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

Chelsey, thanks for joining us, excited to have you contributing your stories and insights. I’m sure there have been days where the challenges of being an artist or creative force you to think about what it would be like to just have a regular job. When’s the last time you felt that way? Did you have any insights from the experience?

I am so happy I chose to pursue tattooing, even though the journey has not always been easy.

While I rarely think about what it would be like to have a more traditional job, I recognize that I need to be better about establishing a healthy work-life balance. I often find myself staying up late drawing or answering client questions after a long day of tattooing.

However, I honestly wouldn’t trade what I do for any other profession. I truly value the ability to set my own schedule, travel freely, and have the honor of creating art for a living.

Chelsey, 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 name is Chelsey, and I am a hand poke tattoo artist based in Salt Lake City. I began my journey into tattooing after searching for hand poke specialists locally and finding a lack of appreciation for the craft. This motivated me to teach myself the technique, eventually leading to a full-time career supported by friends and mentors within the community.

In my practice, I prioritize collaboration and problem-solving with my clients. Whether we are tweaking a custom design or finding the ideal placement for my flash art, my goal is to ensure proper flow and composition for their body.

I am most proud of the relationships I have built and the growth I’ve experienced within the tattoo community. It is essential to me that my clients feel cared for and that I provide a safe, expressive environment for every session.

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

My mission is to spread positivity through my art and provide a transformative experience for everyone I tattoo. It is incredibly important to me that my clients feel respected and heard throughout the entire process.

I want to ensure a safe and collaborative environment for everyone. Whether that involves moving a stencil multiple times or making design changes within my capabilities, I am committed to making sure they are comfortable and that their opinion is valued.

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

The most rewarding aspect of my work is the joy spread through creating art and tattooing. I have reflected often on how, despite the turbulence throughout human history, the arts have always served as a medium to bring people together—a concept as enduring as humanity itself.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://tenderpoke.com
• Instagram: @tenderpoke