I got my first tattoo at the age of 13, a time when getting tattooed wasn’t legal in most New England states. My early tattoos were done in people’s houses, a testament to my passion for body art even in unconventional settings. 32 years later and I am still getting tattooed.
In my early 20s, I was working as a make up artist. I was getting tattooed regularly. My tattoo artist saw potential in me and suggested I become a permanent makeup artist. I initially turned down the offer. However, after some reflection, I decided to accept the opportunity.
My tattoo career began with a two-year traditional apprenticeship at a street shop. Nowadays it would be considered an “old school apprenticeship”, making needles and cleaning toilets. I worked a full time job during the day and apprenticed at night. It wasn’t easy to say the least. It also didn’t help being the only female in the shop at a time when the tattoo industry was male dominated.
The permanent cosmetics business was slow (virtually non existent), so I realized I should probably get into regular tattooing. I had a rocky start, but I eventually began tattooing full-time.
After several years working in street shops, I realized I was limited creatively in that setting, which led me to open my own studio in 2008. In addition to tattooing, I also became a self-taught oil painter, a skill that has greatly influenced my tattoo artistry.
For 13 or so years, I continued to offer walk-in services and smaller custom designs. During the Covid shut down, I realized I needed to steer my career toward a different direction. I was ready to evolve from tradesman to “artist”, focusing more on designs and imagery that represented my style and reignited my passion for my craft.
I have grown into focusing on larger, more complex designs tailored fit for the body part. I have now honed in on specific styles, focusing more on realism and illustrative work. I have dedicated myself to creating truly unique, high-quality tattoos.
While working alone may be challenging, in order to stay active and up to date with tattooing techniques I’ve attended numerous tattoo seminars and training sessions over the years. I have learned from some of the best tattoo artists in the world. I’ve attended seminars from Italy to Los Angeles. My journey has been one of continuous learning and exploration, and I am passionate about bringing my clients’ visions to life through my art.
My approach to tattooing is to follow the rules of tradition. I believe the essence of the tattoo lies in its longevity. I make tattoos that are built to last. I pay close attention to how the tattoo design flows and fits the unique body of the individual I am working on, ensuring it fits their style in a timeless manner. By combining traditional principles with modern techniques, I strive to achieve the best possible results for each and every client.