We recently connected with Julianne Ashby and have shared our conversation below.

Julianne, thanks for taking the time to share your stories with us today What did your parents do right and how has that impacted you in your life and career?

One question I get asked a lot when I tell clients that I used to be a scientist is – ‘Are your parents disappointed in you now?’

It’s an interesting question to me and often a frustrating one, as the underlying insinuation is that it’s somehow less of a profession and therefore to be less proud of. My parents, both being scientists themselves were very proud that I’d followed in their footsteps, but are even more proud that after all my academic achievements, I followed my heart to pursue something that I was passionate about and felt right for me. It actually created a more open dialogue between us and better communication about what’s ultimately more important in life. To be happy and fulfilled in ones work – something that takes up so much of everyones life.

I think one of the most important things a parent can do for their child is to listen to them. So many people feel pressure to be something or to accomplish certain things without actually knowing whether it’s what they want for themselves.

Julianne, 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 always strive to be transparent and communicative with anyone who comes to me for a tattoo. I knew right from the jump I never wanted to pressure anyone to get tattooed or to get a tattoo that they didn’t want. Of course sometimes people really do need and want guidance on design or placement. Having an honest conversation with a tattooer on this before starting a tattoo is key. For some people it’s a big deal to get even the smallest design or word on them and I never want folks to feel uncomfortable asking for what they want. I’ll certainly recommend a different artist if I felt it could be delivered better by them. If you have a pretty specific idea for a tattoo I would tell you to go to an artist whose body of work aligns with what you’re getting.

Coming from a pretty different line of work, I got introduced to the feeling of being sought out. I craved a line of work where I got to create and showcase to people. LA is obviously a great place for this but design inspiration can come from infinite sources. My favorite tattooers have very recognizable work. I would go to any of them and say tattoo whatever you want on me because I trust that I’ll love it. The first time someone sought me out with that same intention was the moment I knew I was in the right place. Putting the nerves and imposter syndrome aside, getting to draw little pictures on people for a living is pretty crazy.

Have you ever had to pivot?

I was born and raised in the Bay Area of California. In high school I distinctly remember choosing between pursuing a path in art versus science. Science won and I went and got myself a bachelors in Molecular and Cell Biology. I couldn’t decide whether to commit to grad school or not after that – although getting a PhD was always very attractive to me. In my reluctance to commit I applied to be a researcher at UCLA so packed up my bags and moved. I worked for an amazing boss in the Department of Medicine for about four years – we studied atherosclerosis and did many collaborations with other labs performing research in different areas of medicine. Covid hit and we switched over to working from home, which is pretty tough when your work is mostly performing experiments. As the days and data analysis went on I started drawing more and more – something I’ve done off and on my whole life.

I’d been getting tattooed for a few years at that point and really looked up to a few tattooers. It never occurred to me though that I could be one too until some time around in mid 2020. Through a lot of second guessing and friends willing to let me draw on them I had found something I was ready to commit to full force.

I don’t think tattooing is something you can go at alone though. I still feel very much like a student some days and I think it’s extremely important to get to know the community. I was fortunate to know some amazing tattooers who guided and mentored me along the way.

It’s a scary thing to “drop” something you’ve worked so hard for for many years but sometimes the most rewarding things are the scariest.

What do you find most rewarding about being a creative?

Sure it’s fun to give someone a tattoo that purely looks nice, but it’s still unbelievable to me that I have the opportunity to give someone a permanent mark that means so much to them. Being entrusted by them is a huge honor. I’ve tattooed people who’ve cried in my chair because the process and tattoo meant so much to them. Or that they feel more like themselves and more confident with tattoos. How fucking cool is that?

Contact Info:

• Instagram: instagram.com/julianneashby

Image Credits
Daniel Jones Zak Defreze Aaron Finnin