Today we’d like to introduce you to Madison Hunt
Madison, we appreciate you taking the time to share your story with us today. Where does your story begin?
I was born in the Dallas area but have since lived in a few different cities across Texas. I was always a pretty creative kid growing up but never really understood its value or pursued it outside of being fun. I remember always feeling the pressure of finding a career path that was more ‘logical’ or ‘practical’ that way I could create stability for myself in a race to old age. I found myself turning eighteen with no clue where I was supposed to go next and a truancy record for not showing up to classes. I eventually realized my mindset was getting me nowhere and I needed to figure out what I could see myself doing for the rest of my life that also wouldn’t force me to be miserable, so I decided to start at a local junior college to get my GPA up while I explored possibilities. I worked really hard for a few years and eventually decided I would transfer to my dream school to study architectural design and that’s what I did. I enjoyed it for a while, it was a way for me to be creative and problem-solve, while also being something that could set me up for a comfortable future. Although college was sometimes enjoyable for me, this was also a time when I started to struggle with my mental health most. I started making art to distract myself, it became almost like a coping mechanism or a means of escape. I would spend hours a day, sometimes weeks or months devoted to a single piece of work. This was inevitably how I found tattooing, even though it feels more like tattooing found and chose me. I fought the idea for a while, I mean even now it’s crazy that people are willing to let me permanently alter their appearance for the rest of their lives, I never took it lightly. Ever since the first time a machine was put in my hands, I knew there was nothing else for me. I think my mom took my decision to drop out of college the hardest, we watched her struggle to provide growing up so I knew it was from a place of uncertainty and not wanting me to suffer the same fate. Ultimately I knew if I stayed where I was just to ‘push through’ for the sake of pushing through I’d be miserable by the time I got a degree. I didn’t want that for myself so I took the leap. Two months after finishing my apprenticeship I walked into the Black Heart Tattoo Collective shop looking for a job and for a reason I didn’t understand at the time they decided to take a chance on me. I am forever grateful to Danny Mack and this group of people especially.
Alright, so let’s dig a little deeper into the story – has it been an easy path overall and if not, what were the challenges you’ve had to overcome?
I’ve experienced plenty of challenges and obstacles throughout the years but I couldn’t be where I am now without any of it. It’s all necessary for the character development.
Can you tell our readers more about what you do and what you think sets you apart from others?
I am a 2nd year tattoo artist. I have an appreciation for all styles and types of art but love working with black and grey, illustrative dot work styles most. I’d say I’m most known for my tattoos and the occasional TikTok content.
I strive to create a safe and comfortable environment for all of my clients. I feel like tattoos are a collaborative effort between the artist and client and trust has to come from both sides.
What makes you happy?
I know how good having tattoos makes me feel and nothing beats getting to see peoples reaction to a new piece. I think it’s important to feel good in your own skin no matter who you are or where you come from, and tattoos are a great way to enhance your confidence. It also makes me happy hearing feedback from clients after their piece has healed and they get to show it off.
Contact Info:
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/inkedbymadz/profilecard/?igsh=MTlpeG04NTBremc4ZA==
- Other: https://www.tiktok.com/@inkedbymadz?_t=8qlvT8E2brq&_r=1
