We’re excited to introduce you to the always interesting and insightful Erik “ESH” Stevenson. . We hope you’ll enjoy our conversation with Erik “ESH” below.

Erik “ESH”, 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?

When I started tattooing in ’91 it was considered a fringe or “outlaw” activity and I never intended to do it full time or to earn a living doing it. Obviously things have changed drastically since then, much for the better, with TV shows and internet coverage.

Since becoming a more accepted and mainstream activity it has become much more viable to be able to earn a decent wage. But it is like anything else, now the pendulum has swung far the other direction. The industry is flooded with tattooers who have little to no experience and have not been trained properly. Social media has made it possible for anyone to promote themselves regardless of their skill level and /or knowledge on tattooing.

Erik “ESH”, 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?

I’m an artist who works mainly on skin but also paint ,draw and play music.

I’ve been tattooing over 30years and started in Albuquerque when I was attending the University of New Mexico.

I travelled and tattooed toward the mid to late 90’s working in Seattle , Atlanta, and ending up in northern Michigan. I had a shop in downtown Petoskey from 2005-2020 until I was forced to close permanently because of the Covid pandemic.

I’ve been in Ferndale since 2020 and worked briefly at Old Soul Tattoo Club until I landed here at Dharma Tattoo Collective in 2021. I work with other artist who inspire me ,daily, to continue to improve my skills and create, and for that I’m truly grateful. The community in and around Detroit has made me feel very welcome and I finally feel I am where I should be.

Is there a particular goal or mission driving your creative journey?

I just enjoy seeing people light up when they look in the mirror at their new tattoo(s). Also painting and playing music helps to make me feel a purpose on this rock.

How about pivoting – can you share the story of a time you’ve had to pivot?

The pandemic of 2020 completely turned my world upside down. My wife and I were forced to sell our home and close our businesses. We moved to a different area of Michigan and started over. I wasn’t sure that I would tattoo anymore. Luckily I have found myself in a better position than ever before.

Contact Info:

• Instagram: @satya.tattoo

Image Credits
Artist image: @trystred