We were lucky to catch up with Patric Roderick recently and have shared our conversation below.
Patric , thanks for taking the time to share your stories with us today Are you able to earn a full-time living from your creative work? If so, can you walk us through your journey and how you made it happen?
From the moment I first laid eyes on Van Gogh’s Starry Night as a young child, I was captivated. I didn’t understand the painting fully at the time, but it stirred something deep within me—an overwhelming blend of joy and sadness that I couldn’t ignore. That moment sparked a lifelong desire: to create work that inspires awe, just as that painting did for me.
Since then, I’ve devoted myself to art, drawing whenever I could—often sacrificing time with friends, family, and even major life opportunities to pursue the craft I love. Along the way, many tried to discourage me from making art a career. They warned me I’d grow to hate it, or that I wouldn’t succeed. But to me, those were excuses, not reasons to quit.
At 13, I was offered a tattoo apprenticeship but turned it down, knowing I wasn’t ready. At 20, with no formal training and limited resources, I taught myself to tattoo. That decision changed everything. The deeper I dove into the world of tattooing, the more I fell in love—not just with the medium, but with the ability to leave lasting, meaningful impressions through my work.
Today, I’m proud to be a full-time tattoo artist, making a living doing what I love. I’m still chasing new heights, always pushing myself creatively. My hope is to continue creating art that moves people—and to inspire others with the same passion to believe in their path, no matter how unlikely it may seem.
Looking back, I wouldn’t change a thing—not the mistakes, the detours, or the hard lessons. Those moments shaped me. They gave me the resilience, perspective, and confidence I have as an artist today. I believe adversity creates beautiful progress, while complacency leads to stagnation. Growth lives in discomfort, and the only way to truly improve is to embrace that and learn to thrive in it.
Awesome – so before we get into the rest of our questions, can you briefly introduce yourself to our readers.
I’ve always had an affinity for art, but over time it evolved into an obsession—a relentless drive to become the best artist I could be. I constantly challenged myself to explore new mediums, experiment with different subject matter, and even play with abstract forms. Through that journey, I discovered that realism spoke to me the loudest—particularly stylistic realism infused with what clients have come to call “the Patric touch.”
When you create art out of genuine love, the process becomes effortless, and your mind opens to the vast possibilities that come with turning passion into profession. What defines me as an artist is my openness. I don’t box myself into one genre or aesthetic; instead, I’ve dedicated my life to mastering the craft of art as a whole. That versatility is my strength.
Above all, the way I serve my clients reflects how I want to be treated—with respect, patience, and care. Each piece I create is not just about the art, but about the experience I provide through it.
Is there a particular goal or mission driving your creative journey?
I live and work every day to make sure my children don’t have to live the life I have. From working as a child and paying bills to watching messed up things happen because situations I was put in for other people decisions. I just want to make sure to not repeat that mistake.
What do you find most rewarding about being a creative?
Being able to create long lasting impression on people, without having to say a word is the most rewarding aspect of being an artist. Allowing expression through art and seeing not only myself in the art but I see the person it’s on in it as well.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://Www.Satinblacktattooabq.com
- Instagram: @patdotattoos
