We recently connected with Lauren Margo and have shared our conversation below.
Lauren , thanks for taking the time to share your stories with us today We’d love to start by getting your thoughts on what you are seeing as some the biggest trends emerging in your industry.
The tattoo industry is constantly evolving, with several key trends emerging in recent years:
1. **Minimalist and Fine Line Tattoos**: These delicate and intricate designs focus on simplicity and precision, appealing to those who prefer subtle and elegant body art.
2. **Watercolor Tattoos**: Inspired by watercolor painting, these tattoos use vibrant colors and soft edges to create a fluid and artistic look.
3. **Geometric Tattoos**: Featuring precise shapes and patterns, geometric tattoos are popular for their clean lines and symmetry, often combined with elements of nature or abstract art.
4. **Realism and Hyperrealism**: This trend emphasizes lifelike details, creating tattoos that resemble high-quality photographs. These designs often include portraits, animals, and nature scenes.
5. **Blackwork Tattoos**: Utilizing solid black ink, these tattoos can range from simple, bold designs to intricate, large-scale pieces covering significant portions of the body.
6. **Cultural and Traditional Tattoos**: There is a growing appreciation for tattoos rooted in cultural heritage and traditional practices, such as Polynesian, Japanese, and Native American tattooing styles.
7. **Sustainable and Vegan Tattoos**: With increased awareness of environmental and ethical concerns, more tattoo artists are using vegan inks and sustainable practices in their studios.
8. **Technological Integration**: Advancements in technology are influencing the industry, with digital design tools, 3D printing for stencils, and even augmented reality (AR) apps that allow clients to visualize tattoos on their bodies before getting inked.
9. **Tattoo Removal and Modification**: As the stigma around tattoos decreases, more people are also seeking removal or modification services to update or change their body art.
10. **Tattoo Aftercare Products**: A focus on skin health and proper tattoo aftercare has led to a rise in specialized products designed to protect and heal fresh tattoos.
These trends reflect the industry’s dynamic nature and the diverse preferences of tattoo enthusiasts.
Awesome – so before we get into the rest of our questions, can you briefly introduce yourself to our readers.
Hey there! I just wanted to take a moment to say hi to all the new faces here and to all the familiar ones, too. It’s great to meet you all, and I’m super grateful for your support! I love being able to share my tattoo work with you.
I’m Lauren, 34 years old, and I live in a lovely little town outside of Traverse City with my two adorable dogs – Brody, a 13-year-old lab mix, and Sheshe, a three-year-old Australian Shepherd.
I’ve been tattooing for about 18 years, although time tends to slip by! I’ve always had a passion for art and started noticing tattoos as a teenager, which sparked my fascination with them.
My tattooing journey has been quite an adventure, and maybe I’ll share that story another time. For me, tattooing is a collaborative process. I aim to create pieces based on your vision while using techniques that ensure your tattoo lasts a lifetime.
I find it amazing how a tattoo can impact how someone sees themselves, whether it’s boosting confidence or simply bringing a smile to their face.
It’s truly magical, and I feel fortunate to be a part of your unique journey on this spinning space rock we call Earth! Thanks for being here, whether I have tattooed you, worked with me, or are considering getting a tattoo someday. I’m looking forward to it!
How’d you meet your business partner?
Amy Balich became a regular at Golden Rule Tattoo, entrusting Lauren with transforming her ideas into intricate designs. Their sessions evolved into more than client-artist interactions; they became moments of shared laughter, deep conversations, and growing friendships.
Lauren and Amy bonded over their love for art and mutual interests in travel and music between appointments. They discovered they both had a passion for storytelling through tattoos—each piece on Amy’s skin a chapter in her journey, meticulously crafted by Lauren’s skilled hands.
As Amy’s collection expanded—so did their bond. Lauren marveled at Amy’s courage and resilience, reflected in every design she inked. And Amy found solace in Lauren’s studio, where her tattoos adorned her skin and carried the weight of her stories and dreams.
Together, they opened Golden Rule Tattoo; Lauren realized that Amy had become a cherished client and faithful friend. Their journey from ink and sketches to shared experiences had woven their lives together, leaving an indelible mark beyond the tattoos.
In Lauren’s studio, where art and friendship intertwined, they had found a sanctuary—a place where every tattoo told a story, and every tale deepened their connection. As Lauren continued to create, she knew that Amy’s presence in her life was a testament to the power of art, friendship, and the transformative journey they had embarked upon together.
What’s been the most effective strategy for growing your clientele?
Becoming a successful tattoo artist involves more than just having artistic skills. It’s crucial to cultivate a strong and loyal clientele. This includes forming lasting relationships with repeat customers to provide a solid foundation for your business. Implementing retention strategies and tracking each client’s journey, as well as regularly checking in and following up, are key elements in this process. It’s also important to show appreciation, provide guidance to new clients, and set healthy boundaries without causing harm. Educating clients, celebrating their successes, empathizing with their setbacks, and expressing genuine interest in their well-being are all crucial aspects of fostering strong connections. When clients feel genuinely valued and supported, they are more likely to refer others to your services, ultimately contributing to sustainable business growth.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.goldenruletattooco.com
- Instagram: @laurenmargotattoos
- Other: https://www.laurenmargotattoos.com
