DARK WATER TATTOOS

Artist Interviews

Amy

Q: How, when and where did you start tattooing?

A: I was looking for something to do with my life that I knew would make me happy. And I fell right into it.  I went with my mom and dad for my 20th birthday to get a tattoo. The shop we were supposed to go to was closed, so we went down the street to another shop. The tattoo I ended up getting was pretty large, so it took close to 7 hours, so I got to talking with the owner. I asked him what it takes to become a tattoo artist. He invited me to come around and hangout to get a taste of what a tattoo artist’s day was like and to see if I could handle it. As time went on, I became an apprentice and was for a year and a half. I still count my lucky stars for the first shop I was supposed to go to being closed that day.

Q: Where do you find inspiration?

A: I find inspiration in myself to keep moving forward. I never want to be stagnant. I’ve always made sure to succeed at my endeavors in the past, and I have a strong will to conquer all the challenges that this industry brings. I would not be where I am today without the support of my mom and dad. They inspire me to continue to make them proud. Jose, my other half, has pushed me the most to keep stepping up my game. I’ve worked side by side with him for 3 years now, and have advanced so much in my tattooing. His success  inspires me. Of course other tattoo artists and artists in general give me inspiration, but not like the inspiration I find directly around me every day.

Q:What equipment and inks do you use?

A:I use Mickey Sharps micro dials. They’re what I am most comfortable with. They’re like a part of me now. As far as inks are concerned, hands down, Starbrite are the best. To me, no other ink compares.

Q: How do you prepare for custom tattoos?

A:I always try to encourage clients to bring some sort of reference to give me a jumping off point to design their tattoo. More times than not, I am told, ‘You’re the artist. You tell me.’ At that point, I do my own  research online or in our books, and show them some ideas. After I come up with a sketch, I’ll schedule the  client to come back in and if they like the design, we’ll sit down right then and there to tattoo it. If not, they’ll dictate what they want changed, and the design goes from there. The best advice I can give for custom tattoos is for people to take the time to figure out what exactly they want and plan it out with the tattoo artist. You’ll be walking away happy, not only with the tattoo, but also happy that you played a role in designing your tattoo.

Q: What needles do you prefer using?

A:I love Mithra tattoo needles. I mostly use 3, 5 and 7 extra tight liners. I always have confidence in using these needles, knowing I’ll have the right outline width I intended. When I order extra tight needles, that’s what I get. They’re great. As far as mags go, I always use textured 7, 9, and 11 mags. The textured needles are a blessing. They hold more ink than regular mags.

Q: Who are you biggest influences in the industry?

A:As a female tattoo artist, I have to admire all the other female tattoo artists out there. Even though times are changing, the industry is still predominately is a man’s world. I do admire the ladies on LA Ink, especially Hannah Aitchison www.hannahaitchison.com and Kim Saigh www.kimsaigh.com because they’re roots are right here in Chicago. When I first started tattooing, New School was extremely popular, so I was greatly influenced and inspired by Tony Ciavarro www.tonyciavarro.com, Joe Capobianco www.joecapobianco.com, and Jime Litwalk www.jimelitwalk.com.   Of course I have to give credit to  Guy Aitchison www.hyperspacestudios.com who since I began, I deemed a tattoo god. Whenever I attend or work tattoo conventions, especially the tattoo convention in Detroit, I am greatly inspired. It’s like a breath of fresh air to be at these conventions. I always feel rejuvenated and get a lot of energy to work on improving my tattooing.

Q: Where do you see yourself in 10 years?

A:If I don’t have severe carpal tunnel and arthritis by then [LOL], I will definitely still be tattooing. I plan to keep moving forward, keep getting better, and I want to be famous!! At least well known and respected in the industry.

Q: What do you think makes you stand out in the industry?

A:I try to be very understanding of what the client wants I make sure to take my time on each and every tattoo. I want my work to stand out in the sea of tattoos out there. I have a lot of patience with my clients. I will take as many breaks as they need to get through the tattoo. I know they hurt! In all, I try to make the client’s experience a great memory all around, where they feel respected and comfortable.

Q: What’s the best thing about being a tattoo artist?

A: I think this job is unlike any other. There is a whole different set of rules, etiquette, and formalities inside a tattoo shop. The artists you work side by side with become more like family since you see them more than your own family and friends. So you develop a unique relationship with them. As you do with your clients. I get to meet and interact with all walks of life and no 2 days are the same inside the shop. There are always more laughs than not. I feel very fortunate to have a career in which I actually enjoy going to work. This career choice is also very rewarding. I learn more every day and I’ll tell you what, I’m never bored. It keeps me on my toes. It’s just a fun, awesome job.

Q: Why did you choose to become a tattoo artist?

A: Like I mentioned earlier, I was searching for a career that I knew would make me happy. I got my first tattoo at 14. My parents are heavily tattooed, so tattoos were something I grew up always wanting. I’m somewhat of a rebel, in the sense that I don’t like being told what to do. I didn’t want to work for “the man.” I just feel this is where I’m meant to be and what I was meant to do.

One Response to “AMY”