The Art of Matt Hays

     Matt is a multidisciplinary artist born and raised in the Roaring Fork Valley whose artistic skills and interests span a wide range of mediums, styles and subject matter. After receiving his BS in Media Arts and Animation from the Art Institute of Colorado in 2001 he began working as an animator and motion graphics specialist for a local media production company eventually becoming the Creative Director of the company.  In this role he wore many hats including animator, motion graphics, video producer/editor, audio technician, web design, graphic design and programming earning multiple awards for his work with local, national and international organizations as well as television programming and music videos.  Towards the end of the early 2000's he felt the draw to get out from behind the computer and get back to making art with his hands.  This led him into tattooing and further pursuit of fine art, which has been his primary focus for the last two decades.  His tattoo work has been published in various books and publications and has earned him awards in international tattoo competitions while his fine art has been exhibited in galleries across the country and collected by people across the globe.

 

     In recent years he has found great personal satisfaction in sharing his knowledge and experience with others through collaboration, mentorship programs and teaching.

 

     If you'd like to learn more about his tattoo practice, visit: www.mckinleytattoos.com