Alright – so today we’ve got the honor of introducing you to Pierre Johnson. We think you’ll enjoy our conversation, we’ve shared it below.
Pierre , 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?
People ask me all the time “do you have another job too?”. I’m very thankful for having a talent that I was able to turn into a full time career and make a good living off of. The beginning was hard. Really hard. It’s hard to build clients when you just start, and on top of that I wasn’t really that good back then. The biggest thing was staying dedicated. I was leaving a lifestyle that I didn’t want to go back to. I had chosen to live at a lower quality of life, eliminating everything and everyone that could possibly cost me this chance that I had to make honest money from my craft. The process was tough but I wouldn’t change much. Not only did it humble me but it taught me the value or of a dollar, and the value of my art and myself. The world is so crazy right now. People can barely afford to live no matter how hard they work. And at a job they hate. So I’m extremely grateful, especially for my clients. I love them to death
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?
I didn’t have the traditional path of an artist/tattoo artist. I worked with people who had a traditional apprenticeship, people who’ve been to fine art schools with degrees. Even as far as lifestyles and family. People who had extreme financial and moral support from their friends and family. I had support as well, but it was a lot different. I was on a crazy path and it was only getting crazier. I had been in and out of prison for 6-7 years, nothing to show for myself. My son was around 3-4 at the time and I knew that’s not the type of father I wanted to be. So initially the goal was to have myself together by the time he started school. I wanted to be someone he could brag about and model himself after. Being that I didn’t have a traditional apprenticeship the path was tough. I had to figure out a lot of things alone. Luckily my determination led me to meet mentors and artist that were a great help. But I definitely feel like I had to show them I was serious first. Tattooing is an industry that shines really bright from the outside, so everyone who’s ever picked up a pencil wants to try it. When in reality there’s literally nothing like it. And it chews people up and spits them out on a daily basis. I think my past and path makes for a more genuine experience when dealing with me. I’m very humble and can relate to just about anyone. So when I’m providing service I remain thankful because I know things could have been very different for me
Is there a particular goal or mission driving your creative journey?
My goal has always been to help my community. My business is named after the street I was raised on. I want to be in a position to help everybody who just need that little push to be greater. And to be available to anyone who needs help and guidance
What do you find most rewarding about being a creative?
Even when I was young people loved my art work. And it never went to my head. Really I’m still surprised how my art has inspired people. Some of the things I’ve heard about how people resinate with my art and how it makes them feel never gets old. Every compliment means a lot to me. Knowing I helped someone pick their pencil back up. Or that I got their ideas flowing again. Or my art took them out of a dark place. Those are the most rewarding parts
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