Alright – so today we’ve got the honor of introducing you to Angie Guo. We think you’ll enjoy our conversation, we’ve shared it below.

Hi Angie, thanks for joining us today. Are you happier as a creative? Do you sometimes think about what it would be like to just have a regular job? Can you talk to us about how you think through these emotions?

I think about this question often, especially during emotional highs and lows. I work as a tattoo artist, a field that allows me the freedom to be creative while completing meaningful work. On the other hand, whether it’s illustration or tattoo art, I sometimes worry about the possibility of creative burnout—what if one day I mentally just stop working altogether?
Art makes me happy because it creates possibilities, but this openness to individual choices can also be very difficult. When the path is open-ended, I often feel lost, questioning my next aim or searching for a milestone to achieve. It’s a constant rollercoaster of satisfaction versus the uncertainty of what’s next.
One moment stands out vividly. I had been preparing for a large tattoo project for weeks and was so excited while working on it. I loved every second. But as soon as I finished and started walking home, a wave of emptiness hit me. The thought, “Now what?” “ What’s next?” haunted me. Moments like that make me wonder if a regular job—with structure and clear expectations—would bring more peace of mind.
At the same time, as unsettling as these questions can be, they push me to grow. They remind me that being an artist isn’t just about creating—it’s the experience of constantly finding meaning and direction in the chaos. And while that uncertainty can keep me up at night, it’s also what keeps me waking up each day, searching for the next breakthrough.

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?

My name is Enqi Guo, but call me Angie! I am a 4th-year student at the School of Visual Arts in NYC. I’ve always had a passion for dark, mysterious, or moody art, and soon discovered my love for tattooing.

I started tattooing because I like the thought of making art through the collaboration of ideas while keeping the originality of my style. I want to create art that’s tangible and meaningful for both the client and the artist. I started tattooing the summer of my freshman year in college. It’s such an interesting form of media because, through learning about illustration as it is my major, I’ve realized there are endless forms to tattooing, just like any art medium.

I’m passionate about continuing to explore, whether through creating illustration works, tattoo designs, or combining both.

Do you think there is something that non-creatives might struggle to understand about your journey as a creative? Maybe you can shed some light?

My friend once jokingly (but half-truthfully) said, “Your homework is just drawing.” At first I laughed it off, but later I kept thinking about it. In high school, drawing a poster for homework felt simple and fun. But now, I find myself spending hours at my desk, sometimes just staring at a blank page, stuck and unsure of how to start.

What’s changed is how much thought I put into my work compared to before. It’s no longer just an “easy” project. Every piece I make feels like a kind of diary, reflecting what I’m thinking, feeling, or experiencing in that moment. Each decision—like how the line should flow—carries meaning for me. Over time, my work has become something deeply personal—a record of my growth and memories.

So, when people see it as “just drawing,” I understand where they’re coming from, but it’s hard to explain how much more it means to me now. It’s not just about finishing an assignment anymore; it’s about putting a piece of myself into the things I create.

What’s the most rewarding aspect of being a creative in your experience?

For me, the most rewarding part of being a creative is connecting with others who share the same passion for self-expression. Being part of a community where people share pieces of their lives and experiences through their work creates a sense of understanding and connection on a deeper level.

I love exchanging ideas, collaborating, and seeing how others interpret the world around them. It’s inspiring to find that we’re all still on a journey, navigating challenges, and searching for meaning in our work. Knowing that we’re not alone in this process makes the creative path feel less isolating and much more fulfilling.

Contact Info:

• Instagram: @_angie.g_ and @qiispace.tatt
• Other: REDNOTE: qiispace.tatt兔