Alright – so today we’ve got the honor of introducing you to Cari Coleman. We think you’ll enjoy our conversation, we’ve shared it below.
Cari, looking forward to hearing all of your stories 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?
Happiness is a fickle beast. It comes from within. If you have a baseline of seeking joy and appreciating the small things in life, then your job will affect you slightly less. That being said, no way, no how, would I ever be in a soul sucking, corporate, 9-5 job that stifles creativity. The American workforce is underpaid, unappreciated, and serves to only line the pockets of corporate fat cats and bureaucratic shills. In my profession, I make the rules. I create my own schedule, choose my clients, set my rates, and create healthy boundaries so that I have a fantastic work/life balance. There have been plenty of moments over the years where I have pushed myself too hard, as do most self-employed workers, but it’s MY choice, and I do not live in fear of losing everything because some windbag in middle management is having a bad day.
Cari, 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?
Life is absurd. Being a human is often exciting, excruciating, magical, terrifying, and everything in between. In an infinite universe, we are merely a collection of conjugated cells on a rock hurled through space. With that constantly in mind, my art reflects the despair and contradiction of self-awareness. My paintings juxtapose the macabre with the adorable, the surreal with the introspective, the personal with the collective. My tattoo flash, when not collaborated by a client, is wholly sarcastic, twisted, and acceptable only to the rare few with the same nihilistic vantage point that I experience daily.
My tattoo clients can expect a warm, understanding, and kind demeanor when working with me. It’s a true honor to provide others with such a raw and honest form of self expression. The collaborative process is very powerful for me. It feels like community.
What can society do to ensure an environment that’s helpful to artists and creatives?
If we could all societally understand the importance of curating your living space, creatives would thrive exponentially compared to now. I’ve seen many homes with no art and homes with hotel room art. If each individual was taught about aesthetic from an early age, they would seek out artists to create original pieces for their homes. It’s similar to what is happening in the tattoo industry right now. Tattooing has become more mainstream and accessible. Visual/fine art can be as well. There are so many creatives making mind-blowing art and it’s easier than ever to find someone whose work you relate to.
What do you find most rewarding about being a creative?
Being an artist is extremely liberating. I am confined only by my own rules and limitations. As someone with authority issues, this is the most rewarding gift. There are of course caveats. If I have a cold, there are no “sick days” or paid time off. My retirement plan is to work until I die. Health insurance if full cost and out of pocket. I am responsible for every administrative action and decision. Even with those drawbacks and responsibilities, I’d never trade it for anything. I am authentically myself 100% of the time, and very few people get to say that.
Contact Info:
- Website: carebeartattoos.com
- Instagram: @carebeartattoos
- Facebook: facebook.com/carebeartattoos