We caught up with the brilliant and insightful Veronica “Ronnie” Erickson a few weeks ago and have shared our conversation below.

Hi Veronica “Ronnie” , thanks for joining us today. Have you been 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? Was it like that from day one? If not, what were some of the major steps and milestones and do you think you could have sped up the process somehow knowing what you know now?

My name is Veronica- most of my clients know me as Ronnie. I’m a tattoo artist at Black Coffin Tattoo in St. Paul. I’ve been tattooing for almost three years; and have worked in the tattoo industry for over five. Tattooing is my career, my only source of income, and my favorite thing in the world. I feel so incredibly lucky because my job does not feel like work at all!

My apprenticeship was far from a traditional one. I actually had left the restaurant industry as I was struggling with an addiction to methamphetamine. Along the way I was lucky enough to land a spot as the receptionist at Black Coffin Tattoo thanks to my tattoo artist Garrett who was expanding his shop.
Not very long into my new job, though, I headed into rehab as my addiction was becoming unmanageable.
I completed an intensive inpatient rehab program and was fortunate enough to be able to return to my receptionist position at the tattoo shop. Garrett and I became very close and he became such a huge support during my recovery and growth and still is to this day. he plays a huge role along with my family I can’t thank him and my family enough for what they did and what theyve done for me on my journey. they are my people and always will be.

Shortly after I got my GED, started saving my money up, and getting my life on track. Garrett, asked me if I wanted to apprentice. I was unsure because I felt like I didn’t earn it as I was used to hearing stories of people who tried and tried to get an apprenticeship but got turned down so many times.
After putting some thought into it, I decided I’d take him up on the offer.

Apprenticing is not an easy task (and I DID have it a lot easier than most).. I worked 6 to 7 days a week as a receptionist, shop manager, doing paperwork and apprenticing. In my downtime I’d help Garrett with shop errands and was still at work even if I had a day off. It did indeed pay off.

I’d say the hardest part of starting my career (and even still) was the hate I got from a few people in the industry. I used to let it bother me but now I see it as an example of what I DON’T want to be. People will judge you, try to break you and pray on your downfall but you just have to let that negativity light a fire under your ass and get past it.
Luckily I’ve had so much love and support from so many amazing people that anything other than that seems so minuscule.

When you start tattooing you’re doing tattoos for free. Then $20 tattoos, then $50 tattoos- so on and so forth. Everyone wants a free tattoo. A lot of people drop off after you start charging. And even more do as you continue to develop your skills and charge what you’re worth. But in return, there are always amazing clients who value your time and art and that’s the most rewarding part of this whole thing. Each person I’ve tattooed- from my first ten clients who got free tattoos- to the girl who’s sleeve I’m finishing today who has spent a year and a half working with me- has played a roll in helping me become the artist I am. I have so much appreciation for every single person I’ve ever tattooed. I’ve learned from every client who’s ever been in my chair.

Now, as a three year tattooer, I work 5 to 6 days a week. I recently hired a booking manager who helps me get my clients scheduled. Its such a relief having someone who’s organized take over for me so I can focus on my art.
I’m currently booked out for the next three months and on top of that, I travel pretty frequently to work at tattoo conventions. Traveling is by far my favorite part of this career. Before I was a tattoo artist I had been to Minnesota and Wisconsin. Now, I’ve lost count on how many places I’ve been to. I’ve met so many incredible people who I’ve become such good friends with. Networking is such a great experience and you will most definitely reap the rewards of traveling in this industry.

Tattooing is the most beautiful, intense, difficult, stressful, fun and rewarding career in the world. There is nothing I can compare it to. Every day on my way to work I think about how lucky I am to be living this life. As tattoo artists we should never stop learning. The more we learn, the better we get; the more money we make, the more clients we obtain, the more we can teach others, so on and so forth.

I’m so fortunate to be a part of this industry and be able to build a life for myself by tattooing people!

Veronica “Ronnie” , 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?

Provided in prompt one- sorry about that!

What can society do to ensure an environment that’s helpful to artists and creatives?

SHARE! Share share share! Not everyone can afford to buy a tattoo, a piece of art, a shirt etc. and that’s okay! If you can’t buy from a small business, you can most definitely get the word out. That does so much for us.
I keep business cards on me and at the shop. I love when people grab a few to hand out.
Sharing on social media- this is a huge one. If you like what you see, click that share button! The more views we get the more potential clients we reach.

Social media should not be perceived as the be all end all, but unfortunately in this day and age it is the number one way to get your work out there.

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

I’ve spent a lot of time and money on education in this industry and I’m ready to spend a whole lot more for the rest of my career! Luckily, my mentor introduced me to an amazing group of artists who put on the Evergreen tattoo convention, where they offer seminars before and during the convention. I took these seminars for the first time this year and I’m already looking forward to next year’s.
I also took business management classes called Tattoo Business Mastery last winter and those helped me out a ton as well.
Any educational resource is going to be expensive but it is SO worth it. If you wanna learn, you gotta pay. And you can’t put a price on the things you’ll learn.
I’m so glad I’m learning these skills early in my career. I’m very fortunate and grateful to have been introduced to all the artists who have helped educate me on many different aspects of tattooing. This is another reason I think its important to travel!

Contact Info:

• Instagram: rottenronnietattoos