TATTOOS DONE BY
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BAW: What made you want to become a Tattoo Artist?

Artist:  I wanted my first tattoo at the age of 12 or 13, but that never happened.  My Mother brought me, my brother and my 5 sisters up very strict and God fearing.  So, there definitely would not be any talk of tattoos.  Artistic ability apparently runs in my family.  Most of my sisters were in their day and time very good artists.  Most of which now find themselves too busy with children and work.  Becoming a Tattoo Artist was almost like a dream come true, not only was I lucky enough to get into the industry, but I have been blessed with learning from a Master Tattoo Artist from the old school days.  So in short, I guess you could just say that being a Tattoo Artist was always there.  It just took the right time and circumstance for me to be given such an awesome opportunity.  

BAW: Who are your influences?

Artist:  My first and foremost would be of course my Mentor , Hal LaFreniere.  He taught me the basics of tattooing, the needles and machines in which I use.  His influence and my drive led me to observe other artist's such as Bob Tyrrell, Tom Renshaw and some of the later work of Paul Booth.  There are other artists that have influenced me that are not tattoo Artist's but there are too many to mention.

 

BAW: What is your favorite style of work? 

Artist:  I would definitely say Grey Wash!  I love getting into detailed pieces or realism such as portraits etc.  I also love using color in my tattoos, as long as I can make it as real as possible.  Just nice shading, fading and blending!  

BAW: Tell us about your first Tattoo experience?

Artist:  My first tattoo which I received (at the time) at Wall Flash Tattoo Studio in Rio Grande , NJ . By an artist's named Mike.  I thought that it would be much more painful than it actually was.  I had planned on only getting maybe one more after that, but now I have 11.  I was very happy with the outcome of the work and I am still happy with it to this day.  He did a great job.  My only regret was that I didn't design it myself or have it custom designed by that artist for that particular tattoo.  I think a lot of people make the choice of picking from tattoo flash.  Nothing wrong with it at all!  But from that point on, I try to get custom work that expresses me.

BAW: What is your favorite piece you own?

Artist:  That would be the Fairy on my lower back, and coming from her is a vine with flowers leading up to, almost my neck.  The reason is because that is my family vine.  My Mother and Father had 7 children and we are pretty close!  Closer than even some smaller families I have met.  So each individual flower represents a brother and my sisters.  The two sets of double flowers I have represent my Mother and Father.  I wanted to go with their birth flower, but there were too many differences in styles and I didn't think it would flow.  I also have picked Pansy's for my back in places because they are very colorful in different combinations as people can be and at the same time they are very tough plants that seem to be survivors in most conditions. Just as some people become survivors and stronger at heart with each storm or trial we go through. 

BAW: What is your most memorable Tattoo given and why?

Artist:    Actually my most memorable tattoo given was to a man that was my basketball coach in my 8^th and 9^th grades of High School.  We have stayed in touch over the years, mainly here and there.  Well, for a while he’s wanted me to ink him up.  Prior to this memorable tattoo, he had I think two or three.  After many months, almost a year of deciding what he wanted, he finally chose a portrait of his younger brother who passed away about a year and a half ago.  At first he wanted this tattoo on his chest but he son and I changed his mind a bit.  Not because he couldn’t handle 4 to 5 hours on the chest, but just that it would be an everyday reminder that he may not need.  I think I was more nervous about that tattoo than I was with my first tattoo ever.  Not because it was a portrait, not at all!  But because of whom I was tattooing and what this meant to him.  If I hadn’t known this man, I wouldn’t have been nervous at all.  It was just weird.  But all turned out good, better than he expected.  That is always my goal.

 

 

BAW: Is there a part of the body you won't Tattoo and why?

Artist:  Well to me skin is skin and I really don’t think it matters!  I don’t see body parts!  But I will not tattoo the penis not only because it is some what different or difficult to stretch, but also out of respect for my husband I suppose.  Professionalism in that matter is not an issue, just a personal choice for both my husband and I.  Bottoms of the feet and palms of hands are almost useless.  Also, it has been our shop policy.

 

BAW: Do you support supply co. that sells to the public? 

Artist:  That is a difficult and complex question in a way.  At first I say no because there are too many "Scratchers" already out there.  So instead of them actually finding a place that will allow them to apprentice, they just try and teach themselves.  Even though some of them may be great artist's on paper or canvas, doesn't mean they know the fundamentals of sterile and safe tattooing, not to mention knowledge of the machines, needle set up and tattooing skin in itself.  I am sure a lot of artists started out like that and I am not saying anything bad about them.  I think in a way it just promotes bad habits.  The opposite of that question would be just like I stated two sentences before.  There are good artists out there that started on their own and then later got a job with a legitimate studio where they may have learned more about safe tattooing, including sterility.  So, I guess my complicated answer would be yes and no, with my thoughts and or explanations.

BAW: Do you feel there now should be mandatory schooling for soon to be tattoo artists?

Artist:  Only for sterile and sanitary reasons.  I belong to the APT (Alliance of Professional Tattooist).  For those out there that do not have the education of cross contamination and blood borne pathogens it is something that should be looked into.  It is a hard business to get into for the most part.  And with more and more shops popping up {Not necessarily artists or professionals} it is getting easier for up and coming tattooist or people that want to be come a tattoo artists to get an apprenticeship with the wrong people.  I think that everyone should learn from a seasoned and professional artist where they actually learn from the ground up even if that means starting by taking out the trash and sweeping the floor.  I do not feel that a classroom environment would give the one on one attention that a potential Tattoo Artist needs.  

