We’re excited to introduce you to the always interesting and insightful Ben Riffe. We hope you’ll enjoy our conversation with Ben below.

Ben, thanks for joining us, excited to have you contributing your stories and insights. Are you able to earn a full-time living from your creative work? If so, can you walk us through your journey and how you made it happen?

It’s a tough path—but very doable if you’re serious about it.

The journey to becoming a tattoo artist is hard in a few specific ways:

1. Getting in is the hardest part
Most artists start with an apprenticeship, and those are competitive. You’ll need a strong art portfolio, persistence, and thick skin. A lot of people hear “no” many times before someone gives them a shot.

2. Apprenticeships are demanding
They’re often unpaid (or low-paid), and you’ll spend months doing grunt work—cleaning, setting up stations, observing—before you even touch a machine. It can take 1–3 years before you’re tattooing regularly.

3. It takes real artistic skill
You don’t just need to draw—you need to understand:
• Line work and precision
• Shading and contrast
• How designs flow with the body
• Color theory and skin tones

And you’re learning all of that while working on real people, where mistakes are permanent.

4. It’s mentally intense
There’s pressure. You’re putting permanent art on someone’s body. Early on, self-doubt is common, and not every tattoo will go perfectly.

5. Income is unstable at first
You won’t make much money early on. Building a client base takes time, and income can fluctuate even after you’re established.

Awesome – so before we get into the rest of our questions, can you briefly introduce yourself to our readers.

A strong traditional tattoo artist at RedTree Tattoo Gallery, a private, appointment only Tattoo Studio and Fine Art Gallery! RedTree Tattoo Gallery is Ohio’s Largest Private Tattoo Studio. I enjoy American Traditional style tattooing, but I’m proficient in other styles as well. Im a resident artists at RedTree Tattoo Gallery. I have earned my place as one of Ohio’s finest traditional tattoo artists, leaving an indelible mark at Redtree Tattoo Gallery. With a mastery of classic techniques and a keen eye for detail, my work embodies the rich history and timeless appeal of traditional tattoo artistry.

In your view, what can society to do to best support artists, creatives and a thriving creative ecosystem?

A lot of people undervalue art or expect it for free (“it’ll be good exposure”).
Supporting artists means:
• Paying their rates without haggling
• Understanding you’re paying for years of skill, not just time spent
• Tipping or supporting when possible

Instead of only supporting big brands or mass-produced work:
• Buy from local artists
• Book independent tattoo artists
• Share their work online
• Attend art shows, conventions, or markets

This directly helps artists survive and grow.

Good art takes time.
Instead of rushing or bargaining:
• Trust the artist’s process
• Accept wait times for quality work
• Understand pricing reflects experience

What’s the most rewarding aspect of being a creative in your experience?

The most rewarding part of being an artist is turning something that exists only in your mind into something real—and having it mean something to other people.

Contact Info:

• Website: RedTree tattoo.com
• Instagram: @benriffetattoos
• Facebook: Ben Riffe