ohimjustfine asked: hi there! i really love your style and was just wondering two little questions. 1: how did you get the apprenticeship that led you into this career? 2: do you take any personal tattoo requests?

Thanks!

At The Art Institute of Chicago I had taken a couple of painting classes with Caroline Moody, who had been tattooing for a year or two at the time.  I was interested in her tattoos and her work, and quickly befriended her (in that way where all my closest friends think I hated them at first, I think it might be my permanent bitch-face, but I’m working on it…).  The studio she started at had an apprenticeship opening and she encouraged me to apply, which I did, after a lot of thinking and a spontaneous, but very persuasive tarot reading (seriously).    It was a huge commitment, risk, and a great divergence from everything that the Art Institute had directed me toward, but I’m very thankful I took the opportunity, and couldn’t have done it without her guidance and tough love.    I had gone after an apprenticeship my first year in college when I was still in Arizona, but I was far too young to even understand what I was getting into, or what it takes to truly do this work.  I’m very lucky to get to do it now.

All tattoo requests are personal in one way or another, I do mostly work that I draw myself, or at least put my own hand in.  I think what I post gives a good idea of what I love to do, as does my other art work.  If you have ideas, I always love to hear them!  Throw me an email at stephanie@blueskycomplex.com

sleepalmar asked: Your work is such an inspiration. I was wondering what materials you work with most of the times, at least on your moleskines.

Moleskines are at mercy to whatever I have available when I’m on the move - usually a mechanical pencil or a Sakura Micron or Staedler pen.  When I’m at home, I use watercolor and gouache.  Truthfully, this type of moleskine that I use doesn’t take watercolor well, it’s smooth like bristol board and any heavy water (or ink) use ripples the pages.   I prefer gouache, specifically Holbein Acryla which is densely pigmented and steadfast.  It doesn’t reactivate with water like many other gouaches.   After at they’re topped off with a smattering of paper scraps, chinese food fortunes, loose tobacco and what have you.  

Water media is my power animal!  Watercolor paint is one thing that makes a huge difference in quality and brand.  Most cases, the most expensive is not necessarily the best, but skimping on watercolors will not do you any favors.  Synthetic pigments act differently than true pigments, both mixing strength, brilliance and opacity - and it takes a lot of time and experience to learn all their specific behaviors. I’ve tried a ton of brands, but I stick with Winsor and Newton’s Artist line of colors.  

Thanks for the message!  I hope that helps.

kadehydrated asked: I live in Southeast Michigan, but I'd love to come out to Chicago and get tattooed by you sometime. :) Have you been taking on a lot of new clients?

I get quite a few clients just by working in a street shop, and otherwise they find me through various threads of the internet, including tumblr.   Luckily, many people seem to be pretty excited about my tattooing, so I’m happy to oblige.  Whenever you’re ready, just drop me a line through email and we can talk!

leafoden asked: Congrats on finishing your apprenticeship! I've been following your art for quite some time, checking up on your flickr periodically, and when I saw that you were tattooing I knew that I HAD to be tattooed by you... I live in Philadelphia, but one day I hope to make a trip to your area so I can get my dream tattoo. Cheers!

Thank you so much! Of course, if you ever find yourself in the Chicago area, don’t hesitate to drop me a line :)