Today we’d like to introduce you to Su Hood.
Hi Su, so excited to have you on the platform. So before we get into questions about your work life, how can you bring our readers up to speed on your story and how you got to where you are today?
There have only been 2 careers that I have been interested in. One was to help animals, and the other was to create art or some art-related career. Growing up, my family traveled a lot, and one of the things we did most was go to art galleries and museums on our trips. Art greatly influenced me, thanks to my upbringing and the artists in my family. I remember the first time I read a tattoo magazine and knew from that moment what I wanted to do with my life. I wanted to become a tattoo artist! It wasn’t a tiny goal, but once I put my mind to something, I would do whatever it took to achieve a goal. My parents supported me and continued enrolling me in art classes whenever possible. While in school, my focus remained on an art career path. In high school, my history teacher owned a tattoo shop at the time and allowed me to help out over the summer. That was my first hands-on experience working in a shop, and I couldn’t be more grateful. The support from her and my other art teachers left a big impact on me. After graduation, I went on the hunt for a job. I had a friend who knew a tattoo shop that was hiring, and he passed on the information to me. I was hired on immediately as a piercer and didn’t wait long until I asked to be an apprentice. It was a traditional apprenticeship, and I was an apprentice for about a year.
My mentor and I decided to open up Boardwalk Tattoos to have a friendlier work/life balance and to provide a safe and sterile work environment for our clients, friends, and staff. I have been a tattoo artist for 10 years and a business owner for 7 years. I continue my education by attending local art classes, monthly drawing events held at The Brick, and tattoo educational conferences, not to mention what I learn from my coworkers and other tattoo artists in the industry. I recently started oil painting, which I’ve wanted to do for a few years. I enjoy it when I can apply my painting or drawing process to my tattoo designs. I dabble in many styles and enjoy mashing them up in juxtaposition, impressionist, and illustrative styles. My fellow artists and I try to bring our client’s visions to life and have them leave with tattoos they will love for years to come.
We all face challenges, but looking back, would you describe it as a relatively smooth road?
My road was smooth enough. I am a hands-on learner, so having an apprenticeship worked better than trying to get a college degree. I am also an introvert, so getting out of my shell took time and practice. Which I am very grateful for; there are a lot of interesting people you get to meet! Everyone’s tattoo has a story, and who doesn’t love a great story?
Alright, so let’s switch gears a bit and talk business. What should we know about your work?
My style is influenced by surrealism, art nouveau, and illustration. I especially enjoy tattooing anything that is nature and animal inspired. I’m known for the amount of detail in my designs, animal portraits, and clean lines. Honestly, I am proud of so many of the tattoos I have done, but what comes to mind are some of the completed back pieces, full-sleeve projects, and animal portraits. I’m proud that my clients have that much trust in me. It goes a long way. What sets me apart is when you come to get a tattoo from me, I try to have a connection with my client. I prefer face-to-face consultations to get to know my clients and create personal designs for them.
Is there any advice you’d like to share with our readers who might just be starting?
Show up with your best foot forward and a portfolio of the artwork you enjoy creating. Show that you are serious and dedicated. Ask questions, listen, and do some research on shops. Sometimes the hours are long, especially at the beginning, and you may take homework. If those first shops don’t take you on or you aren’t looking for an apprentice, keep looking. There will be a shop that will take you on. I wish I had known that if you are uncomfortable in the shop you are in or apprenticing under, leave asap and find a shop that appreciates you. There is a shop for you out there, especially nowadays.
Pricing:
- $150 hourly
- $100 minimum
- $100 non refundable deposit
Contact Info:
- Website: boardwalktattoos.com
- Instagram: Instagram.com/subear
