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

Nikki, looking forward to hearing all of your stories today. Can you open up about a risk you’ve taken – what it was like taking that risk, why you took the risk and how it turned out?

Righ after high school I went to college to pursue a psychology degree. I loved learning about it and also wanted to be a therapist to help people. I was also taking a bunch of art classes since I have always loved art and been into drawing and painting. After about two yrs of going to college I was feeling lost in my career path. I knew I wanted to do something that I would love and something that was my passion. Through extensive self reflecting and research I was told by a friend that I should become a tattoo artist. I had never considered it before but they said it made sense for me since I had always been doing art. So, I dropped out of college. I researched how to become a tattoo artist and I came across an article that pretty much read “don’t even try, its way harder than you think.” So that made me want to prove myself more. My journey to becoming a tattoo artist was waaay harder than I thought it would be and probably the hardest thing I’ve ever had to fight for. Since I had dropped out of college though that gave me the push to stick with it. I am glad that I didn’t give up because now I am working my dream job and still helping people but in a much cooler way.

Awesome – so before we get into the rest of our questions, can you briefly introduce yourself to our readers.

After dropping out of college to pursue tattooing I spent years trying to find the right apprenticeship. As a female, my experience getting into the tattoo industry was extremely difficult. I started by putting together a large portfolio of all of my past art work. I went into almost every tattoo shop I possibly could to ask for an apprenticeship. For a while shops told me no. They either didn’t have the space, weren’t looking or I needed to work on my flash style art. So I did. For a long time I would spend most of my free time drawing or painting. I would stay up late into the night just working on flash to better improve my “tattoo style” art. I would then go back and bug these shops again to show them how dedicated I was and that I wasn’t going to leave them alone. Eventually I was given my first opportunity at a shop. Not long after I was hit on a bunch by the mentor and when I turned him down to be his girlfriend he stopped teaching me. Similar circumstances happened at 2 different shops. There was a while I got discouraged and was considering other job alternatives. Luckily I had a great tattooer that convinced me to get back into it. I still delt with sexism but by this point I told myself “I did not come this far, just to come this far.”

Since I feel like I have had to fight to be in the tattoo industry I do not take my job for granted. Honestly, I would do it all over again if I had to. In my apprenticeship they claimed I would never make it with how sensitive I am. Now that I’ve been tattooing for 4 and a half years I can say most of my clients have commented on how much I care, because I do. I am sensitive in the way that I care about people a lot. Because I know how harsh some tattooers can be, I strive to be the opposite. I want my clients to come in and have an amazing experience. Because thats what getting tattooed should be. It should be a place where you can come get away from the world and have a great time with your artist.
I love giving people tattoos because its an experience and a good memory. A lot of people get tattoos when they go through something in life and I think its cool people trust me enough to be the one to give them art forever.

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

I am my own boss! I love that I can wear whatever I want at work. I can listen to whatever I want. I can schedule myself whenever I want. I have the freedom to truly live life the way I want to. To me that’s the most rewarding thing ever because I think thats how life should be. If you work hard to achieve your dreams then it is so worth it in the end. I knew I always wanted a job that allowed me freedom. With being a creative I not only have the freedom but I also get to make art (my passion) every single day. How cool is that!?!

Is there something you think non-creatives will struggle to understand about your journey as a creative? Maybe you can provide some insight – you never know who might benefit from the enlightenment.

I moved here from Utah where it is super conservative. I think Seattle is definitely more open minded but I have experienced alot of people who automatically make assumptions because I am a tattoo artist. Maybe that I am a degenerate or a rebel. The truth is I just desired a free life for myself. One where I can make art and be my own boss. There are multiple career paths in life and mine just isn’t the traditional way and I love that.

Contact Info:

• Instagram: @copperbunnyink
• Twitter: @copperbunnyink
• Other: Email: [email protected] TikTok: @copperbunnyink A tattoo podcast is in the works.

Image Credits
Gordon Sandvoss