Ricky Miller, 41, is proud to be born in the 80s –the metal band posters, MTV, and skateboard decks of the decade all inspired him to become a tattoo artist and open his shop, The Edge Tattoo Studio, located at 796 Folly Road on James Island.
Born and raised there, his first exposure to ink was on his uncle from Florida, “a bit of a hell raiser,” that he admired for his tough-guy persona. At the time, tattooing was illegal in the state of South Carolina–so seeing tattoos on skin intrigued him.
Miller started getting underground tattoos at 14, thanks to his connections from being immersed in the skateboard and surf scene on James Island. He started paying attention to everything he was seeing, absorbing information–even though he didn’t have intentions at that time to be a tattoo artist himself.
But his love for tattoos was cemented–he began purchasing books and magazines on tattoos to further his collection.
“It opened up a window to styles and techniques from tattoo artists all over the world,” he says. “They were crucial resources for reference for my own tattoos.”
Miller continued getting heavily tattooed and had kids. By chance he connected with tattoo artist Johnny Sandler, who had recently moved to Charleston from Chicago and opened a tattoo studio.
With more time on his hands and the ability to work in the shop at night while he held down his day job to provide for his family, Miller fully pursued tattooing after Sandler offered him an apprenticeship.
“I was giving it everything I could. Most nights I wasn’t getting home until 2 a.m.,” says Miller.
After leaving Sandler’s shop, he joined a few other local studios and took on guest spots whenever he traveled to gain experience.
“I learned how to line draw, paint–everything about needles, tubes, pigments. How to set up and break down. You hover, watch and get tattooed. It never ends, and I am still learning every single day,” he says.
After over a decade of working in different tattoo shops and studios, traveling and guest spotting, Miller was presented with a once in a lifetime opportunity to open his own studio on James Island in June 2022 – The Edge Tattoo Studio (pictured).
It was a quiet open, and he worked solo for about 6 months in the newly renovated shop before he slowly started adding more artists.
The Edge Tattoo Studio offers tattoo artists who are capable of doing many styles–from fine line to realism to portraits to American Traditional tattoos.
“We are well rounded,” adds Miller. “We cater to a big group of people. The studio is super chill, very welcoming and very clean–and very inviting.”
For those who come to the shop unsure of what they want to get, Miller filled a gumball machine with “get what you get” tattoos–which are all shark teeth, an ode to the shop’s beach locale.
“I’ve probably done a thousand shark teeth,” laughs Miller.
And it’s his passion for the art of tattooing and his hometown that keeps his studio special.
“Tattooing is a magical thing,” he says. “We’re here and we’re local–the only one on James Island. I’m proud to have this shop in my hometown,” says Miller. “I’m so humbled. We just want people to come in and check it out.”
The Edge Tattoo Studio is open 7 days a week, 1PM – 8 PM at 796 Folly Road on James Island.
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