We’re excited to introduce you to the always interesting and insightful Raven Wynd. We hope you’ll enjoy our conversation with Raven below.

Raven, thanks for taking the time to share your stories with us today Are you happier as a creative? Do you sometimes think about what it would be like to just have a regular job? Can you talk to us about how you think through these emotions?

I’m very happy as a full time creative. It takes a bit of energy, and optimism.
I’m booked solid for about a year, so vacations are kind of a joke.
It’s still good to be able to be your own boss, within the limits of also being a service person. To assume that people are only showing up for your work, is a bit of a beginner mistake.
People are coming for something special- something to celebrate or memorialize something.
It’s rarely about the artist- always about the person. That being said- someone who is willing and able to listen, and can draw- can find a very comfortable place to be creative.
I don’t want to work an ordinary job- I did some 34 years ago- I’m over it.

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 the tattoo industry in 1990. It was a time before the internet was what it is. Much of our craft was displayed as “flash” – purchased from dudes who would travel from shops to shop- containers full of packets of drawings. Cherry creek, Judy Parker, Bolt, Spider Web, So many drawings.
Some was done from drawings in tattoo magazines- and some from the actual tattoo artist- although that was rare.

Still to this day, many tattooists want you to bring in a drawing all ready to go. That’s where they make their most money- assembly line style.

I’m not trying to do 5 tattoos a day anymore.
Generally it’s 2 a day. It’s just me and them. You aren’t a number in my shop.
You are a story- you are a person with a thought.
Maybe they have a drawing, maybe they don’t- I’m usually one to push it to the next step.
I’ve been doing coverups and add-ons, almost as long as I’ve been tattooing.
I want to make something for them that is theirs and no one else’s.
Sometimes it’s a memorial- or a symbol of things that change. Maybe it’s just their way of taking back their skin from something that was done before.
I come from an art background that includes drawing, painting, sculpture, welding, plasma cutting, and even pen making. There’s always been a strong drive to create.
That which you surround yourself with, you become.
I surround myself with good music, inspiration, and a drive to learn.
Taking extra time to lend words to the story is the newest slice.
As Brad said “give voice to the voiceless”.
Some people want to tell their story- but can’t always find the words.
I’ve found that sharing their stories seems to work to a greater good. Others hear it- and maybe for a moment, don’t feel as alone.
Much of what we are doing is fixing up things from the past, bring things together, and just thinking more about art than some “sticker” collection.
I don’t see retiring. I hope to be able to draw for people as long as I’m alive.

Are there any books, videos or other content that you feel have meaningfully impacted your thinking?

Elizabeth Gilbert did a fantastic Ted talk about the inner creative- and giving our modern artists a chance at survive their calling. I’ve recommended it to many- and we’ve even listed to it during a session. Living life as an artist is very rewarding- and I wouldn’t do anything else- but it’s also a lonely life- with a dance of optimistic confidence and crushing self doubt.
The longer you sail on this sea- the easier the waves are to navigate.
Learn what you need to keep the rudder in The water.

What’s a lesson you had to unlearn and what’s the backstory?

I had to unlearn how to manage people. I might have leaned that during the dark ages. No one wants to be managed anymore- Maybe they never did. I can’t run a big studio. I can’t stand drama, and I value the one on one time with my clients.
I have a scheduler who is amazing at what she does- I don’t tell her what to do-
As one of clients says- “there are many kinds of managers- No one likes a micro-manager.”
Trust the process, or find someone new.
Some thing you just have to delegate once things start going. Pick your help with care. Keep doing what you do best.

Contact Info:

• Website: Tattoosbyraven.net
• Instagram: Tattoosbyraven
• Facebook: Tattoos By Raven
• Other: Theshopnextdoor