We recently connected with Leilah The Artist and have shared our conversation below.

Leilah, appreciate you joining us today. Let’s start with a fun one – what’s something you believe that most people in your industry (or in general) disagree with?

I believe that you can be a jack of all trades and master them. Think about your favorite musician. They more than likely have another job or hobby that we have no idea about. Your favorite rapper is also an entrepreneur that makes clothes. Your favorite singer has a bachelors degree in finance and marketing. Your favorite social media influencer is a screenwriter and director. There is NO reason why we should be confined to one practice or media. I am an artist. I use the word artist as an umbrella term because I am a painter, tattooer, curator, event coordinator, etc and they are all forms of my art.

As always, we appreciate you sharing your insights and we’ve got a few more questions for you, but before we get to all of that can you take a minute to introduce yourself and give our readers some of your back background and context?

As previously stated, I like to use the umbrella term “artist” to describe myself. I am a tattoo artist who began my journey in 2022 as an apprentice at City of Ink in Atlanta. My time as an apprentice has helped reshape my artistic abilities and I’ve grown as an artist in all of my preferred disciplines because of it. Two years prior to my start at City of Ink however, I decided to venture out as a full time artist. In that time, I explored my craft as a painter more and stepped out a little bit into the art community of Atlanta.
I’ve done a lot in the past few years from collaborative murals, a solo mural, artist fairs and craft markets, group art shows, etc. Discovering what is and is not for me all in an effort to find my niche.
What I’ve come to realize is that I have a passion for tattooing, painting and event curating/ coordinating . In my career I strive to find a balance in these disciplines while simultaneously creating a space for myself and other like minded artists to congregate and collaborate to build up a solid network of creatives.

We’d love to hear a story of resilience from your journey.

I have been told “no” countless times. “No you don’t have enough experience.” Or “No your art just isn’t quite what we’re looking for.” Or “No you just don’t know the right people.” What I’ve learned from every single “no” I’ve received is that it is simply a “not yet” from above. I have learned to pivot and not get too discouraged by the amount of times I’ve been turned away from an opportunity or shut out of a room and simply see the positive side of things.
Every art show I have been rejected from has inspired me to then go and curate my own. Every table I have been shut out from has inspired me to build my own and invite other artists who may need a “yes” to it.
Just last year in 2023, I was rejected from an art show that I truly felt I could’ve been a great fit for. I was discouraged of course and I let it get to me for a second. Until a good friend of mine helped me shift my mindset and encouraged me to finally curate my own art show instead of constantly asking to be let into everyone else’s.
So, on January 12, 2024 I curated and hosted “God’s Muse” which was an all women’s group art show dedicated to uplifting women artists and giving us a platform and space to showcase our work. The event was a success and served a great purpose in the community and truly showed my resilience and dedication to my goals no matter how many times I may be told “no”.

How do you keep in touch with clients and foster brand loyalty?

As a tattoo artist and painter, it is important for my clients and collectors to feel as if they are getting a unique experience. With every appointment I have, I make sure to let the client know that they are not only getting a custom unique tattoo, but they are also getting a comforting experience. Tattoo shops can be intimidating and I’ve heard far too many horror stories of clients not feeling comfortable during their sessions. My goal is to give them an unforgettable tattoo experience that makes them feel welcome and comfortable to come back to my chair every time. With anyone who purchases a painting from me, I love to inform them that even if I recreated the exact same painting, something about it will be unique. I never duplicate the exact same work of art twice. When I create a painting especially a commission or 1 of 1, whoever is the collector willing to make my art a permanent part of their home knows that they are receiving the only version of what I created.

Contact Info:

• Website: Leilahsartshop.com
• Instagram: Leilah.the.artist

Image Credits
Josh Wood @momentsbyjosh_ Kali @_tohkyo_