Today we’d like to introduce you to Ashley Inks.
Hi Ashley, thanks for joining us today. We’d love for you to start by introducing yourself.
Hello, My name is Ashley Inks, and I’m a tattoo artist. I have been drawing as far back as 4 years old and tattooing for almost 4 1/2 years. For those curious to know, my last name is actually Inks. I have my amazing husband of 13 years to thank for that. He is the reason I pursued a career in tattooing. Before tattooing, I worked as a registered medical assistant for over 6 years. I felt I needed a change, and my husband mentioned tattoos. He recognized my love for drawing and thought it was something I could do that would feel like something other than a job. It took almost a year to build my confidence and apply for apprenticeships.
I was taken in by an amazing group of people who helped mold me into the artist I am today. I am forever grateful to them for starting my journey. Today, I work at Main Street Tattoos in Mauldin, SC. I am a part of an amazing group of artists who feel like family. Being in a shop with artists of all styles is so cool. I have grown so much in the past two years just by working alongside such talent. I’ve only been doing this for 4 and a half years, so I’m not a master of my trade by any means, but I feel like I have developed a style.
I enjoy black and grey illustrations as well as florals. I have some amazing clients who have allowed me to combine this style and create some beautiful tattoos. My other favorite art style is anime/manga. It’s so cool to see how mainstream anime has become! Getting to tattoo characters I grew up watching, and drawing is one of the coolest things I can say I do. I’m so thankful for the opportunities and, most importantly, the people who have trusted me to put ink in their skin (especially early in my career). I would not be where I am today if not for them. I have made many friends and heard many amazing stories over the years. I’m growing with each tattoo, and I can’t wait to see what the future has in store. Let me know if you want to hang out and get a beautifully illustrated piece or talk about video games and anime while getting your favorite character. You can check out my work on Mainstreetstudiotattoo.com or Instagram at ashleyinkstattoos. I look forward to meeting you and creating an awesome work of art!
Would it have been a smooth road, and if not, what are some of the biggest challenges you’ve faced along the way?
My journey has had a lot of ups and downs, but all life-changing events and career changes need this to get better. The path to greatness is a complex one.
Thanks – so, what else should our readers know about your work and what you’re currently focused on?
I specialize in fine-line black and grey illustrations, florals, and anime. I love to tattoo animals with florals. I love to take photos of pets and combine them with flowers or greenery in a sketchy illustrated style. I also do a lot of anime/manga art, which puts me in a happy place. I enjoy full color or black and grey for anime characters and art styles. It would definitely be if I’m known for a style for these two. I’m most proud of the growth in my technique over the past two years, and what may set me apart from others is my personality. I like to get on a personal level with my clients, which develops friendships and a familiar environment.
What does success mean to you?
Success to me is seeing my clients smile every time they get up to look at their new tattoos. Success is a happy client and a beautiful work of art.
Pricing:
- $120 an hour
Contact Info:
- Website: Mainstreetstudiotattoo.com
- Instagram: Ashleyinkstattoos
- Facebook: Main Street Tattoos
Image Credits
Fallout.media Videogametatts convention (top 2 photos)
