We recently connected with Bonnie Boatright and have shared our conversation below.

Bonnie, thanks for joining us, excited to have you contributing your stories and insights. How did you learn to do what you do? Knowing what you know now, what could you have done to speed up your learning process? What skills do you think were most essential? What obstacles stood in the way of learning more?

Like most tattooers, I was “taught” through an apprenticeship. Which is basically an internship. No pay, no days off, 12 hour days, hazing, and a lot of “bitch-work”. Thankfully most apprenticeships nowadays aren’t nearly as harsh, but I wouldn’t trade the experience for anything. I do wish the artists I was working with, at the time, were more involved in the industry, but now I have the determination to be a better influence to the newcomers that I teach. It’s so wild to see how things have changed and evolved over the passed 10 years, but I’m glad I was able to learn many technical basics about the machines and sanitation from the beginning. It’s crucial. I put in about a year as an apprentice before graduating to the title of “tattoo artist,” but I continue to seek any new facts/tips/tricks of the trade daily. Constant learning is how I grow as an artist and tattooer. Or else I become stagnant and end up getting art-block. Unfortunately, my bipolar disorder is a big factor in hindering my motivation at times. So once I start feeling bored, or like I’m not learning anymore, I usually take a vacation, or guest spot at a shop with artists I either look up to, or just want to learn from in general. Being able to travel with my career has been one of the most educational aspects of everything I know about tattooing. Besides having a father in the business. And I have him to thank for extra experience that most tattooers don’t have. Overall, I feel self-taught, for the most part. If I have questions, I reach out to inspirational artists through the internet, and ask a lot of questions! It’s been amazing being able to be apart of a community with so many resources and options.

As always, we appreciate you sharing your insights and we’ve got a few more questions for you, but before we get to all of that can you take a minute to introduce yourself and give our readers some of your back background and context?

Fun fact! I was born on one of the rare snow days in Houston, Feb 1st, 1994. Legend says, I was 6lbs 6.6oz when they slapped me down on the scale. So I like to think I was meant to stir some shit up. My single father and I moved to Austin, where I went to elementary school and competed in martial arts for four years during. Of course, art class was where I excelled. I actually learned a lot from watching Mark Kistler videos, thanks to a rad teacher! But it was time for a change, so we made our way back to Houston with a few additions to our small, but growing family. By the end of middle school, I was very accustomed to moving all over the city.. So I had a good amount of temporary friends, and some that ended up sticking around and becoming my closest buds to this day! Around this time I became extremely interested in theatre and photography! I even won an award for lip sync! Eventually my pops found a tattoo shop to work at, north of Houston. So we moved to Spring! I was quite shy, being the new kid, knowing no one in a pretty populated high school, but I found my way. I became “the girl whose dad does tattoos”. While struggling to pay attention in non-creative subjects, I was always drawing or making some sort of art. Finally my classmates started recognizing that I was an artist as well…. Then the flood of “can you draw my tattoo, and I’ll get it tattooed by your dad” took over. Around this time, I was going through a mental health battle, that led to me deciding I wanted to tattoo. I wanted to be the person putting my art on people’s skin. So I started working the front desk of the shop at 16 on the weekends and during summers. As soon as I graduated high school, I started my apprenticeship. And the rest is history! 10 years later, I’ve been fortunate enough to tattoo idols of mine from my teenage years, I’ve traveled to tattoo, and get tattooed, almost all over the country. I’ve been featured in magazines, youtuber’s videos, and went a little viral in a pal’s post on tiktok this one time. Hah. Even collabbed with, and have been commissioned by so many amazing artists. Worked conventions showcasing my paintings, sculptures, shirts, patches, pins, you name it! Shit I would have never imagined while making my first tip jar, or crying over tubes as I scrubbed away for a dollar a piece. I guess that tip jar worked, because now I’m grateful to say, my dad and I broke the chains of hierarchy, as we quit working for a pretty hellish company, so he could open his own shop (with the help of his lovely wife/business partner). Thus giving you La Familia Tattoo Parlor est 2019. This is where him and I get to work together, and I wouldn’t have it any other way. Keep an eye out for more merchandise and possibly a solo art show from yours truly. Or stop by the shop if you want to check out some of my originals in person! PS: Get tattooed while you’re at it! And welcome to the family! We love you. Thanks for all the support.

For you, what’s the most rewarding aspect of being a creative?

The most rewarding part about creating art is the finished product! Especially with tattoos. Its awesome to be able to make something beautiful that lasts a lifetime. I always love seeing the facial reactions and knowing I’ve contributed to making someone love their body more than before. Honestly, nothing can beat it.

What do you think is the goal or mission that drives your creative journey?

My ultimate goal is to expand mine and my family’s business, bring joy, and die happy. Maybe write a book or make more short films when my hands aren’t needed for people’s skin! As long as I’m living, I’ll be creating. Always have, always will.

Contact Info:

• Instagram: @bonnietattoos
• Other: Instagram- lafamiliatattooparlorspring

Image Credits
Vanessa Sproull Katie Harlan-Thompson