Artist

My name is Kendra. I started my apprenticeship in 2015. I opened my own shop, Sweet Needles Tattoo Studio, in 2021 with the goal of creating a safe space for anyone to come and just enjoy the entire experience of getting tattooed. I hope to still be tattooing well passed the age where people ask about the tattoos on me, “What did that one used to be?”

Who or where do you get your inspiration from? I’ve looked up to Liz Cook since before I even thought about apprenticing. I actually have her color seminar on DVD in my shop. It was the first time I recognized how much energy goes into the tattoo application. I admire her skills, her shop’s growth, and how much work she puts into sharing her knowledge with the next generation of artists.

What did your family and friends think about you getting into the tattoo business?

My partner was very supportive of the entire process: the work all day/ no days of hustle between the apprenticeship and keeping a second job. I think my parents were a little nervous for me but more excited about the free tattoos!

Are there any tattoos you would refuse to do? (face, private areas, etc.) I still don’t take on hands until the client has at least sleeves, and I feel the same about full throat/neck tattoos- like they should have at least their chest finished- to me, they just look unfinished. Other than that, I only turn down tattoos that represent any form of hate/bigotry.

Have you ever had a bad tattooing experience, and what was it? Most of my bad experiences in tattooing as an artist and as a client revolve around the other party trying to step over my personal boundaries and try to touch me inappropriately or be suggestive to me.

Thankfully, I haven’t experienced that since I opened this shop!

What projects are you working on right now?

I started a side project called Your Body, Your Tattoo (@YourBody_ YourTattoo) on Instagram. It teaches clients what boundaries they can set with their artists to avoid being physically taken advantage of and gives helpful tips to artists on how to provide a safer space for their clients. All around, it’s an attempt to improve the relationship between the two and raise the standard for professional tattooing. ✕

8 Years Tattooing Amarillo, TX Location Independent Artist Color Cover-ups Specialty @superksoul Instagram superksoul @gmail.com superksoul .com

I’m a 29-year-old shop owner of 5 years and a tattoo artist of 7 years. I’m a father of a 10-year-old daughter who’s smart, sassy, and a growing artist. I’m a Weeb and a PlayStation gamer, of course ⸺ Who or where do you get your inspiration from? So many amazing artists, but some quick ones are David Mushaney, Kodi Ellis, Swan_ Tattooer, and Sudan_blk (Otterboy) ⸺ What advice would you give to someone about getting his or her first tattoo? (A tattoo virgin) Oh, it’s important to get rest, stay hydrated, and eat well before the tattoo ⸺ What did your family and friends think about you getting into the tattoo business? They weren’t shocked. I always drew a lot growing up, so they figured whatever I did, it’ll be art related ⸺ What would you say is your favorite part of the job? I’d say connecting with my clients and having freedom ⸺ What was it that initially sparked your interest in tattooing? It was a suggestion by my cousin. Shortly after, I showed a tattoo artist my art, and they told me I should tattoo ⸺ Was it hard getting an apprenticeship? How was yours? Yes, it was either a no or the run-around. I had a lot of time wasted, so I ended up being partially self-taught ⸺ Are there any tattoos you would refuse to do? (face, private areas, etc.) Bro, I’m not tattooing a penis ⸺ What do you think is in store for the future of tattooing? Tattooing is constantly evolving. I see more dope styles and fewer gatekeeper mentality ⸺ Have you ever had a bad tattooing experience, and what was it? I had a client confess to her sister she was sleeping with her husband while I finished their matching tattoos ⸺ What is the most important advice you can give someone new to the art of tattooing? Please don’t get discouraged, and if you do, keep pushing forward, striving to perfect your craft ⸺ What is your biggest challenge in the tattoo industry? Man, it changes, so maybe trying to figure out if I’m doing things correctly ⸺ Is there anything you wish to change? Yeah, sucking in the beginning ⸺ What styles do you like doing? I love blackwork, geometrical, anime, and greywash, sometimes with hints of color. ✕