More Than A "Tattoo Artist"

Or a hella unique one as somebody has described me

Introduction to My Tattoo Journey

My tattoo career, which began in 2019, has seen many transitions. I've gone from using stencils to now sketching designs directly onto the skin in the moment. Tattooing initially came to me as a gift, a way to utilize my technical drawing and painting skills to make a living. As I found security in it, I began to realize that this gift was far larger than I ever imagined, transcending the simple noun of "tattooing." Through this journey, I've met so many beautiful souls and heard their breathtaking stories.

The Experience of Tattooing

Each project, from start to finish, has been the most beautiful fireworks I've ever had the pleasure of witnessing. Before every tattoo session starts, I ask some questions about the client's intentions behind the tattoo and everything that is related to this intention and story. This feels very much like pulling a thread that is weaved into a blanket that covers the art underneath; during the session, as the thread being pulled, the exact art will reveal itself to me (and the client) as time goes. (How? You ask? I will get into that in a different post). During the session itself, there will be much that will happen: conversations, silence, meditations, etc. The resulting tattoo piece becomes a cool snapshot, a souvenir of what my client and I shared as two human beings. For me, personally, I've been truly in awe of all the beauty that has unfolded before my eyes.

The Connection Behind the Art

This precious, in-the-moment connection allows stories to unfold with authenticity and be embedded in the tattoo. It is what I truly live for. The real artwork is ALL that is created in the time and space my client and I share together. I believe I am an artist of such intangible profoundness that I've struggled to compress it all into the title of a "tattoo artist." The potency of my art is an experience, an aura, that goes beyond what the bare eyes can see. While I am technical, I am also doing a whole bunch in the ether.

Beyond the Title of Tattoo Artist

I've made many posts on my IG @inkedbychloe and had countless conversations desperately trying to express how I am more than just a "tattoo artist." It's like saying, "hey, I’m a tattoo artist, but I work in a very unique way, and most people find that I’m pretty ballsy to do that…" This isn't to say there's ANYTHING wrong with being a tattoo artist that aligns with a generalized impression of what this term entails. It's great and truly a blessing for an artist to arrive at this point.

I am, unfortunately, that one curious kitten who always wants MORE and always wants to jump outside of the box (pun intended). And the best part? I honestly have very little idea how this will all work out for me. But I am doing it anyway…telling you all about my processes, my thoughts, my transmissions, my pain, my joy…so you can decide for yourself if you would like to spend time with ‘yours truly’ perhaps for your next tattoo project.

Just in case there's one innovative spirit out there who wants to redefine something for themselves in the creative realm, consider me your real-life lab rat ;)

Thank you for sharing your time with me! I look forward to meeting you one day!

Wherever this journey leads me/you, "one day at a time" :)