Today we’d like to introduce you to Kat Humphrey.
Alright, so thank you so much for sharing your story and insight with our readers. To kick things off, can you tell us a bit about how you got started?
I’ve always been into art ever since I can remember. Doodling, painting, sketching; no matter what it was I was always doing something artsy. I think I get a lot of that from my dad, he’s a super creative minded human too. I definitely went through the “what do I want to be when I grow up” phase of flip flopping between potential careers (crime scene investigator, fashion designer, actress to name a few), but didn’t really decide to become a tattoo artist until I was about 16ish. I was dual enrolled at Pitt Community College and had decided I was going to become an artist….however everyone I told this to made sure to let me know I would be a ‘starving artist’ and that was not a good career path to pick. So instead I started to look into the art of tattooing. It didn’t take long for me to change my future goal to becoming a tattoo artist. So really I became a tattoo artist almost out of spite lol I just loved how your art is forever. Flash forward through college, three tattoo apprenticeships and three shop changes to today where I have my very own private studio and couldn’t be happier with where I am now. 🙂
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?
The journey to this point has most definitely been very bumpy, but I truly wouldn’t change it. One of the main struggles would be getting my foot in the door in the first place. Establishing yourself with a tattoo shop so someone will teach you the craft is not an easy task. The beginning was rough. There were many times I just didn’t think my dream was ever going to happen; I had other tattoo artist tell me not to pursue it and to just ‘stay in school’ instead. I actually caught my “lucky break” during my time working retail in the mall. One of my coworkers at the time was also a tattoo artist and heard that was what I wanted to be; she agreed to teach me to tattoo if I drew her 1,000 roses. Which of course I did! That was my first apprenticeship; which was okay for a bit, but unfortunately I got into an accident on the way there one day and had to stop going. So I was down for the count for a while there just trying to figure out how to get back on the path to my dream career. My favorite aunt in the whole world mentioned her tattoo artist in Greenville was looking to take on an apprentice. I was so hype and jumped on the opportunity asap! So there I was again back on track, doing the thing….and then I come in one day and she had quit. Thankfully there was another tattoo artist working there with us and she felt pretty bad about the situation and agreed to finish out my apprenticeship. Truly she taught me so much and I don’t think I’d be the artist I am without her. That shop changed hands three different times while I was working there. Now I am at my private studio. Although I do LOVE my space it also come with difficulties. Starting your own business is so challenging; financially it’s also a lot. I can’t reuse anything obviously so I have to keep a full stock at all times. Although my journey so far has been such an up and down roller costar, it is also so rewarding and fulfilling.
Thanks – so what else should our readers know about Tatts by Kat?
I am a tattoo artist in Greenville, NC who specializes in fine line. I’m specifically known for my dainty, whimsical fine line tattoos. Most of what I do is very feminine and soft. I’m also known for my love of Monster High dolls; it’s become a part of my brand. My whole studio is covered in them and all of my clients know me for it lol I am most proud of how welcoming my space is. I’m so glad I have a comfortable and inviting space for my clients to come and chill while they get some awesome artwork done. I think this is one of the main things that sets me apart from other tattoo artist; especially shops. The vibes are just not the same when you’re in a tattoo shop versus a private studio. One of my main goals is to make sure that my client has the best and most comfortable experience possible. I also think just being a woman in such a male dominated field makes me stand out as well. I would like anyone considering of booking with me to know that everyone is welcome at my studio; I am a very chill person, super easy going and friendly, but the one thing not allowed in my studio is hate. My space is full of good vibes and love. You will always feel cared for in my space.
Can you talk to us a bit about the role of luck?
Although my career has been full of ups and downs, I would say that I am very fortunate and lucky to be where I am. The accident I had on the way to my first apprenticeship was some serious bad luck, but the universe turned it around and landed me in a tattoo shop with my second and third apprenticeship. The tattoo shop came with an abundance of bad luck and unfortunate circumstances, but I made life long tattoo artists friends. Moving into my private studio was one of the most nerve wrecking experiences, but I was so lucky to get a space with a huge window for taking pictures of my work. So yes it’s been a LOT of highs and lows, but you just have to keep on going and hope it all works out.
Pricing:
- My hourly rate is 150$
- My minimum is 100$
- I normally charge per piece instead of hourly unless it’s a HUGE project.
Contact Info:
- Instagram: tattsbykat_
- Other: [email protected]
