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

Robert , looking forward to hearing all of your stories 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 sometimes sit late at night drawing flash, or custom designs for clients, at the kitchen table, or my bedroom, brainstorming potential ideas for the future. Ways to market myself to become more relevant.
But, there’s always the thought in my head during those hours that it might in fact be easier to have a full time “regular job”.
Stable paychecks, normal hours, overall stability instead of late nights under pressure to constantly produce with a deadline.
Instead of a sort of uncertain income based on how well I can apply a tattoo.
But honestly, to tell you the truth the pure joy, and fulfillment of pursuing my passions always outweighs the comforts of having a “9-5”.
I would rather embrace the highs and lows of my lifestyle than conform to a certain predictability that comes with having a normal job or career.
I get to look how I want, go where I wish, and be the person I truly want to be. If that comes with the price of a little uncertainty then so be it!
So, yes, I am leaps and bounds happier to be an artist over any other path I could have chosen to take in my life.

Robert , love having you share your insights with us. Before we ask you more questions, maybe you can take a moment to introduce yourself to our readers who might have missed our earlier conversations?

I began my career in the tattoo industry just like everyone else should.
Apprenticeship.
When I started in North Carolina, it was a lot of cleaning, and watching the process of tattooing being done. Over the course of a year, I was finally trusted to hold a machine, and apply tattoos to human skin.
I started small, honing my linework, and shading abilities. Slowly progressing from just arms and legs, to more difficult placements on the body.
If I ever did something that wasn’t up to the standards of my mentors we would sit down, and they would pick it apart. That process truly helped me grow as an artist.

Now 6 years later, I live and work in Florida. I’m far enough along in my career, and confident enough with my abilities to create custom tattoos for a plethora of clientele. Whether it’s a back piece, sleeve, or just a small meaningful tattoo.
I try to help people daily by guiding them to make smart choices about tattoo placement, and application. Influencing them a bit to get a finished product that we are both satisfied with.
I pride myself on clean, and consistent tattooing. It keeps people coming back.
That is also what separates myself from every other “tattooer”
I care about what I do. It’s not just a form of income.
It’s a lifestyle, and I love every aspect of it.

Are there any resources you wish you knew about earlier in your creative journey?

When I first started in this career it was all cash, no financial planning at all.
I came to Florida and worked for a shop that followed those same “old school” guidelines.

I met Will and Kristen, owners of Cypress Ink, where I have now worked for three years, they really showed me the ropes with how to save, and be a productive member of society.
So, coming from nothing, and having no savings or plans for the future, to owning a home, and vehicle, and being responsible is a huge step.
It’s an amazing resource finding like minded individuals that truly want to see you succeed.

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

For me personally, the most rewarding aspect of creating tattoos for people is the look on their face when we are done.
It’s a feeling that you can’t match.
The satisfaction of someone being happy with what you’ve done, and the boost to the self esteem of that person is an amazing thing to view in real time.

Contact Info:

• Instagram: @robert_smithtattoos