1. Why do you feel like it's so important to have diverse perspectives in tattooing/breaking that stereotype of a field dominated by cis white men?

This even being a question shows it is important! No one should have to be asked this. Tattooing in it’s original form is an indigenous practice. The fact that cis white men took it upon themselves to colonize tattooing in the same way they’ve colonized just about everything else is a problem, but not a surprise. Because of this; unfortunately white supremacy, misogyny, homophobia, and predatory behaviors are rampant in the tattoo community. Thankfully more women, brown folks, and queer people are getting into the field to help change that!

Just about all my clientele are women and people in the LQBTQ+ community. It’s magical and I wouldn’t have it any other way. More clients than I would like have told me they haven’t necessarily felt safe or respected when getting tattooed by or in spaces dominated by cis white men. I know of multiple cis male artists that have gotten into tattooing explicitly to sexually harass and manipulate their female clients. It’s repulsive that they can take advantage of someone in such a vulnerable position with little to no repercussions. Cis men are conditioned in this society to see women as objects and it is so insidious it presents itself in most aspects of life. Of course, it is not every cis white man, but it is the majority so I will generalize. If you read this and get upset you are most likely part of the problem.

When you’re a woman or femme presenting you’re not taken seriously. You are not seen as a professional regardless of how much experience you have. Something that is not often talked about is that women were some of the first tattooers. Among numerous ancient cultures it was a rite of passage to start getting tattooed at a young age. They would receive tattoos to celebrate & symbolize transitioning into women, to show their beauty, & strength, etc. Tattoo artists were almost always old women and they generally displayed more tattoos than men. According to researchers at the Smithsonian, there is evidence that women had tattoos on their bodies and limbs from figurines circa 4000-3500 B.C. and this seemed to be an exclusively female practice in ancient Egypt (which is in Africa. A lot of people don’t know that and it’s wild). Another beautiful example can be seen with the Māori, the indigenous people of New Zealand. They adorn themselves with traditional permanent markings called Tā Moko. The women receive a moko kauae on their lips and chin. This represents a woman's leadership within her community, recognising her status, and abilities. Needless to say, people of color have been tattooing long before white men came along to “popularize” it.

Speaking more on the white supremacy that is present, it’s well known that the predominant mindset of most artists is that lighter or white skin is “better” to work on. The lack of representation for black and brown skin is so obvious. You can even see it when it comes to hiring black artists at shops. To this day I have darker skinned clients say they didn’t know tattoos would look good on them because they’ve always been turned away. It’s a HUGE red flag if an artist cannot make their art work on all skin. If an artist says someone is “too dark” to tattoo, they just aren’t a good tattooer, simple as that. Yes, you may have to make adjustments and try different techniques but it’s not that hard. It all comes down to racism and an unwillingness to learn. On top of all that, tattooing isn’t always accessible for people with lower incomes. There is a racial wage gap. Colorism affects how much money you make in the workplace and studies show people with darker skin make less money. Most people interested in becoming a tattoo artist are not always able to drop hundreds or thousands of dollars on quality supplies.

In my experience I’ve noticed women and queer people often have a gentler touch and more comforting presence. The atmosphere feels safer, physically and emotionally. There are not feelings of projected ego or judgement. They also tend to give more insight on the tattoo process to make clients feel at ease. Asking for permission or letting clients know what’s going to happen next shows you respect their bodily autonomy. Frequently my clientele are in disbelief that an appointment could go so well based off their past experiences with cis male artists. It’s sad, but I’m glad that I can be an example of what your appointment should be like. You aren’t supposed to leave with trauma. I have a responsibility to create a safe space for marginalized people. I want them to know they are seen. Truthfully, I think everyone that decides to be a tattooer has that responsibility. We all deserve to see ourselves represented. Everyone deserves to express themselves with body art regardless of their skin color, gender, sexual orientation, or if they are able bodied. I want to reclaim a practice that is sacred. For me, tattoos are blood rituals. They are powerful moments for growth, healing, and showing yourself some love. All bodies are included in that.

