Today we’d like to introduce you to Sierra Banks.
Hi Sierra, so excited to have you on the platform. So before we get into questions about your work-life, maybe you can bring our readers up to speed on your story and how you got to where you are today?
Two and a half years ago, I would have never imagined that I’d have my dream job at the age of 23. I first started tattooing by the request of my younger sister who was eager to get her first tattoo regardless of being just months short of her 18th birthday. Knowing that neither of our parents would be excited to sign off on an underaged tattoo, I decided to be the cool older sister and offer to handpoke her first tattoo. We immediately ordered supplies off of Amazon, posted up in the kitchen of our childhood home and my handpoke tattoo journey began! Soon after, I started tattooing friends and months down the road, I found myself tattooing strangers out of my quaint basement bedroom with nothing more than an office chair for comfort and daylight from the only window in the room. At the time, I was also working as a barista and came to realize that during those few hours a week I got to tattoo my doodles, I was making more money than my day job and was happier than ever. On November 11th of 2020, I was welcomed into my first official tattoo shop experience as a resident artist at Big Boy Tattoo Parlour in Northern Idaho.
This opportunity was such a game changer for my little business and left an impact on who I’d blossom into as a professional tattoo artist. I quickly realized that I had so much to learn considering that I was self-taught and new to the world of body modifications. The greatest lesson I learned from my mentor at that shop was to draw everyday even if it was crap and to be steadfast in who I am and what style of art I wanted to create. I will never forget that advice. Flash forward about a year, I made the spontaneous decision to pack up my Subaru Forester and make the 30 hour drive down to Austin, Texas to immerse myself in a city full of skillful tattoo artists. I knew that growth was only possible if I challenged myself and plucked myself out of my comfort zone. I was blessed with a job at Tiny Tats ATX which has offered such a seamless transition into handpoke tattooing full time. Everyday, I get to come to work amongst a team of supportive and beautifully talented women that have encouraged me even through the challenges this artistry brings. I can’t begin to express the gratitude I have for the clients that have trusted me to permanently ink their bodies over the years and allowed me to live out a life I once thought I’d only get to dream about!
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 wouldn’t describe the road I’ve been on as being smooth, but most roads aren’t. So much of my journey tattooing has been about navigating and embracing the bumps in the road as they come, rather than expecting each day to go smoothly and without obstacles. I think because I’ve always been so excited about what I’m doing and growing in it, the challenges have been easier to welcome with open arms. I had to make some tough decisions when I was first getting started, mostly to figure out what my own level of dedication was going to be to tattooing as a career rather than a hobby or interest. When it became clear to me that I’d need to commit to renting a studio space if I was going to keep growing, it forced me to make the decision to go all in, which was easily the best decision I’ve ever made!
Thanks for sharing that. So, maybe next you can tell us a bit more about your work?
I am a handpoke tattoo artist who specializes in funky, bold designs. My business name is Lucky Human Pokes which I hope to embody in every tattoo experience. As my artistry has grown, I am most proud of the experience I get to create for my clients. Whether it’s making them feel safe and comfortable during the tattoo process or allowing them to walk into my space as their athletic beautiful selves. On average I get to spend 2-3 hours listening to all the random stories from my clients and learning about their lives. It’s pretty special to me that people that were once strangers have decided to permanently ink their body with my artwork!
We’d love to hear about how you think about risk taking?
Much of my lifestyle is centered around taking risks, and I have especially seen this in my work. It’s actually been imperative in my growth as an artist, with the biggest risk definitely being the decision to move from my small town in Idaho down to Austin to grow my business and expose myself to more talent and opportunities than were available in my hometown. I didn’t know a single person here before I moved (but thankfully, my roommate is more incredible than I ever could have dreamed of, and my other roommate is now my bf haha crazy), but I knew that it was the best way for me to grow and it has lived up to every expectation. I think risks are a necessary part of any experience or journey, no matter what that is.
Contact Info:
- Email: luckyhumanpokes@gmail.com
Image Credits
Photos were personally taken by me, Sierra Banks
