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

Kayley, looking forward to hearing all of your stories today. We’d love to hear about the things you feel your parents did right and how those things have impacted your career and life.

Growing up I was raised by my mom, both my grandma and great grandma. I had a strong group of women around me to guide me. Something they always made sure I was capable of was following my aspirations. They made it possible for me to grow my skills and surround my world with art and creativity. They always taught me to follow my heart and passions. I had nearly an endless ability to create art with so much support and enthusiasm. I believe encouraging my love for art has made me who I am today.

Great, appreciate you sharing that with us. Before we ask you to share more of your insights, can you take a moment to introduce yourself and how you got to where you are today to our readers.

I always knew from a young age art was something that I wanted to pursue. Unfortunately the childhood fantasy of being a traditional artist was much harder to grasp as I grew and realized that art is something that is not cheap, nor easy or is it something that not all people may seek out. For some time I lost the desire to create, fearing that it just wouldn’t be probable to be successful, happy and financially fulfilled. Thankfully I still had an immense amount of support from my family and as I grew older other adults in my life as well. I had so many amazing educators while I was in high school, encouraging me to seek out my passions instead of taking a traditional route after school. It was definitely for me a leap of faith. Stepping away from the idea of college and deciding to work my way into a tattoo apprenticeship. Half way through my senior year of high school I started researching, learning about the industry and meeting with local tattoo artists in my area to have a good grasp of the world I would be stepping into. After consistently and perhaps obnoxiously applying to shops for a chance a week before my graduation ceremony I was accepted into my apprenticeship. It was absolutely not an easy endeavor and currently probably the hardest thing that I’ve done, however I am so thankful that I persisted through it. The tattoo industry while ever changing can be quite unkind and it turns away many incredibly talented and passionate individuals due to the hard reality it can have. While being ever grateful for what I learned in my apprenticeship, there were many trials and tribulations. Being a young woman in this industry was the hardest thing for me. While I received a amazing amount of support during my journey I also received a good amount of ridicule. I believe it was difficult for some of the more traditional minded artists see a strong headed young woman pushing for success. Being a woman in any field can be a challenge, especially something so male dominated. Thankfully I continued to have so many wonderful people supporting me and I’m proud and more than happy to say I’m now a established artist working in my own private studio. I absolutely love being able to create beautiful art for my clients and bring their ideas to life. I couldn’t be happier doing what I love having amazing clients that make my dreams possible. Everyday I learn and improve, that’s something I think is so beautiful about art. We’re always gaining new skill and understanding even if we think we know everything, there is always something to learn. I love my career and I am so appreciative of all my clients, friends, families and colleagues that have made my dreams a reality.

What’s a lesson you had to unlearn and what’s the backstory?

While I was in my apprenticeship I was constantly told that in order to create a great artist they had to be broken down to be built back up. Which I always viewed as a backwards way of thinking. But that was drilled into our minds, that being belittled and ridiculed would make us better artists. I still believe that it is such a strange way of thinking, that constructive criticism is how teaching should be. I see it as you need to create an environment for your students, apprentices and employees to thrive and learn instead of making an unhappy environment that causes emotional distress. I do believe we grow under pressure but we can also snap under pressure. Having a good learning experience with people who genuinely want to see you grow is so important, rather than someone who wants to tear you down.

What do you find most rewarding about being a creative?

For me the most rewarding aspect to my job is being able to create and do what I love everyday. Like I’ve said, making art is where I’m happiest, I absolutely love bringing smiles to my clients faces and getting to create beautiful unique art for them. I’m sure lots of artist agree the freedom to create is one of the best rewards we could have.

Contact Info:

• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/kjs.tattoos_?igsh=MXVkcDN3eW9mNDk1bw==
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61551685153749&mibextid=opq0tG

Image Credits
Carisa Howell