of art and culture, and he couldn't have asked for anything more from his profession — especially since it led to him being cast on Ink Master season 12 in 2019.
Pohl’s Reservations About the Show
When asked during an interview if he was a fan of the program prior to appearing, he said he had heard about it but never taken it seriously. In his mind, it was all about the drama, not the artistry.
From seeing clips and hearing reviews of the show, he thought the producers focused on the aspects the public would best respond to. But after being cast, he stated his eyes were opened to what it takes to succeed.
Cameron Pohl's Time on Season 12 of Ink Master
Many have often wondered how someone who wasn’t necessarily ready for the spotlight appeared on the show.
Interestingly, Cam Pohl states that was asked to appear in a previous season before the arrangement fell through, with the producers saying, "This isn't your season, but we'll keep you in mind."
While he was frustrated at this turn of events due to dramatic schedule changes,
he agreed to appear in season 12, giving Ink Master lovers a lot to talk about.
Fans of the show know Cameron Pohl as an outspoken, often-targeted individual. However, he displayed incredible artistic talent throughout his appearances, managing to prove himself despite the fewer years of experience he had compared with the competition.
In another interview, he talks of his time on the show and how he feels looking back.
Cameron Pohl mentioned the array of feelings he felt witnessing the opinions of those who he believed he was close with during filming. But despite that, he's content with his actions and portrayal on the show, stating he stayed authentic to himself and his values.
As for the tattoo artistry, he mostly enjoyed the cross-stitch hamsa he created. He reveled in the challenge set by the judges as it was a style none of the artists expected.
Ultimately, Pohl enjoyed the experience and notoriety the show brought to his life and career.
