We recently connected with Cooper Glenn and have shared our conversation below.

Cooper , appreciate you joining us today. So let’s jump to your mission – what’s the backstory behind how you developed the mission that drives your brand?

I am a queer tattoo artist working in Dallas TX at Lone Star Tattoo. Dallas native. As a gay man growing up in the south, I hadn’t com across any queer tattooers when I started getting tattoos on myself starting at the age of 18. Now that I am tattooing, I don’t see anyone doing what I do when it comes to tattooing, especially the male pin-ups that I tattoo. Tattooing is art. It’s my art. I feel the most myself when I hold that tattoo machine in my hand and start creating my art in the skin. I help to create a fun & safe space for queer people and anyone that wants to show their freedom of expression through the art of tattoos. With just under 2 years of experience working From pin-ups to funky colorful tattoos, I hope to continue to grow as an artist and person in the city that I grew up and love.

Cooper , 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?

I was always able to draw ever since at the age of 4..(wasn’t very good at that age. Lol) anything from crayons to paint, that I could get my hands on, I just started creating art. Before tattooing, I was actually in nursing school and becoming an RN before realizing this was t my passion. My mom knew I was unhappy in my position and encouraged me to quit school and work toward being a tattoo artist.

I do feel passionate about helping people not just through giving them dope art on their body, but making sure the entire experience from beginning to end is something special they’ll remember. I make sure to educate my clients with the entire tattoo process from drawing, to the session we go into together and the aftercare as well. I think it’s very humbling to have someone trust you with giving them something that’ll stick with them for the rest of their lives.

I feel I bring a fresh take to tattooing. Creative, out if the box, crazy, unapologetic, in your face tattooing. I’m proud that I am able to do what I want and not what I have to. I want others to know they don’t have to feel ashamed to want to get a tattoo. It’s one of the most freeing things you can do for yourself. What can be more dope that having someone tattoo their art of their body?!

How did you build your audience on social media?

I am lucky that I am a part of the lgbt community. That I have friends, family, even total strangers that support me and my work. Social media can be very frustrating at times, maybe even intimidating. It can be hard to not want to compare to someone who has a lot more followers than you, but that shouldn’t tear you away from sticking with what you know. Commit to your craft and know that the hard work will pay off and you’ll enjoy the outcome of what you created in your passion.

We often hear about learning lessons – but just as important is unlearning lessons. Have you ever had to unlearn a lesson?

My apprentice days weren’t the best. I had to basically teach myself how to tattoo which felt at times that I wasn’t meant to be in the industry. What It taught me is that you don’t owe anyone anything. The only person that will look out for you at the end of the day is yourself. March forward and never look back.

Contact Info:

• Instagram: @groovy__hippie

Image Credits
Cooper Glenn