Meet Charissa Madison of Asylum of Imagination Tattoo Studio

Today we’d like to introduce you to Charissa Madison.

Hi Charissa, so excited to have you with us today. What can you tell us about your story? 
Oh goodness, I’m not very good at talking about myself, so if I ramble, please excuse me. I am a 48 yr. old mother, wife, and tattoo artist, and lived in the Wendell/Knightdale area for approximately 19 yrs., with my husband, children, and flock of fur babies. 

I’ve always loved Art and have always been an artistic person. From the time I was old enough to hold a pencil and paintbrush, I have been drawing, painting, and making things. I wanted to pursue a career in art, but my father persuaded me to look into other career options as he was concerned being an artist would not be financially sustainable. So, several majors later, I got a degree in Business Management. 

I guess you could call me a “Jackie of all trades” as I’ve trained, been to school, and worked in many different professions trying to find my place in the world. I’ve worked in corporate setting to manual trade labor and have owned 2 previous businesses. Unfortunately, I never felt fulfilled with any of my career choices. I felt stuck and unsatisfied and thought there has got to be more to life than this! 

So, at 44 years old, I decided to take my art skills to an entirely new level and pursue a career in tattooing. I have to say that this has been the most rewarding careers change I’ve made. Each day is a new opportunity to explore the possibilities and turn Ideas into works of art. I love working on a new canvas every day and the constant flow of ideas that this industry brings, I love my clients and all the heartfelt and often times funny conversations we have, and most of all that when they leave my studio, it is with a smile on their face because I brought their idea to life for a lasting memory. I wouldn’t be able to do this without them. I currently have my own private studio and plan to open a full studio in the near future, 

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?
Changing careers can be a bit nerve-racking. Doing it at 44 yrs. old can be even more so. Before pursuing a career in tattooing, I suppose I always envisioned most tattooist as young, hips, and cool. So, there was initially some concerned that starting so late in life would affect my marketability as a new artist since most tattoo artist start in their early 20’s. I just have to work that much harder to be competitive in the field. I kind of had to do some inner soul-searching to see myself straight. I know 44 isn’t old, but when you are in a studio with only 20-something-year-olds, it tend to give a different perspective. Thankfully, I’ve gotten past that, and of course, my clients don’t care about my age, so why should I! 

Outside of that, the only concerning bump in the road has been the negative experience while working at a local tattoo shop in Knightdale and Raleigh owned by the same person. It was not a safe space for any female, customer, tattoo artist, and apprentice alike, and was quite hostile because of the owners’ predatorial behavior. Apparently, his predatorial behavior is well known going back a few years and is documented on Reddit, Google reviews, Instagram, and Facebook reviews. However, I did not know any of this when I took the position as tattoo artist and shop manager. Fortunately, both locations have been since closed, although he’s opened Another location with a new name. 

The experience at that shop is the reason I chose to open my own private studio, to where all are safe and welcome w/ plans to open a full studio so that others artist can work in a safe environment. 

Thanks for sharing that. So, maybe next, you can tell us a bit more about your business?
I currently have a private studio, Asylum of Imagination Tattoo, in Knightdale, NC. I am available by appointment and do take walk-ins when time/availability permits. I am skilled in a variety of tattoo styles and specialize in black and grey, botanical pieces, and memorials. My favorite things to tattoo are flowers, black and gray, fine line, paramedical pieces, and designing custom pieces.

What’s next?
Plans are in motion to open a full studio where artist and clients alike will be able to join me in a happy, safe, and friendly environment for much-needed fresh ink, pretty jewelry and piercings, and good conversation. 

Contact Info:

• Website: https://www.asylumofimaginationtattoostudio.com/meet-our-artists
• Instagram: https://instagram.com/asylum_of_imagination_tattoo?igshid=OGQ5ZDc2ODk2ZA==
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/AsylumofImaginationTattooandArtStudio