Today we’d like to introduce you to Lindsay Miller.

Hi Lindsay, we’d love for you to start by introducing yourself.

I can not say that I’ve known since birth that I wanted to be an artist. Each step in my journey has been more intuitive than predetermined – one domino falling into the next. While each step wasn’t as effortless as a descending chip – they were each chosen and pursued with effort and intent.

Like most people, I hold a lot of interests. The cliff note version of my path; in highschool I was heavily dedicated to video production/editing and fine art which transferred to college where I started off with a declared TV/Video major. After my first year, I transitioned to graphic design (cramming in as many studio art classes as I could). Upon graduation, I was fortunate enough to get a job as a graphic designer that I would work at for the next 6 years. I learned so much in this time span about design, visual aesthetics, and about myself. On the side I quietly painted and explored other creative endeavors; until I stopped being quiet about it – taking to social media to share publicly. Here, I was introduced to the art community in Pittsburgh – finding myself taking part in local vendor markets and shows. This was such an influential time for me; being met with so many inspirational and wonderful people. The more I was ‘in the world’ and creating art with my hands – the more I wanted to do it.

Today I am a new tattoo artist, and looking back I notice the breadcrumb trail of things I’ve picked up along the way. What I do is more extensive than the ink itself – I draw custom designs/flash, work with typography, create videos for social media, design marketing collateral for my brand, and I still paint. All facets that use skills I’ve acquired over the years.

I wouldn’t be where I am without all of the support from my family and friends, having good people in your corner can really help take you places.

Can you talk to us a bit about the challenges and lessons you’ve learned along the way. Looking back would you say it’s been easy or smooth in retrospect?

I’ve had my fair share of challenges along the way. Openly speaking though, I think the biggest obstacle is always with yourself. Social media makes it so easy to compare ourselves with others – what their journey looks like, what yours should look like. But the thing is, you can always be better/do better. The trick is though, to know that your right now – is enough. And doing the best with what you can, that’s all you can ask for.

Thanks for sharing that. So, maybe next you can tell us a bit more about your work?

I am a tattoo artist in Pittsburgh, specializing in fine-line, illustrative realism designs. Lately I’ve been doing a good amount of floral/botanical tattoos – so that’s been my bread and butter, but there are ebbs and flows to what designs are consistent in the moment. I specifically use single-needles to tattoo – which allows for a more delicate style of tattoos. I am looking forward to working on conceptual designs in the coming year, where I’d like to focus on scenes, still life/in the moment captures, and being more artistic with my tattoos.

I could get into the technicality of it – learning a new tool – building a business – it’s a lot of work and it’s all still so new to me. Truthfully, I’m proud of just being here, doing what I am for a living.

Making the choice to pursue tattooing – was one of the scariest decisions I’ve made and it was not one that I took lightly. It came at a cost, to leave a career that I enjoyed, for the potential of something different and something more, with no guarantee of outcome. But how exciting is it to have something that makes you want to take a leap – to see if it all works out.

There are a lot of talented artists out there – I respect that and get a lot of inspiration from what I see online. But one thing I make sure to articulate in my corner, is the level of care I bring to tattooing. Before, during and after an appointment I want to provide a mutual level of respect between myself and my client – prioritizing body autonomy always. I will always be working on learning and growing within this field – because I truly just want to do good work for my clients and to be the best that I can be.

Networking and finding a mentor can have such a positive impact on one’s life and career. Any advice?

In college, the whole idea of networking felt strange and forced. And I’ve come to learn that that doesn’t have to be the case. It’s not always an orchestrated meet-and-greet in business casual, shaking hands. For me, it’s been finding people I connect with on some form of common ground. And every single time it has been unintentional.

I often think about the adage – who brings you up in a room that you are not in. The answer to that is usually your friends – people that know you, love you, support and respect you. So to answer the networking question, I don’t think it’s about colleagues or adjacent peers – it’s about people who believe in you. But it’s also important to note – these relationships are often/should be mutual.

My advice; go out into the community/world that you want to be a part of. Be a sponge and absorb everything. Be authentic and hold excitement for what you do and others. The most important thing you can do for yourself is to show up. And if you see an opportunity that you want, don’t be afraid to ask for it. They might not always workout, but sometimes they can lead to even better things.

More specifically though; finding a mentor in the tattoo industry is also about showing up. I was super fortunate to find my mentor, Nero on instagram. After following his account for a while, I saw he was looking to take on an apprentice. But in most cases, I recommend you find an artist who’s work you admire and reach out.

Being in the creative field, I’ve got friends with so many different specialties and if I can help them succeed or bring them up for an opportunity – you bet I’ll be doing just that.

Pricing:

• My books are open to schedule a tattoo. Shop minimum is $100 and my hourly is $60/hour.
• I also do painting commissions, message for specific pricing.

Contact Info:

• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/lindz_and_needles/
• Other: [email protected]

Image Credits

Laura Stewart