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

Hi Stephanie, thanks for joining us today. Can you talk to us about how you learned to do what you do?

Thank you for having me. After 5 years of cosmetic tattooing, I received a unique opportunity to begin a traditional tattoo apprenticeship. It’s been the most difficult, yet most fulfilling path I’ve ever taken. I’m super grateful to all those that have helped me develop the skills needed to flourish in this industry! If I could go back, I would’ve begun studying the art of tattooing at an earlier age. Immersion in the craft and being surrounded by passionate artists is the best way to to develop as a tattoo artist and gain the necessary technical skills, in my opinion.

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 background and context?

I began a career in cosmetic tattooing 5 years ago after working in the brokerage industry for over a decade. I did not enjoy working in an office or corporate environment, so I kept my eyes open for new options. I have always loved art & music and grew up in a household that was always open to artistic expression. What I didn’t have was formal training or education. Unexpectedly, I was very fortunate to meet a talented cosmetic tattoo artist here in Atlanta, which eventually lead to an unconventional career opportunity in cosmetic tattooing. Currently, I specialize in cosmetic tattooing, while I’m completing my body tattoo apprenticeship. Many people look to eyebrow tattooing as a paramedical solution for eyebrow hair loss from cancer treatments, alopecia, thyroid conditions, etc. Lip tattooing brightens lip tones, can neutralize melanin-rich tones, and enhance and/or correct lip shape. Many are simply interested for cosmetic purposes, so they don’t have to wear makeup or less makeup, in general. Some cosmetic clients are looking to feminize or masculinize their overall appearance. As far as paramedical tattooing, I specialize in Areola Restoration. Most of my Areola clients seek this service due to mastectomies from breast cancer or transitioning. Some clients have lost their entire or partial Areola from poor healing of breast surgery and also sometimes, skin cancer.
This is a very specialized market in the tattoo industry, so there are a lot of learning curves that you have to figure out by yourself at times. I’m fortunate that my colleagues specialize in realism, which often goes hand-in-hand with this specialty.

What’s the most rewarding aspect of being a creative in your experience?

There really are a lot of different reasons as to why people seek tattooing of all forms and styles. It’s a blessing to be able to use this art form to enrich others lives. I do the best I can to make people feel heard, and treat them with dignity and kindness.

Is there something you think non-creatives will struggle to understand about your journey as a creative?

Tattooing in any form is not just a career, it’s a lifestyle for the truly passionate. You have to be willing to immerse yourself completely. Spending hours, days, weeks, months and years to develop skills and constantly evolve. You are your own toughest critic and learning never stops.

Contact Info:

• Website: www.southernmagnoliabodyartstudio.com
• Instagram: www.instagram.com/stephaniejadetattoos
• Facebook: www.facebook.com/stephaniejadetattoos

Image Credits
TJ Gesner, Stephanie Merritt, and Samantha Fisher