Your Birthday:
October 27, 1978
When You Started Tattooing:
I started tattooing in 2002.
How You Became Interested in Tattooing:
My best friend and mentor Matt Carrel, another tattoo artist in Indy, started his tattooing career while we were both attending Purdue University. I was his “guinea pig” during his apprenticeship, and was enthralled with the process of it all. We both moved to Indy and I pursued a degree in graphic design at Herron School of Art. I came to the conclusion that the art I was doing wasn’t quite what I wanted to do for the rest of my life. So I asked him to help me get my feet off the ground doing tattoos. He really opened my eyes to it all.
Favorite Style/Genre of Tattoo:
My favorite type of tattoos would have to be pin-ups. I’ve always been a portrait artist, since high school even. But doing the whole body, in full color and beautiful 1950’s style… it doesn’t get much better.
What Tattoo Artists Inspire You Most:
I have many inspirations. My first and foremost is Matt Carrel (Metamorphosis, Indianapolis). His old-school style is fantastic. Tony Wheeler (also at Artistic Skin Designs) has proven to me that you can do anything great, even the first time, if you believe you can. He is doing my Harry Potter sleeve, and being the obsessed fan I am, you know it has to be perfect. And nationally, I have discovered Nikko, the most amazing color portrait artist. His use of color and light envies the masters.
What Secular Artists Inspire You Most:
All the pin-up greats are on my list. Olivia, Elvgren, Vargas, etc… But I also love longer and whole periods of art history, such as the Greek and Roman age, and Art Deco. I enjoy the architecture of those periods. Being one class away from an Art History minor, I have a deep appreciation for many kinds of art.
Other Hobbies/Interests:
As do most tattoo artists, I love to paint. Oils are my personal favorite. I aspire to do pin-ups like Olivia. I’m learning airbrush, which I hope will add to the detail of my paintings. I also read a lot, and am particularly in love with the Harry Potter series. And traveling takes a spot at the top of the list, London having been the most amazing place I’ve been so far.
Where You Are Currently Tattooing:
Artistic Skin Designs
3429 S. East St.
Indianapolis, IN 46227
(317) 780-8282
www.artisticskindesigns.com
Personal Thoughts from Amanda:
I would never change what I do. My coworkers are fantastic, and it’s a career that’s conducive to creativity. I will continue collecting pieces and my goal is to keep learning. My husband and my friends are supportive and understanding of what I do. It’s about having a life you love, being able to look forward to every day, and to showcase your work whenever possible. At least, that’s what it’s about for me.
