Today we’d like to introduce you to Steven “Chewie” Weston.
Hi Steven “Chewie”, we’re thrilled to have a chance to learn your story today. So, before we get into specifics, maybe you can briefly walk us through how you got to where you are today?
Throughout my 20s, I worked in the restaurant industry. I’ve been a chef, and have managed a few of these businesses. When I moved to Utah in 2017, I wanted a change of pace. I worked at a few retail stores, but it wasn’t fulfilling, to me. One night, after working a shift at both of my jobs, I was drawing. It’s something I loved to do, even when I was exhausted. I had an epiphany. I had been working, this whole time, to help put money into someone else’s pocket. I wanted to work for myself, and I wanted to make art my career. I started building a portfolio of art, and taking that into tattoo shops, to find an apprenticeship. It took about 2 years to build the portfolio, and find a shop willing to teach me how to tattoo. I found a semi-traditional apprenticeship, at a shop in Murray. The shop owner gave me the nickname Chewie, because his name is Steven as well. I learned to tattoo, then helped to manage the studio. I was there a few years. I wanted another change, I knew I wanted to either work at a well known studio, or get out on my own. In March 2024, I found a small studio space downtown, and opened Malice Tattoo.
One Sunday, I went to an art market hosted at the Church & State building. I loved the energy of the building, and the community, there. They regularly host markets, concerts and shows, and it was just a great place for my vision for the studio. I moved Malice to Church & State in October 2024.
Malice has grown from just myself in a small office, into an artist collective. My wife applies tooth gems, and I’ve got a few artists working with me, as well. I want Malice to be an inclusive space, where anyone is comfortable coming in. The goal is to help other people express themselves. My focus is on cleanliness, professionalism, and respect. Tattooing is a sacred thing, it’s a collaboration. I want the clients to feel that when they leave.
Alright, so let’s dig a little deeper into the story – has it been an easy path overall and if not, what were the challenges you’ve had to overcome?
I feel like the biggest struggle was learning to speak up for myself, set healthy boundaries, and become more confident. Not just in business, but in day to day life. It’s not that I was shy before, but I grew to be more confident.
I really have to push my art out there, and stand behind the work I do. That’s why I try to keep an academic mentality, when it comes to art and tattoo application. I’m always progressing as an artist, and I think that can be seen from my work. If an artist assumes they have nothing more to learn, they will become stagnant. That’s something I refuse to do.
With tattooing, I can’t be shy. I’ve met people and within a few minutes I have to be very close to them. Not just physically close, but people start opening up to me about life, and their traumas and victories. It takes trust, from the client, and I have to show them I’m someone they can trust.
As far as confidence in business, something I’d say is that anyone can and should be working for themselves. Find what you do naturally, and make that your life’s work. It’s tough because there isn’t a guide book, or guarantee that it will work. It takes a mixture of advice from other people as well as self confidence to find strategies to become successful. If you’re not confident enough to ask questions, you’re not going to learn from other people.
Alright, so let’s switch gears a bit and talk business. What should we know about your work?
I’m the owner of Malice Tattoo, as well as a tattooist. I enjoy neo-traditional work, traditional tattoos, bold cover-ups, and larger custom pieces that give me some creative freedom. I’m known for my ability to blend classic tattoo structure with modern techniques, and meaningful imagery. Whether it’s full color, or black and grey, I want my marks to be recognizable.
What I’m most proud of is helping people reclaim their bodies—whether that’s through cover-ups, emotional pieces, or work that marks a new chapter. My clients trust me because I listen, I care about the art and the experience, and I aim to make the process as comfortable and honest as the result is clean and lasting.
What sets me apart? I don’t just slap on pretty designs. I create tattoos with narrative weight. And I keep it real, no BS, just solid work with meaning behind it.
So, before we go, how can our readers or others connect or collaborate with you? How can they support you?
The easiest way to work with me is to reach out through Instagram @chewietattoos, or my website, malicetattoo.com. I post available flash regularly, but I’m always open to custom ideas—especially if you trust my style. If you’re looking to collaborate—whether it’s an art show, merch drop, market event, or something weird and creative—I’m all ears. I love crossovers that make people stop and stare.
You can support me by booking tattoos, sharing my work, grabbing some merch, or just engaging with what I post. Every like, share, or sticker slapped somewhere helps more than people think.
Pricing:
- I price by the piece!
- I have some 3”x3” “Get what you Get” gumball machine tattoos for $150
- For custom tattoos, my palm size is 4”x4” is $350 and my hand size, 5”x7” is $700
- I charge a little more for cover ups and delicate areas (hands, neck, ribs etc)
- Predrawn flash and wanna-do tattoos are always discounted!
Contact Info:
- Website: https://Malicetattoo.com
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/chewietattoos?igsh=MTVyZnM4NHB2ZjBqOA%3D%3D&utm_source=qr
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/share/1BPpx7rjy8/?mibextid=wwXIfr
