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

Renisha, thanks for joining us, excited to have you contributing your stories and insights. Are you happy as a creative professional? Do you sometimes wonder what it would be like to work for someone else?

Now that I am a full-time tattoo artist and entrepreneur, I do wonder sometimes what it would be like to have a regular job. I can’t imagine going back to the standard 9-5 when I have so much freedom with my current career. I am so blessed that I can basically pack up and go whenever I feel like it (depending on appointments). In the past I would have to request vacation days months in advance and now I’m fortunate where that is not required. I am so happy in this industry because it pushes me to be my own boss and create my dream life.

Awesome – so before we get into the rest of our questions, can you briefly introduce yourself to our readers.

My name is Renisha, I am a tattoo artist and body piercer. I have been tattooing for just over two years and I have been doing art all my life, in various forms. Tattooing was never a career choice for me growing up. I always tell my clients that the opportunity kind of just presented itself to me. I work in a women owned and operated tattoo shop in Raleigh, NC. My tattoo style is developing itself but for the most part I do a lot of fine-line, lettering, and abstract tattoo art. I am so passionate about my work and craft that I crave new knowledge daily.

In 2023 my goal is to do more cover-up tattoos. There are so many people who have gotten tattoos and after time they have not aged properly. I love the challenge of creating a new design or revamping an old tattoo. I believe it boost my clients confidence and makes them feel like a new person. To be able to make someone feel beautiful/attractive/loved by fixing old tattoos is something I am very passionate about.

How can we best help foster a strong, supportive environment for artists and creatives?

Stop creating communities of jealous or gate-keeping! There are so many creative people in the world, and sometimes people feel as though only they are worthy of excelling. That is not true! We all gain clients because they choose us over someone else, for a reason. There for I think as a society we should build each other up with tools and resources.

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.

I think non-creatives think that artists always have the right idea or concept every time. What I mean is before I became a tattoo artist, I would willing paint or draw whatever randomly came to my mind. Because this is my career sometimes it is challenging to come up with ideas when you are collaboration with other people (clients). People might have a very specific idea of what they want for a tattoo and sometimes it takes the “fun” out of tattooing because they do not give you any freedom to add your own spin to a design.

Contact Info:

• Website: Renish.Art
• Instagram: Renish.Art

Image Credits
Devon @nicewit.thalenz