I had my first taste of the tattoo industry in 2010 at chi-town tattoo. I was 21 and they offered me an apprenticeship. I had no hesitation as I jumped head first into flash, script, the history, and styles. The more I lost myself, the more I found pieces of me. I adored the culture but I was very unqualified. I struggled to finish my designs, and had a hard time bringing my ideas to paper. So after only two month I walked away and walked right into art school.
I studied Fine arts at The Art Institute Of Chicago for two years before moving to the city and transferring to Columbia College. I adjusted my major to include Illustration, and dabbed in children’s books Illustrations. I thrived in art school and was asked to collaborate on a mural for the Children’s Memorial Hospital. The theme was underwater sea life for a 10×10 display. I sought out more galleries with like-minded female artist to learn from. I found the exhibit “who cares for the sky” directed by Sabina Ott. She took me under her wing and showed me how ideas on paper become fully functional life size structures before my very eyes. It was magic.
After college I found a teaching position at Art Cube Studios. I taught the fundamentals of art to kids, and hosted sip and paint party’s for the parents. It was a lot of fun but something was missing.
So I started searching for my tribe, and I found great company among the cosplaying scene. Every year, I can be found at C2E2 dressing up as my favorite character or perusing artist alley. I thoroughly enjoy a good fantasy novel.
I started drawing just for me. I filled up a whole sketch book and realized my designs were similar to tattoos and decided right then and there I was going to pursue my passion and become a professional tattoo artist. I put my portfolio together and went to search for a tattoo shop and mentor. After two month and seven shops later I finally heard a yes.
Purple Monkey Tattoo & body piercing gave me a home to cultivate my craft. I studied with a passion I hadn’t felt since I was 21. It completely consumed me. If I wasn’t tattooing fake skin, I was researching one of the founding fathers of tattooing. My mentor, A 25+ year traditional tattoo artist biker, would nerd out with me over techniques and tricks. It was a home for misfits and I was Privileged to be apart of it.
I’m still Tattooing, but only part time to make space for all the wonderful adventures I’m currently interested in. I’ll be posting my traveling guest spots for the upcoming year soon, stay tuned!
Bunny Bones Tattoos 