Name: Kristy Nadine L.
Age: 24
Location: Landmark Tattooing, Denver Colorado
Age: 24
Location: Landmark Tattooing, Denver Colorado
My sister pushed me towards it in the beginning. I wanted to become a police officer but I missed the academy by two months. I was already working at a shop cleaning the tubes, floors, and toilets.
How did you get into the industry?
I got into the industry by working for tattooers and counter help and whatnot.
Was it hard to find an apprenticeship?
Yes, my first attempt at an apprenticeship did not end well. Its a lot of hard work, especially when you're not getting paid for it. Had to wake up at 6am to go to a coffee shop and work till 2 then I would skip over to the shop and work till 10. everyday.
How many years have you been tattooing?
three years.
What inspires you?
What inspires you?
My best friend Jess. Other people who push me forward. People who try and discourage me as well.
Who are your favourite tattoo artists?
Currently I like Grez, Eckel, Ian Dana, Stefan Johnsson, Bradley Stevens, Tony Hundahl, Jason Brooks, Ryan Mason, tim lehi, Steve Byrne, Seth Wood, El Bara, Cory Lenherr, Shawn McDonald, Danny Reed, Brian Thurow.... to name a few off the top of my head....
How would you describe your tattoo style?
Traditionally influenced Americana with 3 parts ginger root and one part cocoa powder, melt some sugar and stir it all together in a pan on medium heat.... ummmm I cant quite answer that right. hah!
What have you learned in your years in the industry?
That no matter how good other people think you are, you're not good enough and never will be so work hard and stay humble.
What advice do you have to people considering careers in tattooing?
DON'T. The industry is over saturated, and unless you can gain an apprenticeship from some of the worlds best tattooers ever ever, don't bother. Save people from getting shitty wrecked tattoos and consider something else, especially if you cant draw a perfect circle, its a cut throat industry that will chew you up and spit you out daily, and if you think you're creative and can draw then do something else with your talent.
Tattoo artists hear daily how people want to become tattoo artists as well and all that does is make you look like a damn fool. Save yourself the embarrassment and do something that spares the headache tattoo artists get from hearing it. This industry isn't glitter and gold, there is no retirement plan and its a very serious thing to permanently mark someone's body.
What are some of the best things you have experienced as a result of your career?
The meeting of people and traveling. I still save my pennies to travel. I've met some good people traveling, in and outside of the industry. Hell, I've even fallen and love and got my heart broken. Its good life experiences.
Where do you currently tattoo?
I'm lucky enough to be tattooing with the tattooers at Landmark Tattooing here in Denver Colorado. Nice shop and solid tattooers: Ben Thompson, Jehr, Nik Pew and Seth Brown. They're all good jerks and i love working with them.
I plan on going out to Philly more often to do guest spots and tattoo the kids out that way. I will be out there in may and June.