Today we’d like to introduce you to Andrea Brady.
Hi Andrea, so excited to have you with us today. What can you tell us about your story?
Being a curvy, bisexual, mixed Filipina woman in the tattoo world wasn’t an easy road. I dropped out of high school at 17 due to severe bullying, but I knew formal school didn’t define my intelligence. Self-made and unbound by society’s rules, I set my sights on tattooing.
I entered the industry in 2010 in Fort Myers, Florida—diving straight into a rough, male-dominated biker culture. Despite facing harsh treatment, daily sexual harassment, and the immense grief of losing my sister Amber, I refused to stay down. I worked side jobs at pizza shops, retail stores, and as a body piercer just to survive through years of apprenticeships, moving across the country before finally earning my license in San Diego.
Growing up poor with a single immigrant mother and experiencing homelessness, looking at how far I’ve come is surreal. Today, finding a safe, accepting home at Jackalope Tattoo makes every hardship worth it. I’ve finally found community, and my dreams are only getting bigger: one day, I’ll open the doors to my own shop.
Can you talk to us a bit about the challenges and lessons you’ve learned along the way. Looking back would you say it’s been easy or smooth in retrospect?
Some challenges that I faced across the many shops I worked in across the country include two-faced co-workers, massive egos, and being yelled at by men whenever a mistake was made. I was told I wasn’t ready, that I was “too pretty,” and that I was being held back simply because I am a woman and not part of the boys’ club. I was lied to and strung along with empty promises of being taken seriously after putting in two years of grueling work.
I faced daily sexual harassment from one of my mentors and navigated environments heavy with drugs and guns, leaving me scared shitless at times. Looking back, I barely know how I managed to function and learn in those spaces, but I did. Not every shop was terrible the entire time—there were good moments—just never enough of them to make me stay. Balancing the financial survival of paying bills while actively trying to chase your dreams is a brutal grind. (Shout-out to having a reliable car that actually starts and gets you through it.)
Can you tell our readers more about what you do and what you think sets you apart from others?
As a professional tattoo artist with six years of experience. I specialize in a unique blend of 1920s Art Deco and abstract Geo Deco—custom geometric mandalas infused with an art deco flare. My work spans art deco ornamental pieces, custom frames, floristry, animals, reptiles, and insects, brought to life with vibrant, beautiful colors, mixed line weights, and dynamic shapes.
I love collaborating with clients to turn their ideas into reality, but I am particularly passionate about creating more of my own flash and imaginative custom designs. It took years of dedication to develop my signature style—a fusion of neo-traditional, abstract, and geometric elements—and I am so proud to have found my specialty.
Where we are in life is often partly because of others. Who/what else deserves credit for how your story turned out?
My fellow Jackalopes! Emi and Renata are absolutely amazing shop owners who go above and beyond for me and every artist in the shop. They are so supportive, and I honestly wouldn’t survive without them in my life these days.
Shout-out to Frankie and Heather at Sugoi Tattoos in San Diego, who were my rock when I lived there and struggled heavily with my mental health. I’m so happy I can still guest spot there in the winter to visit my friends and clients. Much love to Glory Bound Tattoo in Lee’s Summit, MO, as well—Jimmy hired me right away coming out of a heavy burnout, and they all helped me transition back into tattooing after a mental health break. And a huge thank you to Eddie at Rockabilly Tattoo in El Cajon, CA, for giving me my tattoo license and taking a chance on me!
I’ve learned so much from every shop and artist I’ve worked with over the years—from technical skills to how to run a business—and I continue to learn every single day.
Pricing:
- Custom client collab tattoos are sliding scale pricing is $200 per hour. Based on timer. Prices vary depending on size, placement, detail and color.
- Flash designs are available $100 to $350! Please check them out!
- Custom tattoo designs are also available $600-$800!
- Free virtual consultations online through Google Meet with $100 tattoo deposit.
- In person consultations are $50 and $50 to book tattoo appointment. All deposits and consultation fee go towards the final tattoo price!
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.thedappernomad.com
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/thedappernomadink
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/thedappernomadtattoos
- Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/thedappernomadtattoos
- TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/thedappernomad2
