Today we’d like to introduce you to Kylene Babski.
Hi Kylene, can you start by introducing yourself? We’d love to learn more about how you got to where you are today?
I was born in Orange, CA in 1983, but moved back east to WV at the age of ten. Like a lot of artists, I’ve been drawing and painting as far back as I can remember. I started seriously practicing art, in multiple forms, around the age of twenty. I had always had an interest in tattooing and body modifications, but was unfortunately turned away from a tattoo apprenticeship early on, based on the fact that I was female.
Ultimately, I ended up going the traditional route, pursuing an art degree, and participating in local, state, and national fine art gallery shows. In 2015 (after several attempts), I graduated with a BA from Concord University in Athens, WV with a double major in Studio Art and Advertising/Graphic Design. My focus was based on drawing and painting, both personal works and freelance commission and work.
After a major life change at the end of 2019, I relocated to Greensboro, NC. In the summer of 2021, I was able to begin a formal tattoo apprenticeship with a local shop, and was licensed in December of 2021. At the end of 2025, I opened a private tattoo studio in Greensboro, where I currently share space with a long-time friend and colleague. I continue to paint and draw from my home art studio, and try to take on art commissions, when my tattoo schedule allows.
We all face challenges, but looking back would you describe it as a relatively smooth road?
I think any time you choose to go down the creative path, things can be unpredictable. Working for myself, income is almost never a steady stream. You learn to save during your bountiful times, to make sure your slow times don’t hit you quite as hard. It also helps to have a good support team, whether it’s friends, family, or fellow creatives that understand exactly what you’re going through.
Switching gears from fine art to tattooing was also a huge learning curve for me. As someone who was used to working solo for so long, jumping into the atmosphere of a tattoo street shop was intimidating. I’ve had life-long struggles with anxiety, and it took a long time for me to realize that I might actually be better with people than I had thought.
Thanks – so what else should our readers know about your work and what you’re currently focused on?
For a time, I considered getting into the field of illustration once I graduated with my BA. One of the best pieces of advice I received from a professor at that time was, “don’t be a one-trick pony”. I think when you’re pursuing fine art, you can feel a push to find a particular style or method that defines you. Now, while there are certain things that I have been known for over the years, such as realistic/hyperrealistic drawings, I also pride myself on being versatile. With fine art, I’ve worked in all styles and mediums, and I love how that has translated over into my tattoo career. My tattoo portfolio ranges from black & grey to color, realism to illustrative, simple to complex. I hope I never lose that drive to explore new styles and give people the custom work they want and deserve.
Is there a quality that you most attribute to your success?
I’m thankful for the drive I have to create things. I’ve often said that even if my art never had an audience again, I would still be making it. That need has never left me.
I am also persistent. I learned at a pretty late age that it is never too late to start over, and that you are always capable of more than you thought.
I pride myself on the service and communication I give to each and every one of my clients. Yes, I am the artist, but tattooing is ultimately a collaboration: I have a responsibility to ensure my clients are comfortable and confident in the decisions we make together. I always want people to walk away from me having had a great experience, and proud of the new art they are wearing on their bodies.
Pricing:
- $80 shop minimum
- $150/hour
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.kylenebabski.com
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/kylene_babski_tattoos
- Other: https://share.google/woGlsjwdlLY0EqCoo
