Alright – so today we’ve got the honor of introducing you to Andrew Abamu. We think you’ll enjoy our conversation, we’ve shared it below.
Andrew, thanks for joining us, excited to have you contributing your stories and insights. The first dollar you earn is always exciting – it’s like the start of a new chapter and so we’d love to hear about the first time you sold or generated revenue from your creative work?
The first time I ever charged to tattoo was actually life changing. I was working a security job for $15/hr at the time. I was so spooked to tattoo someone that wasn’t one of my friends for free. I actually practiced the design several times prior to the appointment to calm my nerves. It was a very simple but cool design on my friend Kayla and the actual tattoo took about 20 minutes and I got $60 and thought that was so easy. I had been so used to doing strenuous work for money my whole life and not thinking of art as a way to make an actual living, but that tattoo sparked something in me.
Andrew, before we move on to more of these sorts of questions, can you take some time to bring our readers up to speed on you and what you do?
I have been a creative all my life working with every medium from drawing with pencils and charcoal to clay and painting so I’ve always had a background in art. I had done commissioned paintings on several occasions, but had felt like I often sold myself short with the value of my work which made me kind of conflicted with ever pursuing it wholeheartedly. I’ve always been the type to pick up hustles and I even have a degree in business, so I’d always assumed I’d do something along those lines as a “serious” job. Finding my way into tattooing was actually a push from my friends and I picked it up as a hobby, not knowing I’d love it and it would be able to combine the best of both worlds. I’m really good with people too so getting these single serving interactions with people is great and sort of a therapy session for anyone who decides to open up to me as well. I do feel as if there is an energy exchange when tatting people and it goes deeper than the work, I love being that outlet for others and using my creativity to bring their ideas to life and be a small part of how they express themselves. Every tattoo is a story, even if it means absolutely nothing. You can tat a million people, but I’d have to say one of my proudest things is my return rate, I take pride in the experience that I curate for my clients that makes them feel comfortable and want to come back again and again. I’ve had clients tell me that they didn’t even know if they wanted a tattoo, they just wanted an excuse to hang again and that makes me feel fantastic. Another thing I’m proud of is I am willing to take on nearly any project in any style with confidence. I started tattooing with primarily brown skin in black and grey, which I love, but through the years I’ve done just about every style on every shade and texture of skin. I see a lot of artists turn down projects and tell people they can’t get certain things and honestly that isn’t always the case. I try my best to give the client what they want while properly informing them of any possible hurdles in bringing their idea to life.
Do you think there is something that non-creatives might struggle to understand about your journey as a creative? Maybe you can shed some light?
One thing I still struggle with that I know several creatives is not thinking my work is good enough or always seeing any little flaw. I want to be like the best like today, when it’s a journey to sharpen my skills everyday. Social media exposes you to such amazing artists consistently and comparison is the thief of joy. I have so many people that t ll me they love my work and how great it is and I’ll see something phenomenal on Instagram and think I’m in the wrong line of business.as hard as this is to ever overcome I’ve gotten a lot better, I’ve had moments when I look back at my work from years or even a year or a few months ago and give myself a Pat on the back for how far I’ve come and how much I’ve improved. This fuels my excitement for how I approach taking on new projects or even ones similar to ones I’ve done and wanting to do better. I always say that the tattoo I’m doing now is going to be the best one I’ve ever done and I truly believe it every time. I’d tell other artist to give themselves this grace as well, never think that they can’t learn anything new, and always continue to strive for better whilst simultaneously enjoying the journey.
What do you find most rewarding about being a creative?
The most rewarding part of being an artist to me is expression. Everyone has their own style, finding yours and putting it into play is a wonderful feeling. Breaking away from what is the norm or standard with your art is so freeing, and the more you do it the better you become. If a client gives me creative freedom I run with it so fast, and even when they don’t necessarily give that, doing things with your twist is inevitable. And also the collaboration with you and client and seeing your creativity brought to life with a live piece is great. I feel as if moments that that fuel you as a creative. Sometimes I sit back and look at something I did and I’m like “WOW, I did that!” That sense of satisfaction is unmatched.
Contact Info:
- Instagram: @Steezink / @Bamublastman
- Twitter: @bamublastman
