We caught up with the brilliant and insightful Melissa Zanussi a few weeks ago and have shared our conversation below.

Melissa, thanks for taking the time to share your stories with us today Can you talk to us about how you learned to do what you do?

I was lucky enough to have a structured apprenticeship. I worked the front desk of a tattoo shop to help a friend out and was told there were no apprentice opportunities- don’t bother asking. After about a year of asking the artists questions, completing all my daily tasks, and drawing in my downtime- I was offered my apprenticeship. Having been a front desk assistant for a year, I had learned a lot about working with different individuals, talking to people, setting appointments, and managing a schedule. I think this part of tattooing is grossly overlooked and great knowledge to have. I spent the following year shadowing all the artists, but primarily the owner- Lisa Schmoldt. She taught me a lot. That tattoos don’t have to excruciating, that they are a sacred practice, and that many different styles can be celebrated and nailed with the appropriate application. Knowing what I know now, I wouldn’t change it. I had a two year long learning experience while others go three months and are thrown to the wolves. I worked at Otherside Ink for 5 years and spent all of that time learning. There’s no way to slow it down and every kernel of knowledge gained is something to be kept. When you stop learning, you stop growing. The most essential skills were those involved with communicating with clients. Taking their vision and plucking it from their hearts to ur on paper and furthermore into skin. It’s my favorite part of tattooing- the deep connections we forge. The only obstacle that stood in the way of learning more was myself. Once you close yourself off to it and de ode you’re done, you’ll cease growth. After I realized I didn’t know everything, my work progressed and I still learn more every day. New techniques, new styles, new ways to adapt to an ever-changing client base and how to stay booked through an economy that doesn’t necessarily provide for luxuries.

As always, we appreciate you sharing your insights and we’ve got a few more questions for you, but before we get to all of that can you take a minute to introduce yourself and give our readers some of your back background and context?

I got into tattooing because I absolutely loved the art. I felt that it is a very personal journey of self-love. If you dislike something about your body, adorn it with art!
If you are experiencing trauma, grief, or a life changing event- what better way to overcome or celebrate that than with a permanent reminder to yourself. I am most proud of my ability to connect with people on a deep level of understanding for their wants and needs out of their tattoo experience. I tattoo for you, not for me. While I will lead you in the best direction for a long-lasting piece of art, I will try my best to accommodate your needs and ideas first and foremost. What sets me apart from others is that not only do I care about your piece, I care about you. What brought you here, what lead you to my chair, and your journey.

Any resources you can share with us that might be helpful to other creatives?

There are definitely resources within tattooing outside of the more “creative” realm. I wish I’d had more access to tax resources. Had I known I needed to be more proactive with quarterly payments, I could have saved myself a lot of debt and inconvenience. My advice to any young tattoo artists is to set yourself up as soon as possible and get a good CPA, write everything off, and don’t anyone tell you no.

Is there mission driving your creative journey?

I would say my goal and mission driving my creative journey is to ensure the happiness, confidence, healing and success with my clients. Fostering a place of safety for individuals to open up enough for me to give them a piece of art they are truly deserving of. Something their heart wants but is having trouble putting onto paper! Tattooing is a sacred practice and exchange of energy. I will always honor that and the individuals who choose me to create with them.

Contact Info:

• Instagram: Melzantattoo
• Other: Email [email protected] for my information

  Working at @homesicktattoostudio

Image Credits

@melzantattoo