14 days ago
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Posted On: October 21st 2026, 10:40 pm
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It’s really easy to get caught up in comparison and judgment, always being our worst critic especially as artists. There is this constant drive to continue getting better. Especially when you know you are surrounded by so much talent.
My first 2 years were completely self-taught. The first shop I got myself into here in AZ was only after about a year and a half of tattooing. I remembered questioning how my portfolio was strong enough to land me in a shop alongside so many artists who had way more experience under their belt. I felt the deepest imposter syndrome.
I simply wanted to learn, and I knew working alongside so many seasoned artists would provide me an opportunity to do just that. My third year I agreed to study under that studio owner for a true body art apprenticeship. I wanted to feel that I earned my place as a tattooer.
I remember signing my contract for three years to not only complete my apprenticeship, but to also continue working as a resident artist for the following year after the two-year apprenticeship was completed. It was daunting, especially given that I never truly applied myself to fine arts studies, but I knew it would be necessary for my growth as an artist.
My mentor often reminded me his job was to mentally break me. After almost one year under him, I communicated that his style of mentoring me was causing me more harm than good, we agreed to compromise on the approach. Only to be blindsided from him a few weeks later telling me, we were no longer a match and I suddenly was let go exactly one year ago to this day.
I felt the deepest sense of betrayal. I trusted him to lead me through a guided mushroom ceremony. He saw me in some of my most vulnerable states. Yet, being let go was one of the biggest blessings in disguise. I have continued my studies on my own, learning from online seminars from tattooists all around the world. I’ve learned more on my own than I ever did under him. This past year has been a year of healing and shadow work on a whole other level. My journey is only just beginning. I am only just getting started. I am forever a student to the craft.
#tattooartist #arizona #tattoos #bodyart #azartist
My first 2 years were completely self-taught. The first shop I got myself into here in AZ was only after about a year and a half of tattooing. I remembered questioning how my portfolio was strong enough to land me in a shop alongside so many artists who had way more experience under their belt. I felt the deepest imposter syndrome.
I simply wanted to learn, and I knew working alongside so many seasoned artists would provide me an opportunity to do just that. My third year I agreed to study under that studio owner for a true body art apprenticeship. I wanted to feel that I earned my place as a tattooer.
I remember signing my contract for three years to not only complete my apprenticeship, but to also continue working as a resident artist for the following year after the two-year apprenticeship was completed. It was daunting, especially given that I never truly applied myself to fine arts studies, but I knew it would be necessary for my growth as an artist.
My mentor often reminded me his job was to mentally break me. After almost one year under him, I communicated that his style of mentoring me was causing me more harm than good, we agreed to compromise on the approach. Only to be blindsided from him a few weeks later telling me, we were no longer a match and I suddenly was let go exactly one year ago to this day.
I felt the deepest sense of betrayal. I trusted him to lead me through a guided mushroom ceremony. He saw me in some of my most vulnerable states. Yet, being let go was one of the biggest blessings in disguise. I have continued my studies on my own, learning from online seminars from tattooists all around the world. I’ve learned more on my own than I ever did under him. This past year has been a year of healing and shadow work on a whole other level. My journey is only just beginning. I am only just getting started. I am forever a student to the craft.
#tattooartist #arizona #tattoos #bodyart #azartist
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