ABBEY SCHULZ

I grew up a military brat, moving all around the US. We eventually settled in New Hampshire, where I started out doing henna tattoos at craft fairs, farmer’s markets, and local events, sparking my love for body art. Right out of high school at 17 years old, I found my first apprenticeship at Avalon Ink. After a two year apprenticeship and three years of tattooing professionally, I opened my own private studio in downtown Manchester, NH. I still love to travel, visit different states, and attend as many tattoo conventions as I can ⸺ Who or where do you get your inspiration from? I get my inspiration from wherever I can! Other artists, my environment, my clients... there’s inspiration everywhere if you’re looking for it. If I ever feel stagnant or experience “artist’s block,” I try to put myself in a new environment or see things from a new perspective. With the right perspective, anything is art ⸺ What did your family and friends think about you getting into the tattoo business? I am very lucky to say all of my family and friends were incredibly supportive of my tattoo career. Most of them donated some skin for my early tattoo endeavors. The most supportive, though, was my mom. She helped me talk to some professionals in the field when I was 15-17 years old, so I knew both what I would be getting myself into and how to get into an apprenticeship. She’s still my biggest fan ⸺ What would you say is your favorite part of the job? My favorite part of the job is making people feel more confident in their own skin. Whether my client feels they have a little too much fat, they have a scar they don’t love or any other bodily insecurity... a tattoo has always made them love themselves a little more. I’m so grateful to be a part of that experience ⸺ Are there any tattoos you would refuse to do? (face, private areas, etc.) I will never do any tattoos that spread hatred or intolerance. Other than that, I’m not your mother! While I will give advice and my personal opinion on designs and placement, ultimately, it’s not my body, and I won’t be the one carrying it around for the rest of my life. As long as my client is fully educated, sober, and happy with the tattoo, that’s all that matters. ✕