Building Confidence as a Tattoo Artist ft. Chris Crooks
The desire to pursue a passion can be a powerful motivator for individuals, often driving them to learn and grow despite feelings of unqualification or inexperience. This theme is vividly illustrated in this podcast episode featuring tattoo artist Chris Crooks, who shares his journey into the world of tattooing with host Aaron Della Vedova.
From a young age, Chris was immersed in tattoo culture, with both of his grandfathers and his father sporting tattoos. This early exposure ignited a desire within him to become a tattoo artist, even before he fully understood the craft. He reflects on how the "desire to do it was bigger than the capabilities," highlighting a common experience among many who pursue their passions. This intrinsic motivation propelled him to acquire the skills necessary for success in tattooing, despite his initial lack of experience.
Aaron sits down with Chris at Gods of Ink in Frankfurt, Germany. Aaron reflects on the tattoo artist journey that is rarely straightforward and lacks a clear roadmap. The conversation explores the intricacies of the tattooing process and the passion that fuels artists in this creative field. Tune in for insights into the art of tattooing and the stories behind the ink.
Chat Breakdown:
00:00:00 - Overcoming Limitations
00:02:00 - Family Influence: Tattoos in the Family
00:03:56 - Ignorance and Confidence
00:04:56 - Imposter Syndrome: The Ongoing Struggle
00:06:25 - The Role of Ignorance and Confidence in Success
00:07:19 - Validation from Peers
00:11:06 - The Value of Hard Work: Learning the Craft
00:18:02 - Being Nice Pays Off
00:19:05 - The Global Tattoo Scene: Breaking Stereotypes
00:22:08 - The Digital Age: Accelerating the Craft
00:26:11 - Gratefulness and Opportunity in Tattooing
00:30:19 - The Pyramid of Tattooing
00:34:46 - The Pressure of Large Format Tattoos
00:37:23 - The Shift to Japanese Style:
00:44:15 - Empathy and Self-Protection
00:49:15 Work-life Balance and Creativity
01:01:45 Cultural Appreciation Through Music
01:15:04 Tattooing as a Human Experience
01:19:10 Inspiration in Tattooing
Quotes:
"The desire to do it is always stronger than the being able to do it."
