We were lucky to catch up with Gray Pham recently and have shared our conversation below.

Gray, appreciate you joining us today. One of the things we most admire about small businesses is their ability to diverge from the corporate/industry standard. Is there something that you or your brand do that differs from the industry standard? We’d love to hear about it as well as any stories you might have that illustrate how or why this difference matters.

The tattoo industry has seen significant changes, driven by shifts in culture, technology, and societal attitudes. However, many traditional apprenticeship models still exhibit toxic elements, such as hierarchical power dynamics, blurred professional boundaries, and mental health struggles. Having connected with numerous artists, I’ve heard countless stories of toxic work environments, where apprentices often lack support from their mentors.

Fortunately, I experienced a nurturing environment during my first year as an apprentice. This positive experience shaped my approach and aspirations for mentorship. If I become a mentor in the future, my goal is to cultivate a workspace that emphasizes:

Mentorship and Guidance: Providing clear, constructive feedback and fostering open communication to ensure that apprentices feel supported and empowered.

Encouragement of Creativity: Inspiring apprentices to explore their unique artistic styles while celebrating their individuality.

Focus on Safety Practices: Prioritizing hygiene and safety protocols to ensure a secure and healthy work environment for everyone.

Inclusivity: As a member of the LGBTQ+ community, I am dedicated to creating a welcoming and inclusive space for all artists, regardless of their background.

By promoting these values, I hope to contribute to a positive shift in the tattoo industry, helping to create a culture where future artists can thrive both personally and professionally.

Gray, 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’ve been involved with art since I was little, constantly drawing and exploring my creativity. Although I didn’t attend art school, my love for art never waned. After moving to America, I enrolled in college to study graphic design. Unfortunately, I found that the structure stifled my creativity, and I dropped out after my second year.

My opportunity to become a tattoo artist came unexpectedly through a friendship with my tattoo artist. After years of knowing him, he offered me the chance to enter the industry under his guidance. I spent over two years learning from him, soaking up knowledge and honing my skills.

Eventually, I moved to Seattle, Washington, where I opened my very own private studio with a friend. Each tattoo I create is a reflection of my individuality and is tailored specifically to the person it adorns. It brings me immense joy to witness the transformations and the profound connections that these wearable artworks create.

I strive to connect deeply with my clients by meeting in person or through video chats. This approach allows me to better understand their stories and the vision behind their projects. Open communication is key to ensuring I meet their expectations and create something truly meaningful.

My goal is for each client to carry art that not only reflects their individuality but also makes them feel beautiful and confident. By building these connections, I can create tattoos that resonate on a personal level, enhancing their sense of self.

My work primarily centers on medium to large-scale floral designs, often infused with Asian-inspired motifs and patterns. I love exploring the intricate beauty of nature and the rich symbolism found in Asian art. This combination allows me to create unique, vibrant pieces that tell a story and resonate with my clients on a personal level.

Any insights you can share with us about how you built up your social media presence?

As an introverted-ish person, I’ve often found social media challenging. When I first started, I struggled with what to post and how to make my content engaging, and keeping up with a regular posting schedule felt overwhelming.

Recently, I’ve realized that being open and showing my true, authentic self—along with my work process—has led to the most meaningful interactions with clients and new followers. Embracing this approach has not only made my content more genuine but has also helped me connect more with my audience.

Let’s talk about resilience next – do you have a story you can share with us?

Here’s a polished version of your reflection on the challenges of being a tattoo artist:

Being a tattoo artist comes with a varied workload, and the long hours spent tattooing, creating, and drawing can be exhausting. Cancellations and not being fully booked can sometimes weigh heavily on me.

Over the past few years, I’ve met countless people through appointments, and while many have been wonderful experiences, there have been instances where clients have ghosted me or simply not shown up. One experience stands out: about a year ago, I met with a client to discuss their first tattoo, which held a deeply meaningful message. We collaborated on a concept and scheduled an appointment, but the day before, the client got cold feet, stopped communicating, and blocked me on social media.

That day hit me hard. I felt defeated and cried for a while, questioning if my work wasn’t good enough or what I could have done differently. It took time, but I eventually realized that this situation didn’t reflect my abilities. I have a strong support system in my clients—those who continue to return and create art with me. This realization has helped me regain my confidence and focus on the positive connections I’ve built in my journey as an artist.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://www.grayphamm.art/portfolio
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/grayphamm/
• Other: https://www.studioeunoia.com/
  https://www.instagram.com/eunoia.tattoostudio/

Image Credits

all image was taken by me and my client with their permission