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How Has Mike Schweigert Preserved Tattoo History?

Tattoos In Review

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In this episode, we visit Electric Tattooing in Asbury Park, New Jersey, to talk with veteran tattoo artist Mike Schweigert. Known for his craftsmanship and deep respect for tattoo history, Mike opens up about his journey, influences, and the importance of keeping traditional tattooing alive.
From his early years in tattooing to running one of the East Coast’s most respected shops, Mike shares insights that reveal the dedication, discipline, and artistry behind every tattoo. He also reflects on his connection to The Sitdown documentary and the community of legends who helped shape American tattoo culture — including Richie Montgomery, Pete Giaquinto, Ronnie Dell’Aquilla, Tony Polito, Mike Perfetto, and Richie Fie.

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📖Chapters:
0:00 - Intro at Electric Tattooing – Mike Swaggart Interview
0:31 - Growing Up in Jersey – Punk, Skate, BMX Roots
1:40 - SCAD Years – First Tattoo & Apprenticeship with California Jack
4:01 - Learning Tattooing the Old-School Way – Needles, Pigment, Acetate
7:23 - Returning to Jersey – First Shop & Early Tattoo Politics
10:22 - Territory, Respect & Old Tattoo Shop Culture
12:13 - Working for Gene Bernardo – Lessons, Limits & Growth
15:51 - Opening Electric Tattoo – The Early Days & Asbury Park Move
17:16 - Tattoo History Influence – Hardy, Tattoo Time & Old Masters
19:27 - Machine Building – Tony the Pirate, Ernie Carafa & Tuning Culture
22:01 - Ernie Carafa’s Legacy – Guideline Supply, Tattoo Time & East Coast Icons
24:31 - Tattoo Museum Induction – Contributions to Tattoo History
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Mikes Socials:
✅INSTAGRAM: Mikeschweigert
✅INSTAGRAM: Electrictattoonj

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✅FACEBOOK: / tattoosinreview
✅INSTAGRAM: / tattoosinreview

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#TheSitdown #MikeSchweigert #ElectricTattoo #TattooHistory #AsburyPark #TattooCulture #TattooDocumentary #TattooLegends

16 Comments

@jww732 11 months ago

Thank you tattoos in review for doing this interview with Mike.
Mike is an incredible guy , artist, and tradesman in his craft. Growing up at the shore, he was talked about like a legend along with the other owners at Electric tattoo.
My best tattoo experiences have been spent with Mike at electric tattoo in Asbury Park.
I tell everyone with ears to go see him and the shop.
Love and respect to Mike , electric tattoo , and tattoos in review for doing this.
Jersey Shore Royalty 👑
Mike the Spike !

@Silentghos 11 months ago

Great chat guys. Thanks so much 🙏🏼❤️

@jerzeydevil77 11 months ago

Great interview Mike! It is so refreshing to see guys like us with the old school train of thought. I’d love to see the new tattooers try to pay more attention to the history of our craft. It felt so good to remember parts of our history myself that I haven’t thought about in years. Keep up the good work!

@Slenderman629 11 months ago

Mike is simply the best. Great interview.

@nathankisner8332 11 months ago

Great interview! Hearing him bring up Mike Brown and the other legands brings back great memories. Looking forward to your trips west.

@Bb186fo 11 months ago

So good! You guys are crushin it! Also MAN that Bobby Shaw flash on his wall is BEAUTIFUL!

@Nicki_frog 11 months ago

I Met Mike at a convention. He was such a nice guy. Thank you for the interview. ❤

@thegreenman2030 11 months ago

I grew up in Nj, in the mid 90’s I started getting tattooed and had several friends that worked in local shops in the Middletown area. I was interdicted to Mike and a few others out of the point pleasant and asbury shops when he worked for other people. I collected a decent amount of tattoos from him over a decade or so. I left NJ in 2013 and haven’t been tattooed by anyone since. It’s rare when I see anyone with any tattoos that come even close to the level Mike tattoos at.

I’m glad to see Mike getting some recognition here, he’s earned it by keeping tattooing traditional and a true art form.

Mike mentions Tony the pirate and $20.00 tattoos. I grew up a few miles from Tony’s tattoos and I got my 1st tattoo at 15 from h for $16.00. lol good times!