Alright – so today we’ve got the honor of introducing you to Jeremia Sunfellow. We think you’ll enjoy our conversation, we’ve shared it below.

Jeremia, appreciate you joining us today. Have you been 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? Was it like that from day one? If not, what were some of the major steps and milestones and do you think you could have sped up the process somehow knowing what you know now?

In 2017 I had the opportunity to quit my full time job in social work to pursue
My life long passion for Fine Art. I worked festivals, events, had my work in local shops and storefronts, created commission work and hustled. It is well known how difficult it is to make a living from art, and I am no exception. Even more frustrating for me, was watching other AMAZINGLY talented, trained and experienced artists struggle with me. Sometimes quiting the field entirely for more reliable income. It’s crushing.

In 2019 I jumped at the opportunity to build a community gallery collective focused on featuring and supporting local (mostly women) artists in the verde valley. We represented and showcased local artisans, has classes, art pop ups and created a platform for artists to connect with each other and the buying public.

In 2020, COVID shut us down permanently. For me, this turned out to be a blessing in disguise. I was able to pivot my personal attention into a new art form and plant the seeds of the next iteration of my art journey. ARTery Tattoo.

Over the last 5 years shifted my passion for creativity and community and focused on building a tattoo studio that unique in the industry.

Jeremia, 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?

ARTery Tattoo is an all female shop, with ART and collaboration at our core. We focuse on artistry and an enhanced customer experience in a clean professional setting. We believe that creating a tattoo should be an inclusive, gentle and collaborative process.

ARTery is an inclusive home for all who share a love for creation. We strive to ensure a personally sincere tattoo experience with harmonious collaboration and communication going into every design.
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Let us bring your vision to life. Whether you like minimal or magnificent detail, our goal is to co-create your new favorite tattoo.

We care deeply about our customers AND the environment. We use non-toxic, petroleum free and biodegradable materials as much as possible

What do you think helped you build your reputation within your market?

Generally the tattoo industry lacks customer service, follow-through and communication. I have been very intentional about building those elements into the client interface. We want to offer a “tattoo experience’ that focuses on creating the best tattoo outcome for each individual client. From initial concept, to healed tattoo we care deeply about the entire process and invite our clients to join the creative process. This is not the norm in the industry. Too many people have negative experiences when getting a tattoo. And, in my experience, when anyone feels uncomfortable, bullied or pressured during the process the end result is not ideal.

Taking a slow approach to the design and tattoo process allows for a more authentic and (hopefully) successful tattoo. We are by appointment only. We take the time to pre-draw and submit designs to clients for feedback and edits. Tattoos are permanent after all, we only get once chance to make it perfect. This approach has really hit a nerve with our customer base. It’s amazing how this shift is immediately noticed, and cherished by our clients.
Because we treat the whole process with professionalism and respect, our reputation (and ourWe have stellar customer reviews, and passionate clients.

I take my role as a safe, patient, respectful, facilitator of Art very seriously and I think our reputation reflects this.

Any advice for growing your clientele? What’s been most effective for you?

Without a doubt, word of mouth. Passion is contagious. Our clients are absolutely the hearts blood of this business. Having an authentic, collaborative and professional experience is so rare in the industry. It speaks for itself. Also, social media. Lol

Contact Info:

• Website: https://www.arterytattoo.com
• Instagram: artery_tattoo
• Facebook: Artery Tattoo
• Yelp: https://www.yelp.com/search?find_desc=artery+tattoo&find_loc=Gold+Canyon%2C+AZ+85118

Image Credits

Photo Cred to Cody Chewning