/STYLE

A photo essay on Lynda, founder and tattoo artist at Pink Tattoos.

What was it about tattoos that first caught your attention?

I was just so taken by it since my early teenage years. Looking at tattoos over the snail-paced dial-up Jaring internet was my guilty pleasure. I would wait patiently for each picture to tediously load, be excited by it and have my cursor on the close button in case one of my parents walked by. Everything about it was fascinating to me, the process, the aesthetics and the permanence.

How did you get your start in this field?

I was not happy working in advertising and decided to do something about it. Got an opportunity to learn how to tattoo while managing a shop and took it. I took a leap of faith when I decided to do this. I left a comfy job, earned very little money and persevered. I put my whole being into making sure I was doing the right thing and kept learning to improve myself.

What is it like being a woman in the tattoo industry?

Daunting at times. I have had older male clients walk in and asked me who the tattoo artist is, where he is and laughed at my face when I said I am the artist. On the %uFB02ip side, I get to be the one people feel a bit more comfortable with, both male and female clients have told me that. At the end of the day, the work speaks for itself.

What advice do you have for the aspiring tattooist?

I still learn everyday. Make sure you have the basics of being an artist, know how to draw. These things are most of the time not a natural talent. Learn, practice and take the time to study and understand aesthetics. Take it seriously. Be committed and persevere. If you are looking to get a job somewhere, have a serious portfolio of art that you are proud to show ready.