Shannon Taber

“No one creature deserves to be here more than another. And we don’t get to say which ones are worth more or less. And we absolutely don’t deserve to make money and capitalize on the death and harm of others. Human or animal!”

Hello, I’m Shannon Taber, @tattoosbyshannon if you’re nasty. I’m a tattoo artist working at lucky bird tattoo in Annapolis, MD full time and lucky horse tattoo in Orlando, FL when the feelings right. I’ve been tattooing for 19 years. I love traditional tattooing and putting a little touch of pop culture in there. I’ve been straight edge 23 years and vegan 16 years.

What was the moment or experience that first pushed you toward veganism?
I wouldn’t really say it was an experience so much as final decision. I’ve always been an animal lover so eating meat was something that weighed on me. And around 11 or so I developed a dairy sensitivity. So going vegan was always in the back of my mind. I met my wife and she’s been vegetarian since she was 7. So I one day said “fuck it! This moment forward I’m vegan!” And she has had my back about it ever since. That was about 16 years ago.

Did your path into veganism come before or after being a tattoo artist?
Tattooing was the first to enter my life.

Was there a specific artist, band, or other media that influenced your decision?
Music wise the obvious answer is Morrissey and Earth Crisis. Tattoo wise, Dan Smith, as a vegan, straight edge tattoo artist who also plays bass. He was an obvious influence on me. Also nick Baxter’s advocacy with veganism was always inspiring to me.

Has your understanding of animal rights changed since you first went vegan?
I’m always learning, but I wouldn't say my perspective has changed radically. I understand veganism isn't going to be adopted by all people and all cultures, and my goal isn't so much global veganism as much as it's to end the destructive, poisonous, and heavily subsidized factory farms that destroy animals and the environment for no reason. It’s slowly choking us and the planet--not to mention destroying countless animals in the process.

How did your friends, family, or community react when you made that shift?
Like I said, my wife has been the biggest supporter and my rock in this decision. Friends were good for the most part. My family was the hardest part of the transition. They have gotten better over the years. But my mom still, 16 years later, asks if what I’m eating is vegan.
You've been openly vegan for years. Have you noticed public attitudes changing during that time?
Yeah, people used to freak out about it a lot more when I was younger. I’ve had people in my personal life convinced I’d die the first year I went without consuming animal products. But when I mention it now, everyone is more or less neutral on it as a topic, and is even open to coming with me to veg spots I like or eating food I’ve cooked.

Was it an immediate commitment, or something you grew into over time?
It was immediate. I’ve been straight edge for 23 years, so when I do something, I do it with my whole self.
For you, how connected are veganism, straight edge, and your art?
I like to think I make them pretty connected, as they are both a part of me. There are always little Easter eggs in my work.
Does your art reflect your vegan or straight edge values? If so, how?
My personal art for sure, but tattooing a custom piece for someone I’m not gonna put “XVX” on them if they aren’t hahaha.

Do you see your art as an extension of your ethics, or are they separate forms of expression?
It depends on the piece, honestly. But I’ve done many tattoos where the clients were open to talking about both, and they were some great conversations where I feel they really took something away from it.
Do you think tattoo artists have a responsibility to consider the ethics behind the materials and products they use?
100%! We use so many products and supplies. We really need to think about the footprint we are leaving on this planet. I understand a lot of it has to be onetime use, safety is non negotiable. But there are supplies we can switch to that can be sterilized or recycled. Lots of companies have been making supplies that are biodegradable which rules. And as far as supplies being vegan, there is no reason any animals should be harmed for our supplies.

What role has tattoo culture played in shaping your beliefs or identity?
I mean it hasn’t really changed my beliefs; they are pretty firmly rooted in me. But that being said, tattooing has also consumed me too. Like designs, tattooing, and art are a lot of what I think about. But there are parts of tattooing I think are toxic and need to be shown the door, but I think there is definitely a shift in tattooing where the toxic parts are being weeded out. For the most part.

Have your tattoos documented different stages of your personal growth or changes in your beliefs?
Not really - just how bad I was to how I’m a little less bad now haha.

Do you think people underestimate the importance of tattoos as part of someone's identity?

As a tattooer, yes. This is not a hobby; this is my job and who I am. I feel most artists can relate. We are just tattoo artists. It’s almost a religion to us. As a person getting tattoos, also yes, these are stories and memories and celebrations. They are rewards for accomplishments. No matter how small, every tattoo has some meaning to someone. And also, the history of tattooing itself.
How has being part of the art community strengthened your commitment to veganism or straight edge?

