Well, we now have 2 studios. I wanted to write so people could read about how a small town girl and her dad go about there lives each day, working with clients we have known forever. Not worried about the world around us, just making our own little dent in the artistic world, and doing it with a humbled smile.
I did my first tattoo over 12 years ago, when I was 18. I am 31 now and I still learn something new everyday. Each client, each work of art, each experience makes me a better tattoo artist. I am also a graphic designer and freelance scratchboard artist. I have been juggling these loves of mine for quite some time. But I would not trade it for the world. The best feeling is when me and my dad are both back in the tattoo studio just working away, we both tend to have the same facial expressions and mannerisms when we tattoo. The clients notice these similarities and just smile.
“Dreamtime” is where I work, that studio is my baby. I work my day job for the “Illinois Press Association” from 8 am to 5 pm as their graphic designer, then I head over to the shop and start my evening, tattooing, talking to clients, doing touch ups, consults, just about what ever I can accomplish until 8 pm.
On Saturdays, I am at the shop from Noon to 8 pm, this is the time I enjoy the most. Sitting down in front of a client with my machine ready to go, it is such a stress reliever for me, once I get going on the piece, I am as calm as can be, and nothing in the world can bother me. It is hard to remember to take breaks when I am working on large pieces. I always have to remind myself.
I know my father is proud of me, and that means the world to me. I strive everyday to be the best artist I can. I just wish there were more hours in a day! I never have enough time to get everything done.
As a woman, working in the tattoo industry, you have to have a thick skin. Especially in small towns, where every tattoo artist knows you. I have learned how to deal with gossip, rumors and “under-the-table talk”. Basically it goes in one ear, and out the other. I don’t stoop to that level, it is a waste of time. The best representation of a good tattoo artist is the word of mouth from his or her clients. A satisfied customer is the best advertising!
I hang the ego at the door and make sure that every client that I work with is 100% satisfied. And I make sure that I am as accessible as possible for my clients. Clients in the tattoo industry don’t just stay clients, they become good friends , and when they pop into the shop just to chat or show me their tattoo, it makes it all worth it. I would not change my life for anything...well, maybe more money, I seem to have a conscience and I always under price myself.
I have come to a revelation! I have learned that you can not rush a piece of art, when I have had to rush on a tattoo design or the actual tattoo, I can see what I would have changed after I get the photos of the tattoos back.