Thursday, October 5, 2017

Featured Tattoo Artist | Heather Bailey




Name: Heather Bailey

Age: 35

Location: Oakland, CA soon to be Los Angeles, CA






How did you get into the industry? 

I got my first tattoo and became friends with everyone at that shop. I was hanging out there as much as I could while going to art school and one day they offered me an apprenticeship. 


Was it hard to find an apprenticeship? 

I knew I was drawn to tattooing but I never thought I could actually do it. I definitely fell into it, I was given an opportunity and I took it which isn't something that happens very often so I value it greatly.


How long have you been tattooing? 

13 Years









What inspires you? 

There is too much to list and I could go on forever about specifics so i'll just say music, history, literature and art!


Who are your favourite tattoo artists? 

Tim Lehi, Dan Santoro, Matt Shamah, Ron Henry Wells and Bryan Randolph.





How would you describe your tattoo style? 

A few clients have described it as "Gothic Traditional" which is funny and seems appropriate. I'd say that I do traditional tattooing with non traditional subject matter. I use a lot of black with a super muted color palette and I feel like I'm more known for that.







If you weren't tattooing what would you be doing? 

I would be a Pro-Domme. It's something I've wanted to do for over 10 years but I just haven't had the time to devote to learning a new trade.


What advice do you have to people considering careers in tattooing? 

Go get tattooed by real tattooers in a quality shop, not a friend in a kitchen. Be polite, respectful and patient. A lot of people (myself included) have worked so incredibly hard for this and it's truly special and extremely rewarding in ways that people wouldn't expect.








What are some of the best things you have experienced as a result of your career?

 I have gotten to travel the world while doing what I love. I've met some of my best friends though tattooing, fellow tattooers and clients that have turned into close friends as well as a few celebrities! My husband and I started our friendship when he first got tattooed by me and my career allows me to see him while he's on tour with his band.








Where do you currently tattoo?

 As of right now I work at Black Heart Tattoo in San Francisco. I'll be relocating to Los Angeles very soon though and will be splitting my time between two different shops. The first being The Martlet and the second, Thunderbird Tattoo. I actually plan on traveling to tattoo as much as possible for the next few years as well!


Instagram: cathedraloftears 
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