Today we’d like to introduce you to Dusty Staples
Hi Dusty, so excited to have you on the platform. So before we get into questions about your work-life, maybe you can bring our readers up to speed on your story and how you got to where you are today?
I started getting tattooed as a teenager, but really started to get more interested in it as an art form in my mid twenties. I delved into the history of tattooing and began drawing my own tattoo flash. Once I had a decent portfolio I brought it to a shop in Oakland, CA and eventually was offered an apprenticeship. I started tattooing about five years ago, at the age of 30. Learning to tattoo has been the hardest thing I’ve ever done and also the most rewarding. About a year ago, I relocated from the Bay Area to Minneapolis to continue my tattoo journey.
We all face challenges, but looking back would you describe it as a relatively smooth road?
The first struggle I faced was not believing in myself. It took me years to even admit to myself, let alone others, that I wanted to pursue tattooing. I was afraid people wouldn’t take me seriously and that my work would be rejected. Pursuing an apprenticeship also meant working for free for months in exchange for the opportunity to learn, and juggling that while working to support myself financially was exhausting and hard. The learning curve of actually learning to tattoo is very steep and can be endlessly frustrating. I had many sleepless nights thinking over tattoos I had done, how they could’ve been better, and what the people wearing them thought.
Thanks for sharing that. So, maybe next you can tell us a bit more about your work?
I specialize in fineline black and grey tattoos. Overall I’m just proud to be able to make a living as an artist, something I grew up thinking was impossible. I think I have a unique artistic perspective and style of tattooing. I value the trust that clients put in me and strive to honor their visions as best as I can.
We’re always looking for the lessons that can be learned in any situation, including tragic ones like the Covid-19 crisis. Are there any lessons you’ve learned that you can share?
The pandemic first started while I was in the middle of my apprenticeship. The shop had to shut down for months and during that time I had to pivot and make a plan for myself of how I would continue to work towards my goals. I had to be flexible and also trust myself and my ability to make safe decisions.
Pricing:
- Shop minimum is $100
- Hourly rate is $200
- Flash tattoos (repeatable designs) are flat rate. Stop by and look through my book!
Contact Info:
- Instagram: @dusty.tat2
