We were lucky to catch up with Nick Kohlmeier recently and have shared our conversation below.

Hi Nick, thanks for joining us today. We’d love to hear the backstory behind a risk you’ve taken – whether big or small, walk us through what it was like and how it ultimately turned out.

I’ve been tattooing for going on 13 years. It all started by taking a huge risk. I was 32 and not feeling fulfilled in what I was doing in life. Almost feeling like I had hit rock bottom in life. I had love tattoos ever since I was a teenager. The whole lifestyle. Punk rock, skateboarding and seeing all those guys with tattoos really spoke to me. I started getting tattooed as soon as I turned 18. I had a background in art and drew ever since I was a kid. I had stop drawing for a while, but decided to pick up the pencil again in my late 20s. As soon as I thought I was good enough again, I started to seek out an apprenticeship. I could never find one in my hometown of St. Louis, but one day a friend in Michigan who was a piercer told me one of their artists was looking for an apprentice. I contacted him and sent my art portfolio. He gave me a chance. So soon after, I quit my job, packed me, my dog and as much as I could into my car and moved 600 miles away to learn how to tattoo. It was probably one of the biggest, scariest risks I’ve ever made. Not knowing if I would be successful or just come home with my tail between my legs. But I worked hard and hustled for 2 years straight during my apprenticeship and never looked back. Hear I am, almost 13 years later, a successful, well known, published, award winning tattooer. I never would have guess this is where I would be in life when I was younger.

Nick, 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 love to paint and tattoo. I focus mainly on American traditional, Japanese, and horror(as I am a horror lover myself), but I try not to limit myself. I will try to take any project that comes my way.

For you, what’s the most rewarding aspect of being a creative?

Probably watching the clients reaction when they see their finished tattoo. Seeing their face light up when they check it out in the mirror all cleaned up and finished. Hearing “it’s better than I imagined!” is such a rad feeling. Connecting with them while doing the tattoo and creating something just for them that no one else will ever have that they can tell all their friends about also adds to the rewarding feeling.

How can we best help foster a strong, supportive environment for artists and creatives?

People in my industry rely heavily on word of mouth. Even if you are unable to get tattooed right now, we always appreciate spreading the word. Whether it’s telling friends, passing out business cards or letting us put them in your business, sharing social media posts, buying a print, shirt or other merch, every little bit of support helps. It’s also important that we all support each other. Support your fellow artist and help them grow as much as you try and grow yourself. We can all come out winners.

Contact Info:

• Website: http://www.creaturefeaturestl.com
• Instagram: @nick.k.tattoos
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/share/1AGAgj3Nzf/?mibextid=wwXIfr