Today we’d like to introduce you to Tess Craig.
Hi Tess, so excited to have you on the platform. So before we get into questions about your work life, how can you bring our readers up to speed on your story? How did you get to where you are today?
At the beginning of my tattoo journey, I sought an apprenticeship; after many artists and shops turned me down, I finally got a mentor. Unfortunately, he was not a respectable artist or mentor, so I stopped working with him. After a harrowing apprenticeship experience, I felt defeated; I feared I had left my only opportunity to become a tattoo artist. However, I did not allow myself to be held back by the difficult beginning; with the help of a few very kind tattoo artists, I learned the art of tattooing and how I wanted to run my own business. I am happy to say that I opened my private tattoo studio three years ago, Bloodstain Bettie Tattoos and it has been thriving ever since.
We all face challenges, but looking back, would you describe it as a relatively smooth road?
The tattoo industry is relatively difficult to enter and survive in. I am fortunate to have a ton of support in my tattoo career. When I chose to begin learning how to tattoo, I spoke to some tattoo artists I knew and was blessed to have many of them provide educational resources and advice. Unfortunately, not all the tattoo artists I talked to were welcoming; many told horror stories of their apprenticeships and careers, and others stated I would never make it into or survive the industry. Fortunately, I did not allow my fears of failure or criticism from others to hinder my drive to pursue my dream of becoming a tattoo artist.
Can you tell our readers more about what you do and what you think sets you apart from others?
I specialize in fine-line tattoos, ranging from less than 1 inch to covering entire limbs. Fine line tattooing uses tiny needles to create a thin, delicate, intricate tattoo design evoking fine artwork on the skin. I am known for my tiny fine-line, ornamental, and flora-fauna designs. I am proud of the designs I have created collaborating with my clients to bring their tattoo dreams to life. I am grateful for each client’s trust in the monumental act of permanently marking their body. I am honored to have many returning clients who have continued to entrust me with their tattoos for years, and I look forward to building close relationships with more clients. My ability to create a unique and catered tattoo experience for each client sets me apart. Through clear communication and a welcoming environment, I work to provide a comfortable and considerate tattoo experience.
Do you have any big plans?
My plan for the future is to expand my business beyond just tattooing. I am creating courses for aspiring tattoo artists to learn the basics of tattooing, how to navigate the industry, and how to run a successful private studio. These courses will be offered online and in person so that people all over the United States can access educational materials. I hope courses will help artists fulfill their dreams of tattooing without enduring the typically harsh nature of many traditional apprenticeships.
Pricing:
- Hourly – 150 – 200/hr
Contact Info:
- Website: https://bloodstainbettie.com/
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/tess_tattoos/
- Other: https://linktr.ee/bl00dstainbettie
Image Credits
Currin Ryan – Client Matthew Calderon – Photographer
