Tuesday, January 29, 2013

Featured Tattoo Artist | Lizzie Renaud

© Rob Coutts


  • Name: Lizzie Renaud
    Age: 30
    Location: Toronto, but I tattoo in other locations as well


    What attracted you to tattooing? 
    I'm not sure I could say. I was attracted to that community and the art at such a young age that I think I've become displaced with my original motivations. Now, I am attracted to it because it is the one thing I have had limitless curiosity for and commitment to, and as a career, has sustained me for 10 years. So at this point, it's like a spouse or a best friend: the attraction isn't something you could sum up in words.


    How did you get into the industry?
     I was working at a tattoo shop while concurrently working on a diploma for drawing and painting at art school. I feel very grateful to the people who gave me those chances and the staff I first worked with, as I think they did a good job in a very short time to prepare me for what a hard path it would be.

    Was it hard to find an apprenticeship? 
    No, mine came to me with some ease and little prodding. I was extremely fortunate and I never forget that.




    How many years have you been tattooing?
     I would say that I'm about 10 years in. Hard to say, depends on how early I could call whatever I was doing "tattooing."

    What inspires you?
     My staff at Speakeasy, my clients, and my own experiences with the people who have tattooed me.




    Who are your favourite tattoo artists? 
    Dave Cummings, Stewart Robson, Peter Lagergen amongst many others. Dave Cummings in Montreal has to be one of my favourite tattooers in the world. I hope I can be that good one day.




    How would you describe your tattoo style?
     I would say I tattoo in a clean, organized and open style, with heavy emphasis on longevity and sound design. I specialize in birds, women and women's faces, as well as fine lining. I would say I have a strong understanding of many schools of tattooing and I feel confident executing most requests. My style is very sensitive to a client's wants, and I think I'm extremely intuitive with requests that come through. I don't often miss my mark.




    What have you learned in your years in the industry? 
    You can only count on you. Work hard and don't try to be popular. Good tattoos speak louder than coolness, and never meet your idols. Oh, and no matter what, every tattoo you do should be better than the last. The day that that stops being true, you need a vacation.




    What advice do you have to people considering careers in tattooing?
     Wait 10 years until the industry isn't so congested. And if you've already started, and you're shit, just put it down and walk away before it's too late. Ask the harshest critics what they think. Never ask your biggest fans.


    What are some of the best things you have experienced as a result of your career? 
    Happy clients and travel keep me motivated.

    Where do you currently tattoo? 
    Speakeasy Tattoo, Toronto



    Sunday, January 27, 2013

    Who's that Girl? | Skully Smith

    ©Revecka-Natalia.com


    Age: 28
    Ethnicity: A little English, Irish, French and Cherokee Indian
    Currently live: Orange County, California 
    Day job (what pays the bills): I'm a floor supervisor for AllSaints, I also make and sell custom birdcage veils from my site En-Veil.com





    Hobbies: 

    Baking, going to shows, making veils, watching documentaries, shopping, modeling, hanging with my husband and our 2 cats, traveling. 


    Aspirations: 

    I'm still trying to figure out the master plan. I would love to maybe open a bakery one day. 





    Single/Taken: Wife to Dan Smith






    Education/Study: 

    I graduated college in Florida with a degree in Radiography. Since I moved California, I have instead pursued fashion, modeling, and my veil business. 







    What was growing up like for you?

     I grew up in a very small beach town on the east coast of Florida. Everyone knew everyone. My father was the assistant Principal of my High School- so I always had the pressure to be on my best behaviour and make good grades-and I did. There wasn't much to do in my home town except go to the beach, go to shows, and hang out with friends. I also kept busy with Varsity and Competitive cheer leading. I had it pretty easy, really. I'm thankful that I have a great family who has always supported me 100%. 






    Do you see yourself as Model?

     I love to model but I don't really classify myself as a "model" .


    When did you become involved in modelling and what do you love about it?

     I have modeled here and there since college. I just love the process of coming up with a concept and hopefully translating it into a beautiful photograph. It's fun to get to convey a message or a feeling through a photo. 






    What would you like to do it more in the future? 

    There are plenty of amazing photographers out there that I would love to one day get the chance to shoot with! 


    What do you admire in other women? 

    Confidence and class.







    Who is Skully? 

    It's hard to sum someone up with just a few words. Get to know me! 


    Where do you draw inspiration from? 

    Things that trigger some sort of emotion usually inspire me. Those things can come from many different places, but usually music/lyrics, nature, photographs, fashion, and art. 





    How would you describe your style?

    I like to mix hard and soft, sexy and sweet. I love the idea of a contradictory look. Like a school girl-esque outfit but with garters and thigh highs to make it tart, or switch it up with docs and make it more of a 90's grunge look. 


    Are you a fashion brands girl or do you just wear what you like or whats comfortable? 

    I couldn't care less about brands. Don't get me wrong- I'm a huge fan of high fashion- but I don't think you need the name to make the look. I wear what I like and have fun putting it together, whether the outfit is expensive or not. 






    What are your top 5 fashion staples you cannot live without?

     Skinny jeans, platform heels, a good fitting tee, garter tights, winged eyeliner.







    Favourite places to shop?

     Too many to name! I tend to do a lot of online shopping where I can have all the stores at my fingertips! 


    Who would you say is your style icon? 

    A mixture of Dita Von Teese and Gwen Stefani. 






    Tales of love & lust? 

    My tale of love started in the summer of 2007 when I met my husband and its still going. 


    What is it that you love most about being a woman? 

    We are sexy! 


    What do you find sexy? 

    Confidence, health, and a sense of humour.






    Is there anything you would change about yourself if you could?

     I'd love longer eyelashes and to not have to draw in my brows everyday! 


    When no one is around what is Skully usually doing?

     Cuddling with my 2 fluffy cats and talking to them in ridiculous voices. 






    Is there a public and private Skully?

     Of course. I can be shy around people I don't know and that tends to make me seem quiet and reserved. But when I'm home or around friends, I can let my guard down. 






    If you were stuck on a desert island and your only shoe options were crocs or uggs what would you do? 

    I'll take the risk of going barefoot.


    What's your take on life and what advice would give any of your fans? 

    Try not to take things too seriously. Always try to keep an open mind. Keep your friends and family close. And be kind to animals.



    © Kat von D
    Lurk Skully here:

    https://twitter.com/SkullySmith
    http://skullysmith.tumblr.com/
    http://www.EN-VEIL.com