Need help finding the perfect tattoo idea? The Tattoo Industry - a tattoo magazine - interviewed Vlogigurl - a model turned tattoo artist - who took the tattoo industry by storm after creating stunning masterpieces with only one year of experience. In the interview Vlogigurl goes over topics such as her story, inspirations, tattoo tips and tricks, tattoo industry secrets, and of course how to find the perfect tattoo idea.
Vlogigurl started her apprenticeship to become a tattoo artist one year ago in California. Since then, she has handcrafted and executed over 100 tattoos. She has raving online reviews and is quickly becoming one of the most well renowned tattoo artists in the industry. Mostly known for her astounding black and white tattoos, she is consistently booked out a couple of months ahead. To learn more about her and her tattooing visit her about me page.
Here are the questions The Tattoo Industry had for Vlogigurl and her answers:
Answer: I have been tattooing for 1 year.
Answer: The worst part about getting your first tattoo is the nerves that you get beforehand. Almost every single person says, “oh, that wasn’t so bad” after I pull the first line. Don’t freak yourself out before the tattoo even starts! Remember to stay calm and cool! Also, soda is great for anyone that feels woozy easily! Sugar and water is your friend in this situation.
Answer: My friends and family were very supportive of me becoming a tattoo artist. However, the first few months of being a tattoo artist my parents were hesitant to the idea and didn’t think I could make it. After I started to do some large pieces they were convinced.
Answer: I love meeting and interacting with new people. It’s so much fun to hear everyone's backstory to personal tattoos and being able to make their idea come to life!
Answer: I got my first tattoo at 14 and I have been very interested in industry ever since then. My future plans for college went right out the window once the tattoo artist pulled the first line. I wanted to become a tattoo artist right away! However, I had to finish high school first. I took a deep dive into everything art related and worked with every median that I could, I even started to tattoo myself at 16. Once I graduated highschool I visited every single shop in my area asking for an apprenticeship. However, no one would take me at the time due to being full or they would say “tattooing as a whole is trending down right now, we don’t have anything for you to do.” Although that was disappointing for me, I kept studying art and started to pursue modeling. A few years later I went to get a tattoo at a shop in California and next thing you know they offered me a spot as an apprentice!
Answer: Client backstories for each tattoo is what really motivates me to push myself. No matter what the tattoo is I always put 110% into it, but the really cool ones that have deep meaning to the client always help to bring out my creative side.
Answer: I would do around 99% of tattoos that come in, mostly because if I say no, they will just find someone else to do it. I would rather my clients get tattooed in a safe and sterile environment by a professional artist rather than go to someone's garage. I always try to persuade my clients away from the more visible tattoos such as face and hand tattoos. The 1% of tattoos that I refuse to do, no matter what the circumstances, are anything on the eyeballs or racist/offensive tattoos to a group of people.
Answer: The tattoo industry is really growing, just look at the advancements that we have had in the last couple of years. We have gone from coil machines to rotary machines, tattoo shops are popping up everywhere, and the level of skill in the industry has shot up. However, we still have a long way to go.
Answer: Yes! I have a ton of bad tattooing experiences. The shop that I currently work at is right next to the beach so we get a ton of unique characters walking in. One of the most memorable stories to tell is when, one time it was late at night and a group of girls came in to get some small butterfly tattoos together. The girl that I was going to tattoo wanted her butterfly on the inside of her arm. All of the girls wanted to get the same butterfly tattoo, which was small and fine line. Right after I pull my first 3 lines she starts to vomit everywhere! She vomited all over my station, herself, and me. Right after that she runs right outside our front door and throws up for a few minutes. Her vomit blocked everyone else from being able to leave or enter the shop. While she was outside I started to clean myself and my station. A few more minutes go by and she walks back into the shop, without saying a word, sits in the vomit filled chair, looks at me and says “okay i’m ready to go again.” I told her to wait a few more minutes and to go clean up a little bit in the bathroom. After I cleaned everything on my station and she was finally clean, I finished the tattoo. The smell of vomit lingered at my station the rest of the night, which made finishing the tattoo difficult.
Answer: The best advice I can give to any new tattoo artist is to stick with it. Going through your apprenticeship can be extremely challenging and you will probably want to give up a million times. Just stick it through, it will be worth it in the end!
Answer: I love seeing people's lives change through tattoos. Some people leave looking way more confident than they did when they first walked in. Others leave with a sentimental memento and leave happier than ever. I love when I can really get into the mind of my client and blow away their expectations with my tattoo. They always have this look on their face after that makes this job worth it. What makes me different from everyone else is not only do I want to give you the best tattoo possible, but I want to give you a better tattoo than you ever imagined.
Answer: I love to do fine line horror tattoos. I definitely love a ton of styles, but fine line horror is my favorite! Outside of tattooing I love creepy things and horror movies, so horror tattoos come pretty natural for me. Making a tattoo stand out and be eye-catching by adding gruesome details is so much fun for me! When people ask me “How in the world did you come up with that idea” I know my job is complete! If anyone has any cool horror tattoo ideas please book an appointment!
Answer: Finding tattoo inspo can be hard, but the first thing that you need to do is to know the subject of what you want to get. Finding your main idea to give your artist to go off of will be the most helpful thing you can do, even if the idea is broad. Do you want an ocean themed tattoo, maybe something to do with a clown? Talk with your artist!
Finding your style can also be very helpful. Use platforms such as Google, Pinterest, and other social media to find what you like. Do you like thick lines? Thin lines? Complex or simple? Once you find the style you like, go through Instagram and find tattoo artists in your area that have a similar style. Talk with them and send them some of your inspo ideas! Also, you can always check out my Instagram or website for some tattoo inspo. I am starting a series called "Tattoo ideas: Everything you need" that will be coming soon to vlogigurl.com.
The Tattoo Industry is an established tattoo magazine that has featured tattoo models such as Lilli Grace, Ashley Resch, and Angela Mazzanti. Vlogigurl has a large following throughout her social media accounts for her modeling, tattoos, and tattoo inspo. However, this is her first time being published by a large magazine as a tattoo artist. In the interview she provided detail insights to what it is like to work in the tattoo industry, how you can find perfect tattoo inspo for your next tattoo, and so much more. If you are interested in learning more about Vlogigurl visit her about me page or follow her socials!
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