Just seeing how ignorant some people in the community and culture can be. I’ll never get the use of heavy drugs or drinking as an escape for anything.

Do you feel tattoo culture today is more or less aligned with vegan and straight edge values than when you first got involved?
A little more with veganism, but maybe just accidentally.

What messages do you hope your art conveys about your identity and values?

That I’m passionate about all my interests. Not just straight edge and veganism, but everything.

Have you ever tattooed someone who was inspired by your ethics or lifestyle? If so, how?

I mean I’ve done a few people’s straight edge tattoos because I was edge. Same for veganism. I think that was more being like-minded, not so much inspiration.

Do you think tattoos can genuinely influence people's way of thinking, or do they mainly express beliefs that already exist?
I think tattoos are a great way to express anything anyone wants to put out there about themselves. But obviously that would be something they already had inside of them.

Veganism and straight edge are often lifelong commitments. Do you think tattoos can represent that same kind of permanence?
Absolutely! Tattoos are all about permanence.

Is there a difference between wearing a symbol and truly living by the values behind it?
Oh my god, yes! You can wear a symbol and say you are this or that. But you can’t fake the funk. Actions speak louder than words.

Do you consider veganism inherently political? Why?
It 100% is. No one creature deserves to be here more than another. And we don’t get to say which ones are worth more or less. And we absolutely don’t deserve to make money and capitalize on the death and harm of others. Human or animal!

Do you view tattoos as a form of activism or protest? Why or why not?
It can be. But again, just because you wear the symbol doesn’t mean you live it! Get out there and do something also.

How have your ethics influenced the artists you choose to support, or the way you approach tattooing?
I choose not to align with or support other artists who are unwelcoming or shitty to others for the color of their skin, who they love, or who they choose to identify as! Unfortunately, there are a lot of artists out there wearing Wu-Tang shirts and blasting RATM in their shop but get upset when they have to tattoo dark skin. Shit makes me so mad!

What issues within tattoo culture do you think aren't being talked about enough, especially regarding veganism, straight edge, or ethics?
My last answer definitely covers this. And also the footprint we are leaving on this planet which I spoke on earlier.

Looking back, would you approach your art or the way you express your beliefs through them differently?
No, but I would have definitely shifted my circle of friends and people I was around earlier in my career.

What keeps you committed to veganism / straight edge when it becomes difficult or isolating?
I don’t really find any part of either difficult. They are just who I am.

Where do you see the vegan straight edge movement within tattoo culture going over the next decade?
It will more or less be about the same. I’d love to see more artists becoming plant-based, if not fully vegan. And finding better outlets to escape besides drinks and drugs.

Is there a tattoo you have that represents your commitment to animal rights or compassion?
I have “XVX” tattooed at the base of my neck.

Have your tattoos ever opened conversations about veganism or straight edge with strangers?
Not my tattoos per se, but I’ve had vegan and straight-edge shirts on that strangers have asked about. The approach is to always be welcoming and nice, and hoping to at least leave them thinking.

If someone looked at your tattoos / art years from now, what would you hope they understand about you?
That I was trying my best haha

What advice would you give to someone who’s considering veganism or straight edge but is still undecided?
I mean not really advice but a question. Will it hurt you to not hurt another living animal? Especially when you can literally make a vegan version of any meal, this day and age. And as far as straight edge, I don’t think anyone really needs to claim edge unless that’s something they feel in their heart. But your vices should not be killing you slowly. Just think about that.

Final Thoughts:

First artist that made you think differently:

Dan Smith! Vegan, straight edge and artistically. Music wise, Morrissey.
A tattoo that holds the deepest meaning to you:
I have matching wedding dates with my wife. Also my tattoo for my son and the tattoos I have for my dogs that have passed.
One misconception about veganism / straight edge:
Nothing it’s all true! We are all judgmental assholes and just wanna fight you! I’m joking, we are just people who care about all life. So we wanna see animals thrive and humans not kill themselves.

What value will you never compromise, regardless of trends or outside pressure?
All of them! I am who I am for a reason!

What do you hope your work leaves behind?
That I cared. Even if too much sometimes.

One thing the scene / community needs to do better:
Approach outsiders with intent to teach and help them learn. While still holding your ground. You can be strong in your beliefs and still be welcoming.