2. When did you first get into tattooing and how did you get to where you are now?

I got my first tattoo when I was 15 years old and I was immediately in love! When I got the chance I would get lost in research about the history and culture of body modification. It was and is the most intriguing thing. I’ve always been an artist and using design to express myself has been a consistent passion of mine. After high school I went to CCAD and graduated with a BFA in Fine Arts and Illustration. My freshman year of college was when my love for tattoos surpassed obsession. Several professional tattoos later I decided to practice hand poking on myself and I realized I was pretty good at it. I wanted to become a tattoo artist for a while at this point, so thought I would benefit from getting a teacher. I was repeatedly told In order to be seen as a professional going through a traditional apprenticeship was the way to go. I did some googling and at the time hot spots for tattooing were out west. With only $400 to my name I drove from Ohio to Arizona. It was just me, my cat, and whatever fit in my car. Being 22 and leaving my home for the first time to finally live my dream felt euphoric and liberating! When I arrived in Phoenix, I inquired about openings at multiple tattoo shops. It was clear I was not welcome in many of them. In fact, there was only one that was willing to take me and I started “learning” to tattoo in 2016. During this time I experienced some of the most blatant sexism, racism & ableism in a work place. I was warned about all the isms involved with tattooing so I knew going into this it would be difficult. I wasn’t going to let that stop me, though! Bitter and insecure people will try to tear you down because they hate to see someone different than them succeed. It’s funny how people act when you have pride in yourself when they expect you to feel shame. The way I looked at it, as a femme presenting, biracial black person I’m no stranger to bigotry. How bad could it be when I’ve already dealt with it my whole life?

Even though I was grateful to finally get my foot in the door, I should have known the apprenticeship was going to be awful. The first thing that was said to me during the interview was extremely sexist and sexually charged. In hindsight I should have just walked out, but it was the only shop willing to take me. My apprenticeship was more of an abusive relationship. I wasn’t treated like a human being and they did it to “weed people out.” I wasn’t taught much about tattooing and any time I sought out help I would be ignored. No one wanted to “give up their secrets” and I was always on my own. Essentially, I taught myself. It took a lot of trial and error as well as patience and understanding on my clients end. Everything clicked eventually and I’m quite proud of how far I’ve come despite the gatekeeping.

They let me know that if I didn’t like the poor treatment and wanted to leave I would be blacklisted. I would have my chances of becoming a professional artist taken away from me. The shop owner was well known and respected enough to have that power over me. I’ve seen it happen and I wasn’t willing to take that risk, so I put up with abuse for almost 3 years. Some people ask me why I stayed and truthfully when I was younger I was not equipped with the ability to properly advocate for myself. Manipulation and using someone’s fear against them are very powerful tactics. My coworkers said that no matter where I went all shops were like this. Obviously that was a lie. There are plenty of shops that are loving and accepting. I’m so glad these days they are much easier to find. This kind of abuse is not being tolerated and lots of artists have created more comfortable work environments. Being able to work alongside genuinely caring people who have the same love of learning and growth is incredible. Disregarding ignorant people along the way, choosing to become a tattoo artist is one of the best decisions I’ve ever made. I like to think I got to where I am today by perseverance, keeping my head up, and a bit of luck!

3. Where do you find inspiration for your designs?

Just about anything can inspire me, from a tasty color palette to a random sound. The richness of life, my own emotions, other artists, you name it! I often explore themes including nature, anything whimsical or mind-bending, the macabre, queer erotica, and mythology. I have a soft spot for character design too, so I like to come up with my own original designs. I love to be a nerd over my favorite animated shows and recreate characters in my own style.

4. What do you love most about your field of work?

There are so many beautiful things about tattooing. I love to create art for the sake of creating art. The feeling of being inspired is quite magical itself. It’s so exciting! I love that i can assist in someone’s healing process. Whether it be a memorial, covering up self harm scars, or just helping someone become more themselves with new body art. Seeing people live loudly and freely.

Being an artist opens up so much freedom and opportunities. Traveling the world and meeting new and interesting people! There’s nothing like sharing their stories or enjoying the silence if they aren’t talkative. Sometimes it’s just about making space for them. Making a connection no matter how brief our time is together. Good stuff.

5. Is there anything else you would want our readers to know about you that you haven't mentioned yet?

I learned late in life that I’m autistic and have ADHD. It’s just as important to recognize that being neurodivergent is not something to be demonized and pathologized. I am grateful that I am able to show people what being an adult on the spectrum can look like. I hope seeing someone like me thriving will give others the motivation to stop at nothing despite the odds that may be stacked against them.

Shout out to my Sol Tribe family for making the shop the most welcoming space. Much love for Alicia Cardenas and the community she cultivated.

I was lucky enough to be brought into her tribe and be shown the truest compassion and understanding. The space she created for queer people, women, and people of color is unlike any other. What Alicia stood for and instilled in all of us inspires me every day. It reminds me to never let white supremacy make me small or apologetic for simply existing.

Love you, thanks for reading!

**if on desktop click images below to read captions from my clients! **