Today we’d like to introduce you to Reid Elizabeth Atkins
Hi Reid Elizabeth, it’s an honor to have you on the platform. Thanks for taking the time to share your story with us – to start maybe you can share some of your backstory with our readers?
I went to CSULB for a BA in Studio Art, emphasizing Illustration. Once I graduated, I was preparing to look for an apprenticeship while working a few temp jobs. One of those was working at the Ducks hockey stadium selling hot dogs and beer. I ended up meeting my mentor there when they bought beer from me; we got to talking and followed each other’s social media accounts. I wanted to reach out just to ask some questions the next day, but when I woke up I had a message from them offering me an apprenticeship. I started about two weeks later and have been at the same shop ever since. Our shop has come a long way since I started almost 7 years ago, and I am very proud to call it my home.
Since then I have become an international traveling artist, mainly traveling through the US, but have tattooed in France and New Zealand a few times now. I try to do a guest spot or convention at least once a month now since this job makes it so easy to travel it seems silly not to get out there and see the world while funding my travels with my work. I have met my best friends at conventions, two of which-one who lives in Central California and one who lives in Texas- I travel with all the time.
Can you talk to us a bit about the challenges and lessons you’ve learned along the way. Looking back would you say it’s been easy or smooth in retrospect?
It has been smoother than I expected, but it has definitely had some challenges. Our shop was not very established when I started, it had been around for a decade but had gone through different names, owners and crews a few times. When I started our manager Tony Nguyen bought out the previous owner, but we were basically working as hard as we could just to keep the doors open. At least once a year we had the possibility of closing, but with our determination and hard work we have made it through. That was always hard thinking it could just all end at one point, especially when I was so new. It can be harder to get into an established shop when you’re less experienced. We have been Reflection tattoo for a little over 3 years now and we are doing really well. We have a great crew and I just love it so much.
Other challenges have been, working too much and dealing with the consequences of chronic back pain from not stretching and hunching too much while working. Work life balance is really hard, being the one who does everything including the admin, ordering supplies, drawing, actually tattooing, marketing and making merch. It becomes very overwhelming, especially when things are slower and you’ve posted all your flash and available days, paid for ads and you don’t get the response you expected; it can be very disheartening. This is my only source of income, which is also nerve wracking in this economy. But then there are days I book a lot of really cool projects or see a client I’ve been tattooing for 5-6 years now and all the challenges just disappear. I wouldn’t trade the hardships of this job for anything, and even when I question myself, I know I couldn’t work any other way.
I also have pretty severe combo ADHD, which I was only diagnosed this last year but have suspected for some time. Try running your own business where you are every department, while also having friends or a social life outside of work, keeping my apartment clean and my cats happy, doing chores and running errands when youre brain actively works against you in being productive. Burn outs were frequent in my life and I still get them but have been better about backing off when I need to avoid that. I have to set a lot of alarms to remember to get things done, one example this interview! Haha
Appreciate you sharing that. What else should we know about what you do?
I was originally a fine artist, specializing in gouache and watercolor painting/ illustrating and ceramics. I’ve done commissioned/ freelance work and been in community gallery shows.
I am known for my tattooing now and for the past 7 years that has been my main focus. I specialize in neotraditional/ illustrative tattoos, flora and fauna, cute colorful and whimsical vibes, sometimes with a little gore thrown in. I feel like I am most proud of how my style has developed over the years, I think its always looked like me but when you first start there is a lot you can’t do since you don’t have the technical skill in skin. Over the past few years I have worked to hone in on how I want my work to look, and it will be forever changing and adapting, but I am very happy with how I have improved and that I keep improving.
I can’t speak for others, and try not to compare myself to other tattooers since it causes some imposter syndrome— and I have enough of that as it is. So I just try to be kind and create a safe and comfortable environment to make the best tattoo for my client as I can. I think my style is also uniquely me which helps stand out from the crowd a little.
We’re always looking for the lessons that can be learned in any situation, including tragic ones like the Covid-19 crisis. Are there any lessons you’ve learned that you can share?
People really need kindness and softness. This world is cruel and that really came to light even more during covid. I heard so many heart breaking stories when we first went back to work and I just tried my best to be someone my clients could come to and feel comfortable telling me their worries and struggles, and then give them that kindness and comfort they were seeking.
Pricing:
- pricing is hourly and varies from my home shop to where I travel
Contact Info:
- Website: https://reflectiontattoo.com/
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/reidelizabethtattoo/?hl=en
- Yelp: https://www.yelp.com/biz/reflection-tattoo-fountain-valley
- Other: https://bsky.app/profile/reidelizabethtatt.bsky.social
Image Credits
First one of me painting – Art of Magsy (IG artofmagsy)
Me tattooing- Tyler Ciarlanri (IG tylerctattoos)
Tattoos- all me
