Paul began his career in Nov. 1988 with a traditional apprenticeship. Upon realizing the creative potential of the tattoo medium, he began to focus even more on it as an artform. This inspiration stirred within Paul, and he found himself completing a large female backpiece by the summer of '91. This piece was his first large custom tattoo and having received so much positive attention for it, He decided to show the tattoo at the most notable convention at the time(Pittsburg, PA) in 1991. "Best Up and Coming Artist of the Year", "Best Black and Grey Large--Female", and "Best Tattoo @ Convention" are the three awards he took home from that expo. These wins also immediately resulted in Paul's first of numerous magazine covers. This first one with Tattoo Revue-one of the industries top magazines. Since Paul came virtually out of nowhere, many prominent eyes began to take a serious look at what this artist's macabre mind was creating. Since that time, Paul has won numerous awards throughout the world as well as extensive magazine coverage from exclusive interviews to a consistent trail of featured art. Paul Booth has been a household name in the Tattoo world for quite some time and has developed a rather unique style. His art is so widely recognized that even with his two year waiting list, Paul is fortunate enough to maintain a high level of artistic freedom. The primary focus of Paul's art thrives on the dark side of human nature. He has played a major role in bringing dark oriented tattoo art into the mainstream. Tattoo fans throughout the world consider him "Master of the Macabre". Some consider him a sort of excorcist, bringing their nightmares to the surface. Others look to express their darkness through Paul's hand. Whatever the reason, when it comes to macabre tattoo art, Paul Booth is the final word. These days, touring with and tattooing various bands is one of Paul's favorite pastimes. Much of his inspiration comes from music so the opportunity to collaborate with the musicians he respects is an artistic dream! This has led to a reputation for tattooing many of the popular hard rock bands of today... Pantera, Slayer, Limp Bizkit, Coal Chamber and Soulfly to name just a few. The Undertaker of the WWF also bears Paul's mark. Phil Anselmo's "House of Shock" in New Orleans is another of Paul's favorite pastimes... even to the degree that Paul is planning a haunted attraction of his own. Teaming up with Phil to scare the daylights out of suspecting victims, this annual October haunted house project serves as a smorgasbord of morbid atmosphere for creation. Atmosphere is very important to Paul. He states that as an artist creating on living canvas, all of ones' senses should be involved in the process. Trying to breathe life into "living" art flows with much emotion when you are experiencing every aspect possible. This philosophy has led to the design of Paul's NYC studio, an environment that holds as much importance for the client as well. Within this dark atmosphere, the tattoo artistry becomes a rather intense experience. So intense that those wishing to receive Paul's mark are more than willing to wait as long as they do for an appointment.
