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

Shelby, thanks for taking the time to share your stories with us today Are you able to earn a full-time living from your creative work? If so, can you walk us through your journey and how you made it happen?

Yes, I’m currently working as a full time tattooist. I knew this is what I wanted to do, I made tattooing an absolute priority in my life. I took big leaps that had a 50/50 chance of working out. I applied for interviews that I wasn’t qualified for, I said yes all the time, I quit my full time job so I could put full time work into my craft, only earning part time pay. I drew over 1000 hours in one year, I did free services for practice and grew from word of mouth.

I started in the pizza industry, I was a front of counter girl who also managed that restaurant. I was incredible at what I did. I’m a force in the service industry. I knew I wanted more, I loved service but I wasn’t filling my cup. I loved art as long as I could remember, my dream at 13 was to be a tattoo artist on a beachside. So, I said to myself– I’m going to be a tattoo artist. I don’t care how long it takes, or what it will take to do it. I’m going to tattoo.

I started buying equipment (tool box, art supplies, cheap non-recommended tattoo tools..) I watch countless videos on how to draw, how to tattoo. Then a tattoo shop that I admired locally put out an ad looking for a new tattoo apprentice. They wanted someone who already had experience, they weren’t looking for me. I figured whats the worst that can happen, they say no? Maybe this could open a door for me in the future. I made it to the interview stage with a stack of sketchbooks I brought from home. The people they interviewed had incredible art to show, much better than myself. So I sold myself, I sold them my work ethic, my personality, my determination and yes my sketchbooks. We ended the interview with good energy, they said they’ll reach back to me in three days with their decision.

They called me 30 minutes later to tell me I had the apprenticeship, even though I had the worst art skill. I had to prove myself. From there I was working over 70 hours a week between pizza and learning art. I didn’t have a single day off for over 3 months. The tattoo shop offered me part time work so I could spend more time at the tattoo shop. It was a huge risk financially but I had to take it. I was spending 12 hours a day at the tattoo shop between being their assistant and my apprenticeship. Once I was able to charge for my tattoo work as an apprentice, I quit my job as their assistant to give more focus to my apprenticeship. Another huge risk for me financially but I knew if I wanted to tattoo full time thats the risk I needed to take. I went to school finished my associates of arts. I am continually learning more and more art skills.

I have learned a lot from my journey thus far. The biggest thing that would have catapulted me into being a better artist, or a full time artist sooner is if I never took on a position as an assistant. Serving other peoples dreams will not serve your own. Recognizing, establishing boundaries, fully trusting myself; these are things I learned in exchange for that. I think it’s a very fair trade off, I’m big on things happen as they should, and learning from our experiences. I am absolutely thankful for mine.

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’ve had a love for art ever since I could remember. I think being an artist is in all of us. I was taught to a Jr. high level of art, I than went to an alternative school for high school that didn’t offer any art credits. I was an “self taught” artist, it showed. I had very little knowledge of art fundamentals. After high school, I went to a local community college and was able to take art credits there. Between that and the tattoo apprenticeship I mentioned prior I was able to hone in my craft to create my career path. Its something I practice everyday, I consider myself a “forever art student” knowing that there is always something to learn. I’m 28 now with almost 3 years of tattoo experiece.

I try to provide more than just the service of the tattoo, I try to provide an incredibly positive experience. From the moment you walk in the door to the moment you leave I want my clientele to not only have all their needs met but for them to be giddy from the experience they just had. I think what separates me from other artists is my transparency, I’m relatable. I think because of that it creates a situation where my clientele can be themselves, they are comfortable enough to voice their concerns. I realize how vulnerable it can be getting a tattoo so its my upmost goal to make the experience as safe, and secure as possible. I have my clients giggling and smiling throughout the entire experience even when I’m putting them through physical hell. Its gratifying knowing I not only did my best during a session but doing so made it to where I have a consistent return of clients.

Where I’m really proud of myself is knowing I’ll never give up. I made sacrifices knowing it will all pay off. People doubted me, but I never doubted myself. I want people to know how much I care about my work and my clients. I care about my client’s tattoos just as much as they do. I’m invested and here for the long haul.

What do you find most rewarding about being a creative?

The most rewarding part of being an artist for me is the type of impact I make with my clients. I’m trusted with really meaningful projects, and it’s the most incredible feeling to nail those projects. Seeing my clients get more and more comfortable in their own skin is awesome. I wouldn’t trade it for anything. I also love being in control of my own schedule, and making an income off my art.

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

Something I feel I had to unlearn is the feeling of “I’m not good enough.” For me, I had to really earn my talent and I had to do so fast. I would get in this toxic headspace of comparing myself to other artists, thinking their work is far better to my own. I would also let what people said to me hold a lot of weight, what I mean by that is letting snarky criticism depict how I felt about myself and my art. I had a nasty voice in my head telling me “It sucks, I can’t… I’m not good enough” I had people doubting me, and people just supporting me by default.

I than realized how unfair that is to do that to my self. I was making myself miserable, I had to change my mind set. I started to do daily affirmations until it became my natural thought process. I didn’t let peoples negative opinions harm me, I started to let it fuel me. The voice in my head changed from this mean bully to my cheerleader, constantly cheering me on! My skill grows everyday and I get the most beautiful compliments now. I’m just taking my time, and enjoying my journey. I am worthy, I am good enough.

Contact Info:

• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/inkbyshelbae/

Image Credits
Alexis Rabb, Jordan Bergendahl, Ryelin Nash