We recently connected with Austin Brent and have shared our conversation below.

Hi Austin , thanks for joining us today. Let’s kick things off with your mission – what is it and what’s the story behind why it’s your mission?

I have always had a deep love for “old things” as well as painting. American traditional tattooing (to me) is just an extension of that. This serves as a tangible way to be constantly creating something new while also keeping the history/ culture alive with every piece.

Austin , 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?

My road to tattooing was one of many twists and turns. I found myself working full-time while also indecisive about my major in college. This was a great moment to reflect and think about what I actually wanted and how I was going to get there. To keep my sanity in the midst of figuring things out, I spent a lot of time painting and diving back in to the history of tattooing. Around this time I had a lot of musician friends that I had met on the road with my band reaching out and commenting on my paintings. Most of these comments were words of encouragement to pursue an apprenticeship. My gears were turning and I knew what I had to do. Thankfully I had a friend who was a local tattoo artist. She was crucial in helping me get my foot in the door. I eventually landed an apprenticeship which lasted over 3 years. There were many late nights, and struggles, but here we are now. I never thought that I would own my own private studio, but now I wouldn’t have it any other way. Such a contrast to where I was just 5 years ago. I simply wanted to create a classic shop environment where my clients can have a comfortable experience. From the flash paintings on the wall to even the trinkets on the shelves, it’s all intentional. I wanted to make a place where I feel inspired everyday. The driving force behind what I do is a desire to stay true to the culture of where American tattooing came from while also breaking the toxic mindset that is also associated with many “old school” tattooers. It is possible to be “tough” yet kind and accepting. That is the environment I strive to create for my clients.

We’d love to hear about how you met your business partner.

My business partner/ co-founder just so happens to be my wife, Milly Baine. She has had several years of experience when it comes to owning a business(es) and she has always urged me to be better in regards to my own. After graduating with a marketing degree from University of North Alabama she ventured out to open a vintage clothing store, and later stumbled into photography (The Rose Reflective). We actually met in 2014 while my band was playing an out of town show. We were always encouraging one another to pursue our passions from the very beginning. We have now been married for 6 years. Lonesome Blue Electric Tattoo is now right next door to The Rose Reflective (suite B&C).

Can you share a story from your journey that illustrates your resilience?

The early years of pursuing tattooing was filled with financial anxiety and self-doubt. Before things picked up (clientele/skill, etc..) I was working for free while picking up a second job. There were many late nights. I would leave my day job at lunch most days to clean the shop. This was all happening in the midst of us getting married, on top our new mortgage. Once things fell into place I could see the light at the end of the tunnel.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://www.lonesomebluetattoo.com/
• Instagram: Lonesomeaustin_
• Facebook: Lonesome Blue Electric Tattoo