Today we’d like to introduce you to Lindsay Carter

Hi Lindsay, thanks for joining us today. We’d love for you to start by introducing yourself.

I grew up painting, drawing, and sculpting. From a young age I knew art of some form would be in my future. The first nudge I got was probably from my sister. She would insist I become a tattooer so she could be my “canvas” some day. The second nudge was in high school. Peers would ask me to draw their tattoos, or draw designs on them with a marker. So, maybe in a way tattooing found me. The idea kept orbiting around me, people saw the potential in me, and I was fascinated by the art form. The last nudge was when I got my own tattoo, I fell in love with the experience, and knew I’d pursue it. I was a teenager with a dream to chase.

I worked at a pizza spot in my hometown throughout my teenager years. I didn’t have financial resources besides what I was earning at the pizza place, so I did have to save up to afford the education I needed. Once I had enough saved, I got a loan for the rest, and took off to Portland, Oregon to become a professional. It was intimidating and thrilling to be a teenager from a smaller area moving all alone to a bigger city. When I got there, I went through the education process to get licensed. After that, I interviewed at a few tattoo shops, but I couldn’t land anything. I was so close to moving back home, and then pretty much out of nowhere, I was asked to join a new tattoo shop two women were opening up. I was lucky to get this opportunity, and to have a supportive shop environment as a young and naive newbie. This kept my spark alive and gave me a positive experience right away in the community. Thankfully my older car stayed reliable throughout my first year of tattooing; I was traveling an hour and a half every weekend to my hometown to work the pizza job until tattooing could fully support me.

I do think I started during a good time back in 2013. I was in a supportive shop, I had supportive clients coming in, and social media was starting to become an awesome new tool for business, which made my ability to reach clients easier as an emerging artist. Years later, and I’m still devoted to this work. It’s surreal that I’m here living my teenage dream. It has been a humbling practice that continues to challenge me personally, technically, and creatively. I have my own little tattoo studio in Portland now, and I’ve been tattooing for about 11 years. Of course, I have much more to learn and discover ahead. I hope I get to do this for at least 11 more!

I’m sure it wasn’t obstacle-free, but would you say the journey has been fairly smooth so far?

Being self employed really leaves you to your own vices, and I became a bit of a workaholic at one point. This career path became a conduit to some personal growth. I had no idea how much of a grind tattooing could be, or that I’d need a vast array of business skills on top of the tattooing skills. In the beginning, I was nineteen with the responsibly to essentially run my own business. I had no business or freelancing background, and I am the first in my family to try. I also had some unconscious behaviors and patterns that I couldn’t see at the time. So, yeah, I was really faking it until I made it…to therapy one day!

My self worth got wrapped up in many external factors, including my productivity. I was overcommitting; working pretty much every day. Tattooing by day and drawing by night, it felt overwhelming to keep up with the additional marketing and email/phone communications. I felt lucky to have any clients or money coming in at all. However, no boundaries, insurmountable expectations on myself, and poor time management skills became tricky. At some point I had to reflect. This, in turn, sent me on a path to find a more balanced relationship with my work and life. I’ve had to learn how to identify my capacities, and align with my values more. Though everything is still a balancing act, caring for my inner and outer landscape does prevent burn out. Which, when maintained, helps me show up more wholesomely and fully for myself, this work, and the loved ones in my life.

Appreciate you sharing that. What else should we know about what you do?

I’m a tattooer, I specialize in custom designs inspired by our natural world. Flora and fauna are my muse. I love the way the natural world moves, and I try to reflect that in the way I draw. I also enjoy collaborating with clients to translate what’s special or inspiring to them into body art for their own self-expression.

Where we are in life is often partly because of others. Who/what else deserves credit for how your story turned out?

I am only here because of the continuous support and love from others!

My parents and family supported my art interests since the beginning. Those early years as a kid can be crucial to the way we relate with making art. I’m thankful they never shut it down. They gifted me with encouragement to go after what I want. I receive genuine support from them, and that has been foundational for me to even try.

Clients! There’s so much trust put into the tattooing process. I’m continually in awe of this trust, and wouldn’t be doing this work without those who participate and want to collaborate. I feel honored that anyone has ever chosen my work to adorn themselves with. It’s special and I find a lot of purpose here because of the shared exchanged tattoos bring.

Of course, many friends, co-workers, and teachers have played a role in some form along the way. I’m grateful to be a product of all whom have inspired, encouraged, shared community, and/or gave guidance.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://Lindsayrae.art
• Instagram: Lindsayrae.art
• Facebook: Lindsayraetattoo