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

Alright, Annie thanks for taking the time to share your stories and insights with us today. We’d love to hear about how you went about setting up your own practice and if you have any advice for professionals who might be considering starting their own?

The name of my business, Little Annie Motel Tattoo Parlor, existed before I opened my shop in 2017. I dreamed of a place where I could make good art with good people in a welcoming and peaceful environment. I found an office in the Jewelry Manufacturing Building in Downtown LA and made my dream a reality. I love coming to work everyday, thanks to my amazing team and clients.

Annie, love having you share your insights with us. Before we ask you more questions, maybe you can take a moment to introduce yourself to our readers who might have missed our earlier conversations?

All my life I have been an artist. I received my BFA from The University of Washington, and two weeks after graduation, I moved to Los Angeles. My first tattoo mentor’s name was Evil Artist, and he gave me lessons in his garage in South Gate. I also trained at a shop in MacArthur Park, and this is where I began my professional career. In 2017, I opened Little Annie Motel Tattoo Parlor in The Jewelry Manufacturing Building in Downtown Los Angeles.
It’s been six years since I became ‘The Motel Boss,’ and I am so grateful for the opportunities the shop has granted me. I have been able to tattoo at conventions all around the world including Romania, France, Germany, and even spent a few months in Italy working at Medusa Shop Tattoo Parlour in Palermo, Sicily. Working with all my amazing clients is my favorite part of the job, and I wouldn’t be where I am today without them.
I also have a painting studio in the tattoo shop where I work on oil paintings with Western, Old Hollywood and Portraiture themes.

What’s been the most effective strategy for growing your clientele?

Making my clients happy with a great tattoo and an enjoyable experience is the best part of my job. They usually tell me they’re already thinking about their next tattoo before we are finished working on their current one. They come back for more soon, and often spread my good reputation through word of mouth, or simply by walking down the street! People often ask them where they get their work done, and they send the new clients my way.

What do you think helped you build your reputation within your market?

My philosophy about tattooing is that the client should be totally in love with their tattoo. That begins with me and the client sitting down together to design the art, tweaking it to their specifications if need be until they’re satisfied and excited to get started! During the tattoo I make sure they’re comfortable, and I put one hundred percent into getting their tattoo perfect. When we are finished, my clients are thrilled with their new piece! My work is also unique, and I am known for my style and craftsmanship.

Contact Info:

• Website: www.littleanniemotel.com
• Instagram: @littleanniemotel @moteltattoo @anniemotelfineart