CCS x Zanereti Artist Series

We spent a day with Arizona tattoo artist Zanereti talking old trucks, Western pulp and what inspires his fine-art and tattooing. The CCS x Zanereti artist series available at CCS.com.

Wha’s Zanereti?

Zanereti is an alias I made up in middle school. It began as an online username for a game I used to play. I started to love the idea of this alternate identity that lived in a separate world from me. I used it for everything. When I was drawing a lot, I never resonated with what I was making. I felt a disconnect from the art, but I knew I needed to create. Going to that separate world in my head allowed me to explore more conceptually and not remain limited to my current self. So, I adopted that alias into the present world.

What’s your name and how old are you?

My name is Sean O’Day, and I am 31 years old.

Where are you from?

I was born and raised in Arizona! A once small town called Cave Creek.

How did you get roped into creating a capsule for CCS?

Matt Jones (CCS Brand Director) stumbled upon a canvas I glued a year’s worth of tattoo stencils to. Luckily for me I hadn’t made the time to pick it up from an art show at local skate shop FACES. I had a feeling it was waiting for someone. I’m so glad Matt saw something in there he liked.

Are you happy with how the capsule came out?

Thrilled is an understatement. Everything turned out fantastic. Giving all my praise to the quality and cuts of the garments. Can’t wait to see how people wear this.

What came first drawing or tattooing?

I’ve drawn since I was little, mostly iterations of 2000’s cartoons on folders and notebooks. I didn’t develop anything close to a voice in my art until college.

How long have you been making art?

I started taking it seriously at the end of high school when a friend asked for an album cover. So, let’s say 12 years, minus a hiatus in there.

What’s your primary discipline?

After taking random art courses for a couple years, fumbling my way through trying to stay disciplined, I found Lithography, a form of printmaking that I fell in love with. I yearn for the day when I get to return to that medium. 

Any formal training?

My undergrad is in fine art from ASU where I did a lot of screen printing, lithography, and intaglio. Followed by a year of traditional tattooing apprenticeship.

How long have you been tattooing?

I’ve tattooed full time since January of 21’ so I am approaching the 5-year mark. I am so grateful to be able to make art full time for a living, which was a goal since I was little.

Being from Arizona, what Western icons inspire your work?

Remington sculptures will always leave me in awe. The photographs of Edward Curtis. Illustrations by Maynard Dixon, landscapes by Glenn Dean, and the compositions of paintings by Mark Maggiori. The unsung heroes are the pulp western magazine artists who illustrated in the golden age between 1940’s and 1960’s. Absolute skill and dedication to drawing.

The tattooing community and skate community have commonalities, one of the best has

to be travel. Where in the world has tattooing it taken you?

This Is a great question! My biggest dream as a kid was to see the world. My dad shared how much it shaped him. I promised him I would see as much as I could. I’ve been so fortunate be welcomed to New York, Germany, and Italy. Big plans in the future to create in Paris, Rome, Ireland, Australia, and many more. 

Do you skate?

I used to. The last time I skated was to and from class, probably seven years ago. I had to give it up when I started tattooing because if something happens to my wrist I won’t survive.

How’d you get into skateboarding?

My half-brother got me a Walmart board when I was around 11 or 12. It was green with dice in the middle. It was not the easiest thing to learn on, but it was fun enough for me to go build my own.

What was your first set-up?

I bought a Chris Cole Zero deck with a grim reaper on it. Reynolds trucks. Reds, forgetting the wheels but they were black. I thought it was so cool. That’s when I started getting into skateboard art. I was obsessed with deck art. Esao Andrews boards for Baker were some of my favorites.

What’s your current set up in the studio, IE where do you tattoo and where do you your

painting?

I tattoo out of my studio, Too Soon, in Phoenix, with three other amazing artists. I make drawings and paintings in my living room which has a drafting table, an easel and many trinkets that remind me of loved ones.

Anything else we should know about you? Like what you do? How do you take your

coffee? What is the name of your pet?

I love restoration projects, collecting rare items, and learning history, design, and process. I am inspired by craft and old techniques. Currently working on restoring a 72’ International Scout ii.  After cars I think I’ll try my hand at shoe making.  I drink espresso with a splash of oat milk, and my dog is named Willy, after One Eyed Willy, or short for Wilson from “Cast Away”. He’s the best dog in the world. Giving him love and showing him life gave me purpose. 

Lastly, what’s the waitlist like, where can people see your work and book an appointment?

I don’t book too far in advance anymore. I like the flexibility. Fitting in large projects back-to-back is exciting, getting people in quickly is rewarding. As a client I found it hard to wait 3-6 months to book. Only booking premade designs has allowed a lot more people to access my art. You can check out available designs on my Instagram flash highlight or my website! I am prioritizing back pieces right now but happy to hear any project request.