LAMYA ALDOURI

My name is Lamya (Lem-ya), and I currently work out of Bleeding Heart Tattoo, located in Lee’s Summit, MO. I love tattooing subject matter that is within the realm of nature. (Botanicals/florals, animals). I have a BA in fine arts and a background in illustration. Art has always been something that came naturally to me, so when tattooing entered my life, I couldn’t resist ⸺ Who or where do you get your inspiration from? I get a lot of my inspiration from the nature and wildlife around me in the Midwest, but I also look up to tattoo artists such as Hannah Flowers and Kate Mackay Gill ⸺ What did your family and friends think about you getting into the tattoo business? Being raised in a strict Muslim household, tattooing was not on the list of things my parents wanted me to do for a career. However, they eventually came around, and they now enjoy seeing the work I create and learning about the tattoo industry itself ⸺ What was it that initially sparked your interest in tattooing? I always thought they looked cool, but using them as a permanent form of self-expression is what I found most intriguing. I’m almost 30 now, but when I was in 6th grade, I remember telling my mom how I was going to be covered in tattoos one day. She, of course, freaked out and said that wouldn’t happen, but look at me now! ⸺ Was it hard getting an apprenticeship? How was yours? It was hard. I was told no countless times. No one would look at my portfolio, and they almost always immediately told me no. This didn’t stop me, though. I made sure that no matter what, the next shop I walked into was going to at least look at my art before turning me away. I did just that. I apprenticed in 2015 and was licensed in 2017. I’ve been tattooing for 9 years now and don’t plan on quitting any time soon ⸺ What is the most important advice you can give someone new to the art of tattooing? Have your shit together. Have a portfolio, visit the shop you want to apprentice at until they are tired of seeing you, then visit more. Don’t message them online or call. Walk your happy ass in there. Get tattooed by the artists you admire and show them why you want to be in the industry. ✕