Today we’d like to introduce you to Olivia Payne.
Hi Olivia, can you start by introducing yourself? We’d love to learn more about how you got to where you are today?
Hi there! I am originally from Southern California and have lived in North Carolina since middle school. After I graduated high school I spent about a year traveling the world before going to Appalachian State University. I studied Graphic Design and Psychology in hopes to eventually be an Art Therapist. After about two years at ASU I decided it was not the right fit for me. I was interested in tattooing and started doing stick n pokes in my college dorm room (yikes). I struggled in various careers trying to figure out what path I should take and what my future held. Tattooing was always in the back of my mind. In 2023, I just so happen to meet the owner of a tattoo studio at a dog park. We began chatting about art and tattoos. That same week I went to his studio, art portfolio in hand and got an apprenticeship! I almost immediately new tattooing was the perfect fit for me. I have been in love since! My tattooing journey has not been linear. It has been difficult to feel comfortable in a space where I can be myself, learn and continue to grow as an artist. I am finally in an incredible space, Tattoo Honey, that is everything I could have dreamed of and more!
We all face challenges, but looking back would you describe it as a relatively smooth road?
The road to tattooing has definitely not been smooth. I had a background in drawing and painting so in my apprenticeship that part came fairly naturally. My apprenticeship unfortunately was lacking in education and threw me into the tattoo world with little knowledge of what I was doing. Sadly this is not an uncommon experience in the industry. Within a month I was tattooing myself and coworkers. By three months I was licensed and taking walk-ins. I am appreciative for how I got my start into tattooing despite needing more guidance and training than what I was given. Shortly into my career I found out I was pregnant. This was a huge curve ball and a difficult time period not knowing how it would impact my tattooing journey. Becoming a mom was the biggest blessing. It connected me with clients on a deeper level who are also parents and I met many incredible artists who tattooed throughout their pregnancies and early motherhood. I have been at three studios in three years so it has taken time to connect with the right space, people, and location.
Thanks for sharing that. So, maybe next you can tell us a bit more about your work?
I am a tattoo artist specializing in fine line, floral/botanical and ornamental designs. I didn’t intend on doing mainly fine line work but is what I naturally gravitate towards. Although I am always open to trying new styles or designs! I do feel like I am constantly learning and growing as an artist so I don’t know if I have a style I am known for yet! I am most proud of moments where clients see their idea come to life! It is so special to work hard on a design or drawing and have the client say it is exactly what they were looking for. I think what sets me apart is the connections I form with clients and intentional conversations had during appointments.
Risk taking is a topic that people have widely differing views on – we’d love to hear your thoughts.
I think risk taking should be essential in our lives. Where we take risks is where we find the greatest rewards. There is a deep sense of gratitude, humbleness and enrichment that occurs when we take a risk. I think I have taken a lot of risks in my life and they have been so valuable to my journey. I took a risk when I started my career in tattooing. I quit my job as a vet tech and moved into my mom’s house to save money. I used my savings to buy equipment. I didn’t know whether or not it was going to pay off or if I was going to fail. I am so happy to took the risk. When I graduated high school, I took a risk and traveled to several countries before going to college. It was very scary, I didn’t know anyone and took the path less traveled not going to college right away. It ended up being a life changing experience for me. There is a huge gap of uncertainty that lies after a risk and that is where a lot of people decide not to go any further. It is definitely scary but I do think we need to come to terms that it is okay to ‘do it scared’. It is okay to take a risk and still be scared while you are in the midst.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://tattoohoney.com/
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/damoretattoos/
