We were lucky to catch up with Anna Cojocari recently and have shared our conversation below.
Hi Anna, thanks for joining us today. Are you happier as a creative? Do you sometimes think about what it would be like to just have a regular job? Can you talk to us about how you think through these emotions?
I’ve had regular jobs in the past; I know what it’s like to do something you don’t love in order to pay the bills. When I was doing that kind of work, I was usually drawing or sketching something during downtime. Nowadays, I never think about having a standard 9-5. I respect all the other jobs and roles in society, and I think I’m doing the one that makes sense for me and my skills.
Anna, 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 got into tattooing in LA. I spent several months trying get an apprenticeship and ultimately ended up at Hailin Fu in West Hollywood. I left there to do my own thing in 2016 and I’ve been doing it ever since. One of the hardest things for me has been to “choose” a style, since I really love all of the styles of tattooing and my formal art training has made it possible to go in any direction I would like. Maybe that’s what makes my style what it is.
Have you ever had to pivot?
The pandemic was a difficult time. The shop in Hollywood where I worked had to close, the industry was essentially shut down, and it was difficult to stay motivated and creative. I tattooed my husband to stay busy until I could restart in San Diego, which was an adjustment. Although it’s only a few hours away from LA in miles, San Diego is still deeply rooted in the traditional style of tattooing. I mention this because I still get tattoo inquiries for the classic iconography. Don’t get me wrong, I love traditional tattoos, but this is not where my style really comes through.
Is there mission driving your creative journey?
I think I’m always trying to learn and evolve. I’ve worked with so many outstanding artists, and I think I’ve been able to incorporate a little from each of them.
Contact Info:
- Website: annatat.com
- Instagram: annatat_md