Today we’d like to introduce you to Steph Miller.
Hi Steph, can you start by introducing yourself? We’d love to learn more about how you got to where you are today?
I’ve been an artist my entire life. It’s all I ever really pursued (aside from motherhood). When I graduated from high school I immediately enrolled in college to pursue a degree in Studio Art, but at this time I also began enquiring at local tattoo shops about apprenticeships. Now, 20 years ago in small town West Virginia there weren’t many high end shops and there were ZERO female artists in my area. Needless to say, I pretty much got laughed out of every shop with my blank skin and high pony tail.
Fast forward through college graduation, marriage, motherhood… I never stopped desperately wanting to tattoo. It always felt too far out of reach though. My husband traveled out of town every week and my day to day consisted of caring for our two daughters from the time my feet hit the floor until I laid my head down at night.
When Covid hit, my husband was released from his work contract and our day to day changed drastically. I began working outside of the home as a preschool teacher. I didn’t have much work experience, but I had lots of experience with kids so it seemed like a good idea at the time. During this time, my childhood best friend was battling breast cancer and she said to me “when I beat this, I think I might try to learn to tattoo.” I kinda just laughed and wished her luck trying to find someone to teach her. That’s the hardest part. There are so many people out there who claim to be a tattoo artist just because they bought the equipment, but finding someone to truly teach you the mechanics of it all is really difficult. I think you need proper guidance and you need to have respect for the industry and its history to really be a TRUE tattoo artist.
She beat cancer and she learned to tattoo. I’ve never experienced jealousy like that before. Of course I was ecstatic for her, but also I was insanely envious that she had made it happen so quickly when I had been dreaming about it for over 15 years. At this point I decided and was FULLY determined to figure it out and make it happen for myself.
I started seeking guidance from a friend of my husband who worked at one of the top studios in Charlotte. They welcomed me to hang out and absorb what I could but couldn’t offer me a full apprenticeship. After about a year of popping in and watching when my schedule would allow, I decided to go all in and luckily my husband supported me fully.
In June of 2022, on the last day of preschool for that year, I had my car packed and I started driving to WV. My childhood friend that I mentioned earlier had agreed to teach me. I would drive up every Monday evening and tattoo Tuesday through Thursday and then drive home on Thursday evening so I could be home with the kids when my husband left on Friday to work through the weekend. It was pretty brutal. We were like ships passing in the night. I had no idea how long I would have to do this before I was ready to pursue an actual job at home. I assumed at the very least, a year.
In September if 2022, I accepted a position at that TOP STUDIO in Charlotte that I mentioned earlier. Three months. After only three months of tattooing I was able to stop traveling and work just 25 minutes from home. I couldn’t believe it. I couldn’t believe that the thing I had dreamed of since I was a teenager was actually happening. I couldn’t believe I landed a spot at Seventh Sin Tattoo Company. I still can’t believe it. I’m still waiting to wake up from this incredibly beautiful dream.
Alright, so let’s dig a little deeper into the story – has it been an easy path overall and if not, what were the challenges you’ve had to overcome?
Here’s the thing, the tattoo industry has changed so much over the last couple of decades. The way that my mentor learned and the way that so many of my co-workers learned is a thing of the past for most reputable shops. They all had it so much harder than me and I don’t want to take that away from them. I have had a luxurious entry into the world of tattooing in comparison. I am so spoiled by my shop family. They have all taken such good care of me from the very beginning and I am forever grateful for that.
My struggles have looked a little different. My struggles come more from transitioning from full time mom and wife to a full time artist. Trying to figure out how to balance home and work has been tough. Figuring out how to manage my responsibilities at home and manage the expectations of my family was really hard in the beginning. I still wanted to do it all and be everything to everyone but it’s just not possible for one person. My husband and I had a lot of learning to do. He struggled with my priorities shifting and I struggled with delegating a lot of the home management tasks. Lots of really late nights in the beginning, staying up drawing and studying and PRAYING. It’s still a work in progress but we’re getting a lot better at figuring it out.
Alright, so let’s switch gears a bit and talk business. What should we know about your work?
In my heart, I am a creator. I love making and creating all types of art. I’ve always said I’m a jack of all trades. If I see it, I’m convinced I can do it too. I’ve done drawing, painting, sewing, crochet, clay work, jewelry making, repurposing, etc. I just love to try new things.
Professionally, I am a tattoo artist who has found herself unintentionally specializing in florals. I have to laugh because it wasn’t at all what I expected but hey, everyone really seems to love flowers and I don’t think they will be going out of style anytime soon. I get a lot of requests for fine line work and again, it’s funny because most artists are much more comfortable pulling bolder lines and I love using tiny little needles.
I think the thing I’m most proud of is the fact that I have pursued and continue to pursue so many different styles. I am still very young in my career and I want to be able to do it all. I don’t want to box myself into one specific style. If I find a particular style that I love, absolutely I will nurture that but for now I want to be able to have a very well rounded portfolio and not be afraid to try new things.
I think what sets me apart from others is that I lived a pretty full life before I entered my career. I think being a little older at the start has helped me to grow faster as an artist and a professional. I realize that time is fleeting! I don’t have time to mess around. I take my work very seriously because I want to feel worthy of the position I’ve found myself in. I want to provide incredible work and service to my clients and I don’t want to wait until another decade passes me by. The time is now.
We all have a different way of looking at and defining success. How do you define success?
When I go to bed at night, I feel like success is the feeling of peace that I experience when I know I’ve given everyone and everything my best. It doesn’t happen every single night, but that’s just motivation wake up and try harder tomorrow. Success isn’t fame, popularity or wealth. Sure those things can feel really good, but do they last? Success for me is knowing that I gave it 110%. Isn’t that all we can hope for? We give it all we’ve got. We love hard, work hard and hopefully in return we get to play hard too.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://seventhsintattoo.com/
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/2countmama
- Youtube: https://m.youtube.com/@seventhsintattoo
