We recently connected with Kirstie Greco and have shared our conversation below.

Kirstie, thanks for joining us, excited to have you contributing your stories and insights. Can you talk to us about how you learned to do what you do?

Traditionally in tattooing, you learn the craft by seeking out a mentor and then completing an apprenticeship, which I did for two and a half years before becoming a full-time tattooer. Of course, nowadays there are infinite opportunities to expand on the basic knowledge and skills you learn as an apprentice, including Master Classes from highly skilled and respected artists in the industry, and even as far as utilizing social media as a tool where artists are sharing simple tips and tricks.

Knowing what I know now, having more confidence and patience would have helped to speed up some of the process. There’s nothing that will ever top experience and repetition though, and I think that is the most important part of learning any skill.

The most essential skills are the basic techniques and knowing your tools. No matter what your craft is, these will always be the foundation for everything you create.

Personally, my obstacles were my own insecurities as an artist. Often times I would doubt my work, and imposter syndrome would leave me questioning if I could actually pursue a career in art. In hindsight, doubts and insecurities were more of a catalyst to put in the work to become a better artist all around.

Kirstie, 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 suppose that I can best describe myself as a visionary artist and all of the subtitles can fall under that umbrella. I am a tattooer who got into the industry late in the game. After college, I worked in my field and found after three years, it was not the path I was meant to be on. I’ve always had a creative drive with an entrepreneurial spark but wasn’t quite sure how I was going to pursue art as a fulfilling career. Sometime after deciding that I was going to leave corporate and work part-time as a bartender, and being a tattoo collector myself, I pursued an apprenticeship in tattooing.

However, in order to get to the point of having enough self-confidence to make the decision to leave my safe job and blaze my own trail, I had to commit to my own healing and self-discovery journey. Through this journey I had to release any self-limiting beliefs, fears, negative habits, thoughts and patterns. We’ve reached a point as a society where prioritizing your well-being is common to talk about, but at the time I started this journey, it was unusual, especially if you were approaching it in a way that was out of the norm. For me, that looked like using astrology as my guide to break everything down and focus on certain aspects rather than trying to approach it as a whole. This eventually became the inspiration to name my personal brand Guided By The Moon.

I knew that when I got into tattooing, I wanted it to be a meaningful connection through art. I specialize in illustrative and fine line black and grey work, but I like to describe my approach as intentional, heart-lead and conscious, and I think that is the most important part of what I do. My clients come to me with the intent to permanently decorate their skin with artwork that resonates with them on a deeper level, whether it’s a person, place, experience, or object. I get to create art that emits a feeling or emotion, even if it’s just for fun! Bringing a vision to life in an environment that feels safe and comfortable is my mission.

In addition to being a tattooer, I’ve recently started sharing my process of healing and self-discovery with others who are committed to this beautiful transformation in themselves to maximize their potential in creating the life they desire. I currently mentor a group of individuals through the astrological seasons and as of right now, we meet once monthly on the New Moon for a workshop. Our 1:1 group is currently closed for the year, but I’m so excited to officially announce there will be an opportunity to join the official Manifest with the Moon mentorship program both in person and virtually at the beginning of the astrological new year in Spring of 2025!

What do you find most rewarding about being a creative?

The most rewarding aspect for me is truly forming a genuine connection with people through both mentorship and tattooing. I’ve found that in both scenarios, I’ve become a trusted person to share a part of someone’s story, either through art or just my presence. To be in a position where my clients can be as raw and as authentic as they feel comfortable is truly an honor.

Is there mission driving your creative journey?

A motto I live by is that I am a creative to connect with myself and a tattooer, now mentor, to connect with others. My overall mission is to create connection and provide a safe, comfortable, healing environment. I’ve also found that although these have become trendy buzzwords, their true definition isn’t always honored. I strive to meet and exceed all expectations of what they truly mean so that each client feels seen, heard, and respected.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://www.guidedbythemoon.co
• Instagram: @guidedbythemoon.co

Image Credits

Courtney Stroup Photography