BAW: Do you feel Tattooing has changed over the years, and if so why?

Artist:  Yes!  Even though I have only been tattooing professionally for 5 years I have been around tattoo studios and artists for much longer.  I think as far as the art, it has become so detailed and real.  The quality of realism has come a long way.  On the down side, again there are so many out there not learning from a professional and experienced Tattooist and because of that, a lot of people are walking around with some really bad tattoos, some of which are beyond trying to fix. It is also more accepted by the public more so than in years passed.  Not stereotyped as much at least in most of the world. 

BAW: Do you think it is important to do as many conventions and shows as possible?

Artist:  I do think that it is important to try and go to some of the major conventions or if you are new to the industry, then even some of the smaller ones.  I would like to attend up to maybe 3 a year.  I think it gives artists good exposure, more publicity in magazines etc.  It's not easy, but I suppose if you do it long enough you get use to the traveling and you also get to meet so many other artists which I think is great.  I guess it would really depend on one's ability in the art as well as how much they hope to get noticed in the public eye.  I would like to be seen and noticed more as an artist and for that to happen outside my small community it would mean more conventions as well as submitting my work to magazines and so forth.  But depending on one’s life and situation, that is not always possible. 

BAW: What advise can you give to someone who is starting or looking to get into the tattoo business?

Artist:  First of all have the drive not because you want the money but because you love art and you know that you would love tattooing for a living.  It's not always easy and never will be.  But if you love it, you will enjoy going to work everyday.  It can take a lot of strength and you can't let yourself get discouraged.  Find someone who knows the business and the art.  Not just a fly by the seat of the pants scratcher.  Look, listen, ask lots of questions and learn.  Most artists can learn a lot by watching and then of course when you do start tattooing, you will find your own style and way.  Do it because you love it not because you think it is cool, neat or different.

BAW: What could you say to someone who has had a bad first experience?

Artist:  First they should ask themselves why they felt it was bad.  If the reason for the bad experience was because of a bad tattoo, one should always check out the artists.  When you see a tattoo on someone, ask where it came from.  Learn about what makes a good tattoo and what makes a bad one.  If it is the pain factor, well tattoos aren't for everyone and everyone takes that sensation differently. 

BAW: Since you have started what changes have you seen in the industry?

Artist:  I have noticed more and more female Artist’s getting in the business.  I think that is a great thing, but I am sure some of the old school guy’s think otherwise.  But that is okay, everyone has the right to think what they want.  In certain areas of the country I have seen the wide spread of people wanting to be Tattoo Artist’s that haven’t had any real training or for that matter an apprenticeship, before they get their own shop or even later down the road.  We all know there are so many people out there with the raw talent to tattoo and tattoo great!  But I think the most important thing that is possibly being missed and not learned is the safety of not only themselves, but the people they are working on.  It seems that tattoos have become more than a fad because now all walks of life are getting inked.  We tattoo Doctors, Lawyers, State Troopers, Nurses, School Teachers and more.  Years ago most of those people with those job descriptions wouldn’t be caught dead in a tattoo studio.  People are realizing now that it is an art and not just for the hippies, the gangs, bikers or sailors.  That in itself is a giant step for this industry and I think that stereotyping can only diminish which is much better.

 

BAW: How do you feel about apprenticeships?

Artist:  I think that apprenticeships are the best and most important part of becoming a Tattoo Artist, if….One gets an apprenticeship with someone who really knows about tattooing in all aspects of the word.  We learn the business from the inside out and yes we may or may not take the style or habits of our mentors.  But as for me and probably many others out there.  We have taken our own style and way of tattooing once since we began tattooing and trying new avenues to get the end result we all want, a great piece of art walking around on a very happy collector/customer.

 

BAW: Where do you think the Tattoo Industry is going today?  Do you think it is getting better or worse?

Artist:  I do not think that I can really imagine where the Industry is going, except it becoming larger!  That has been happening for a while now.  Look at the tattoo studios listed in the world just 10 years ago and now look.  I think the art work itself has gone far beyond what most probably thought possible back in the day.  The realism of the art being tattooed on skin has changed so dramatically, but I feel that change is a good one.  The bright color's and realism are awesome.  I personally feel that the industry is getting better with safety, sterility and awareness as well as in the artistic ability of so many artists out there today.  On the other side of the coin, I’d say that it is becoming too easy for people to actually get a shop and just start tattooing, or try tattooing.  I guess the level of difficulty on that matter would depend on what state you are working in.

 

BAW: Please share any other comments or views or questions to the public you might have.

Artist: If a person’s first concern in getting tattooed happens to be the price, then maybe they should reconsider getting one.  Yes!  There are studio’s out there that just want the money and will rip you off to get it.  But if you know the reputation of artist’s in a studio, and you trust they’re work and like it…don’t always concern yourself with the price.  Most artists will work with you in doing a little here and a little there when you can afford it.  Check around and make sure you are getting what you want and that your artist is a professional.  Also remember that unless you can afford to have laser surgery, get what you want the first time and don’t think you always have to pick a cool or pretty picture off the wall of flash.  Make them for life and love living with them.  Tattoos aren’t for everyone and they never will be, but that’s okay.  We are all different in this world that is something I am truly grateful for.