We recently connected with Kelton Cox and have shared our conversation below.
Alright, Kelton thanks for taking the time to share your stories and insights with us today. Earning a full time living from one’s creative career can be incredibly difficult. Have you been able to do so and if so, can you share some of the key parts of your journey and any important advice or lessons that might help creatives who haven’t been able to yet?
The greatest risk of my life was becoming a tattooer. It was never in my plans to tattoo, because it seemed impossible. I was getting tattooed while going to Anderson University, and it was always something I loved. There was a certain energy and community that I really felt connected to. The expression, transformations, everything caused me to become obsessed.
Shortly after graduating University, I met my now wife and got married. Through it all I was struggling to not only find a stable job, but also be a part of a solid team. All of my dead end jobs led me to becoming a car salesman, the pentacle of my misery. All while also volunteering at a church and doing creative arts for them, which is where I met the man, Israel Hughes, who brought me into the tattoo world.
One day as I stood on the car lot, I kept asking myself “how did I end up here?” Which led me to biting the bullet and risking it all… becoming an apprentice under Izzy. No pay, no certainty, just pure GRIT.
Traditional apprenticeships offer nothing but knowledge of tattooing and it’s up to how much you want it to eventually make money.
My wife and I experienced an eviction, two car repossessions, and the global pandemic while I was an apprentice.
We lost everything, yet I gained a sense of peace through it all. That same energy and community of tattoo, was stronger than ever.
The money wasn’t there for the first year, and slowly approached in the second year.
Yet with all of the risk and losses, we became resilient and I focused on growing in skill and trusted the slow burn process. I’m not gifted, just driven.
I’ve been blessed to live solely on tattooing comfortably for a year now and it’s only going up from here.
If I could go back, I would give myself more patience. Give my craft more attention. And with joy know that when it all seems lost, there’s always a way. Cars come back, houses can be bought, credit can be restored. I look back and know for sure and without a doubt that those things I lost were for my good.
Free up space and let loose of your possessions for the sake of your craft. If you show love to your craft, it’ll show love back.
Nothing worth pursuing is easy or fast. It’s a slow burn that grows and develops. And that builds endurance and confidence so bright, that you look back and can’t recognize who you once were.
Trust the process.
Great, appreciate you sharing that with us. Before we ask you to share more of your insights, can you take a moment to introduce yourself and how you got to where you are today to our readers.
I was brought into the tattoo world by Israel Hughes, and lost everything to do it. Tattoo is much bigger than myself and I feel honored and humbled to merely be a cog in the wheel to carry on tradition, with respect, honor and integrity. My focus is giving clean and solid tattoos that last. I believe that tattoos transform people, I’m simply the witness to that. All I bring are my hands, and provide a safe and confident place for that transformation.
Because tattoo has blessed me with daily passion, understanding, a community, and discipline… my aim is to bring that to the forefront every single day. Regardless of the size or design, I’m dedicated everyday to steward the trust and opportunity of tattooing you.
I’m proud to be sober, disciplined and trustworthy so that you are well taken care of every step of the way.
The beauty of tattoo is that when your under the needle, your Mind, Body and Spirit come back together during the session, and you leave a little bit more in-tuned with yourself.
Tattoos have transformed me, my friends and family, and I believe it’s an honor to witness your transformation as well.
What do you think is the goal or mission that drives your creative journey?
My goal is to carry on tradition and provide clean tattoos. My mission is to create a space that allows anybody, from all walks of life, the chance to Let Go. To get one step closer to overcoming something big in their lives. To listen and give space for them to listen to themselves as well. That they can experience the Mind, Body and Spirit, working together again. Even for just a moment.
How can we best help foster a strong, supportive environment for artists and creatives?
Supporting artists is simply just fun. It’s the easiest way to brighten their day and help them grow in confidence. Want to impact your community and don’t know where to start? Simply show some love to artists and creatives. For me, I am filled with joy when people want tattoos that I design because a lot of thought goes behind them. Or when they like a post or tell their friends and family. Even better, when they stop by to just say hey with some much needed coffee. Supporting financially and intentionally helps us continue our craft and allows us space to give you our very best. The community benefits when creatives are supported.
Contact Info:
- Website: blindtigertattoo.co
- Instagram: @keltoncox
Image Credits
@kaydeehughesphoto