Alright – so today we’ve got the honor of introducing you to Renee Little. We think you’ll enjoy our conversation, we’ve shared it below.
Renee, thanks for joining us, excited to have you contributing your stories and insights. Did you always know you wanted to pursue a creative or artistic career? When did you first know?
Art has always been important to me, and I even held smaller art shows at local coffee shops and dive bars. I never made enough money, so I worked a plethora of odd side jobs, including positions in galleries and delivering pizza, to keep myself afloat. Thankfully, my passion for painting and the desire to create were always present. My first real job was at the local newspaper in St. Petersburg, FL, as a type cutter (which is exactly what it sounds like). I cut the type quickly and in a specific way before handing it off to the designers. I loved the job so much that I quickly earned a position in page management, building the pages by hand. I used X-Acto blades, scissors, and special tapes on drafting tables every day; it truly felt like art school.
Sadly, technology came into the picture, and the crew, which was around 100, dwindled to 30, then to 7, with me being one of the last remaining. I witnessed people who had worked in this seemingly safe industry for nearly four decades lose not only their jobs but also the worthiness of their craft.
At that moment, I knew I had to pursue the skills I possessed and naturally carried within me—skills that no employer could downsize or take away. I loved to craft, to create, and to be challenged. So, after my layoff and with a generous severance package, I enrolled in college. During my time at the newspaper, I truly began to learn the ways of communicating with people in business and how to emphasize the importance of simple day-to-day tasks.
Renee, love having you share your insights with us. Before we ask you more questions, maybe you can take a moment to introduce yourself to our readers who might have missed our earlier conversations?
I began by somehow convincing two tattoo artists from my hometown, Frankie D and Ozzy Garcia, to teach me the ropes of tattooing. In return, I would teach them how to paint, clean, and manage their studio, as well as their day-to-day lives. It may sound drastic by current professional standards, but tattooing is very old-fashioned in terms of mentorship. After 20 years in the industry, I understand that it’s a journey a person must take to prepare for the difficult days of working closely with strangers, as well as other artists. I had a nurturing, almost maternal approach that these two needed, but I truly respected them as artists and professionals. I owe my tattoo career to what they and everyone else after them taught me.
I’ve worked with a variety of skin types while traveling throughout most of my career, and I currently focus on scar camouflage and tattoo cover-ups. I enjoy taking on challenging projects, and many of my clients had been denied for years before finding me. I’m really proud that I can help others feel comfortable in their skin; it’s truly an honor to create beauty for people. I specialize in full-color and dot work florals, cosmic themes, and literary-themed conceptual designs in illustrative realism. I love ensuring that all of my tattoos fit the body shape, making them look like clothing. I also practice eco-friendly methods in my studio, using biodegradable materials and paraben- and aloe-free topicals.
Is there something you think non-creatives will struggle to understand about your journey as a creative? Maybe you can provide some insight – you never know who might benefit from the enlightenment.
That everyone is a creative. What we think of as art today often revolves around mediums like paint or charcoal, but if there is something you choose to do that utilizes basic skills and brings you joy, then it is inherently creative. Whether it’s performing, building, crafting, or making, these activities are all expressions of our creativity. They reflect our unique perspectives and allow us to communicate and connect with the world around us. Creativity is not limited to traditional forms of art; it exists in everyday tasks and passions, reinforcing the idea that we all have the capacity to create and contribute beauty in our own ways. Embracing this notion can lead to a deeper appreciation of both our own talents and those of others, fostering a more inclusive understanding of what it means to be an artist.
In your view, what can society to do to best support artists, creatives and a thriving creative ecosystem?
I believe there should be larger funding for community projects, such as murals and art classes for kids. These two initiatives, when combined, have the potential to transform a community for generations. Children who learn about art and participate in creating murals not only develop valuable skills but also develop a sense of pride and ownership in their environment. Living among vibrant murals and engaging in creative classes fosters a deeper appreciation for art and culture, instilling confidence and inspiration in young minds. This transformation can lead to a stronger sense of community, where creativity flourishes and individuals feel empowered to express themselves. Ultimately, investing in these projects enriches lives and cultivates a brighter future for everyone involved.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.reneelittletattoos.net
- Instagram: Reneelittletattoos
- Youtube: renee little tattoos
- Other: my Home studio and store is at www.Goldfanggallery.com
Image Credits
Renee little