We’re excited to introduce you to the always interesting and insightful Genevieve Decastro. We hope you’ll enjoy our conversation with Genevieve below.
Genevieve , looking forward to hearing all of your stories today. 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?
I’ve always been drawn to visual arts. Mostly sketching and painting but growing up I spent all the time I could learning any medium available to me. Once I was old enough I started an apprenticeship at a private tattoo studio in Douglasville Georgia and worked there for a little over a year. I learned as much as I could from everyone that worked there until I moved to another private studio in the heart of Atlanta with artists closer to the style I enjoy. Knowing what I know now I wish I had taken my craft more seriously at first. I give myself grace for that given that I was nineteen and had no concept of real responsibility. I would probably be much further in my career if I had though. I’m very grateful for the teachers and peers I’ve had the privilege of being around, I would certainly say that has been the most essential to my learning and growth as an artist. Other than that, having the foresight and resilience to keep working and seeking out opportunities even when it can feel overwhelming has been the biggest factor. I’ve experienced my fair share of obstacles and probably will continue to but one of the most notable would be the financial aspect. Being a creative and passionate about my craft can feel discouraging sometimes when I still have to pay my rent and there’s not always enough work. I’m still learning to find a balance between working my day job to support myself while still working towards my creative goals.
Genevieve , 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 Genevieve DeCastro but most people call me Gigi. I’m a tattoo and multi media artist. I’ve been drawing since I could hold a pencil and tattooing for about four years now. I specialize in black and grey realism and gothic tattoo pieces but love any opportunity to try out a new style. As an artist I make it a priority to learn any and all mediums I can. I’ve always loved the process of learning and practicing new techniques especially when I can apply them to other crafts I’ve already learned. Recently though it’s been a heavy focus on linocut, knitting and clay making! I think because of my experience in multiple different styles and mediums I’m a more well rounded artist and gives me a bit of an advantage, especially when it comes to tattooing. I have an eye for composition and placement that makes tattooing and creating visual art just come naturally to me. I’m entirely self made and feel very proud of the skills I’ve learned over the years, I’m a better artist and person because of it.
How about pivoting – can you share the story of a time you’ve had to pivot?
After my apprenticeship I was offered a contract to work full time in the studio I was learning in. I honestly didn’t love the people I worked with and the studio didn’t feel like somewhere I could continue to grow. It was a lot of the “grind never stops” mentality and I noticed the negative affect that had on my mental health. I had to make the tough decision to turn down a really great offer in pursuit of my authenticity as an artist. I still think about it sometimes and if maybe I would’ve been further ahead if I had stayed but then I remind myself that I would much rather be true to who I am and what I believe than compromise my well being for money. It’s tough in my industry, where success is hard to come by, to maintain boundaries and personal balance but I always encourage others to do what feels best for them. There’s no right way to create as long as it brings you joy.
What can society do to ensure an environment that’s helpful to artists and creatives?
There’s almost too many things to list! Living in a world revolving around social media can feel so overwhelming let alone creating in that world. It feels like there’s this huge pressure to share everything and be over active online to keep up. This absolutely creates a disconnect in the relationship people have with art. I feel that creating spaces for artists to exist and perform in your community can bridge this gap. A lot of artists biggest struggle is getting their work out there to actually be consumed by potential clients and customers. Watering down the individuality of the process makes the art itself feel irrelevant so countering this by engaging in real world connections makes room for opportunities based on genuine relationships . It’s something that gets overlooked when your phone is always in your hand and I hope to see more people help local markets and small businesses/artists thrive in this way.
Contact Info:
- Instagram: https://instagram.com/doyouknowgigi
