Chip L. Shirek
AVIATOR/ARTIST
"There’s a big difference between a pilot and an aviator.
One is a technician, the other is an artist in love with flight."
- Elrey Jeppesen.
ABOUT ME
Growing up I always had a profound interest in art. I was always drawing or painting in some fashion. I have always enjoyed several forms of art and always found it in pretty much anything I did.
I began getting into computer graphics even before Photoshop was available using a basic paint program and an old Macintosh Performa 560. After high school, I earned my Associates Degree in Architecture and later on earned my Bachelor's Degree in Video game Art and Design. I spent the next 10 years working in the video game industry as a 3d Artist earning credits in Ghost Recon Advanced Warfighter 1 and 2, Champions Online, Star Trek Online, and Kinect Star Wars.
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In 2012, I decided to take a break from the game industry and spent the next two years learning how to tattoo from published artists Lisa Fasulo in Albany, New York and Caleb Morgan in Fort Myers, Florida. I proceeded to work doing ink for the next several years in Florida and San Diego.​
​After the loss of my father, I closed up shop and moved back to Phoenix for the second time. Although I did some tattooing here and there, I got involved with a lot of flight training...a passion I always enjoyed sharing with him. The sky was art to me, so I felt right at home again and was inspired by the sky every time I flew. During that time, I got into photography and videography and later came back to doing instructional videos and computer generated designs for a variety of clients. To date, I hold a FAA commercial pilots license, instrument rating, multi-engine rating, complex endorsement, FAA aircraft dispatcher license, advanced ground instructor rating, and drone operators license. I'm due to get my CFI in 2024.
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In 2016, I moved to Las Vegas and worked doing various forms of freelance graphic design. My clients included airlines, flight schools, small businesses, authors, and independent graphics companies.
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Not long after the tragic events on Oct 1 2017 in Las Vegas, I moved back to Arizona to continue with my passion in art and aviation. They are both something I've always enjoyed. I love meeting new people, and I take great pride in all that I do and I try to incorporate all of my past skills and experiences into my efforts when I can.
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For a long time, I've continued to try and clarify exactly what kind of artist I was because my interests seem to be all over the board. I've pursued most of them and found art in each. However, in the end, now, I prefer to keep it simple...
...I'm an aviator.
CONTACT ME
Chip L. Shirek
AVIATOR/ARTIST
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Tattoo Related - Skyinkstudioart@gmail.com
480.623.2017
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Aviation Related - Flyclsaviation@gmail.com
928.813.6855
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