Today we’d like to introduce you to Kasha WildBird.
Hi Kasha, can you start by introducing yourself? We’d love to learn more about how you got to where you are today.
I’m originally from Poland and immigrated to Canada at age 7. After high school, I studied art at (OCAD) the Ontario College of Art and Design. My passion for art blossomed at 14, and I dedicated my focus from that point on to being an artist. In 2004 I moved to New York and started applying my talents to new ideas. I immersed myself in millinery, and one of my tree hat creations got featured in the New York Times. That eventually helped me to get accepted to work as a visual merchandiser/window designer for the world-renowned Henri Bendel. While working there, I participated in a short-lived art reality show called “Work of Genius,” shot in Miami. After returning to New York, I started working on large-format oil paintings with tattooed archetypes. I was also making a lot of spiritual self-inquiry, and in one of my dreams, I was guided to start looking for a career in tattooing. I took a leap of faith in 2014 and bought a one-way ticket to Hawaii.
I knew no one there, so I felt quite vulnerable, but failure was not an option. I sought out an apprenticeship like my dream revealed to me. I found a unique shop called Koi Tattoo, owned by the artist Dodge Distad. I got rejected at first, and yes, it hurt, but I have thicker skin than that! I was determined to follow through with my dream. After a month of reworking my portfolio and addressing everything I got critiqued on, I returned to the same shop where my work was reevaluated, and I was offered an apprenticeship. Over the next two years, I worked hard and put all my passion and energy into tattooing. This is a highly competitive business, and the big shark eats smaller sharks, so you need to stand tall and not take shit from anyone! Know your worth! I worked at various shops nationwide and eventually landed in Austin, TX. I got started here at Ancient Ink working for Luar.
Alright, let’s dig a little deeper into the story – has it been an easy path overall, and if not, what challenges have you had to overcome?
In running a business, there are always multiple challenges, whether in a private studio or a busy shop. There could be financial issues due to slow seasons or dealing with other people’s personalities. Sometimes you could have an employee/employer who breaks their contract with you, putting you in a vulnerable position. These are just a few, but I must remain level-headed and breathe through it. Remember about these challenges is that you have to set healthy boundaries for yourself and the people in your life, be it professional or personal. All these obstacles do have a silver lining. They help you keep grounded, humble, and strong. Always keep your eye on the prize, whatever that means to you. Stay focused and professional, even if others still need to be. Leave your baggage at the door or outside of the shop. Tattooing is an honor and privilege. It’s an intimate setting and an energy exchange between you and your client. Don’t take that for granted. There is space for incredible learning and healing to happen. Life is short; we will all die, so don’t waste your time.
Thanks – so, what else should our readers know about your work and what you’re currently focused on?
My specialty in tattooing is mainly black and grey, sometimes minimal color. It is CELTIC/NORSE/PICTISH designs, skulls, animal protectors, and sacred geometry. I’m about to dive deep into doing Norse body suits as well as abstract body suits. Since my strong design background and understanding of the body’s natural flow, efficiency in tattooing, and being light-handed, I’m ideal for doing body suits.
I’m proud to celebrate Nordic/Celtic traditions from Ireland, England, Scotland, and Scandinavian cultures. Not enough artists are covering this field, so I’m taking it upon myself to do this and keep the traditions alive. This sets me apart from many other artists. It’s not easy doing all that maze and knotty work! My heritage is 97% Eastern European and Polish, and I mainly celebrate that part of me for the love of Polish cuisine. The other 3% of me is Irish, English, and Scandinavian, which manifests in my tattooing. I’m proud of my European heritage, but I would say the same thing if I were Mongolian or Mexican. Celebrate your uniqueness and where you are from, as that is the spice of life!
Where do you see things going in the next 5-10 years?
The changes to the tattoo industry are already in motion, as apprentices trained by other artists through an intensive 2-5 year internship are becoming a thing of the past through commercialized schools/government-run academies, unfortunately. The artists are pumped out of these tattoo schools only after 3 months, like on an assembly line. As a result, the apprenticeship training needs to be more thorough. Also, the funds from the apprentice that would typically go towards the small family-owned business shops are now going to these tattoo schools, creating a disconnect from appreciating and understanding the traditions and past heritage of passing on the torch. The process has been handed down from generation to generation to preserve the respect it deserves. It also does a disservice to the tattoo industry, as many artists are undercutting themselves because the market is oversaturated with too many tattooists. Watching this process unfold has been a real damper! I am not a fan of tattoo schools. I support mom-and-pop businesses and not a Walmart of tattooers. There is also the threat that machines will start tattooing people and replacing artists, but that will not happen as people are hungry for human connections more than ever!
Pricing:
- Currently 200/hr
Contact Info:
- Instagram: @kashawildbirdtattoo @kashawildbird
