Today we’d like to introduce you to Heather Bailey.
Every artist has a unique story. Can you briefly walk us through yours?
I began my tattoo career in 2002 and it has led me up and down the California coast ever since. I grew up with a passion and talent for art, and through a stroke of fate ended up in a tattoo apprenticeship, and I’ve never looked back since.
After completing my apprenticeship, I cut my teeth for several years in a street shop in the Bay Area. I was then offered a job at Avalon 2, in San Diego, where I relocated and began taking my tattooing to a new level. The Bay Area beckoned me back in 2010 when I was invited to work at Spider Murphy’s. The time with the crew there raised my tattooing and painting to the level they are at today.
Tattooing has given me the opportunity to travel the world, and ultimately, the honor of practicing my craft alongside some of my favorite tattooers at the prestigious Black Heart Tattoo in San Francisco. I was there for three years until my recent relocation to Los Angeles.
Please tell us about your art.
A few clients have described my tattoo style as “Gothic Traditional” which is funny and seems appropriate. I’d say that I do traditional tattooing with the non-traditional subject matter. I use a lot of black with a super muted color palette which is pretty identifiable.
I’m constantly inspired by music, the occult, history, fetish/alternative lifestyles and literature which are all very prevalent in my tattooing and painting. I, of course, have a wide array of clients who also inspire me to a degree. My most favorite clients are sex workers and queer/trans individuals. I absolutely love being able to provide a space for them to feel comfortable during an uncomfortable often vulnerable procedure.
As an artist, how do you define success and what quality or characteristic do you feel is essential to success as an artist?
I have gotten to travel the world while doing what I love. I’ve met some of my best friends though tattooing, fellow tattooers and clients that have turned into close friends as well as a few celebrities! My husband and I started our friendship when he first got tattooed by me and my career allows me to see him while he’s on tour with his band.
Tattooing has given me a lot of opportunities in my life which I am so very grateful for and to me that is a true success.
How or where can people see your work? How can people support your work?
My Instagram and Facebook page are the best ways to see my work as it’s the most up-to-date. I also have an online store where I have t-shirts, tote bags, pins as well as original paintings for sale. I not only do tattoos but I also am always open to commissions like paintings, logo designs, t-shirt designs, etc.
Contact Info:
- Website: www.heatherxtattoo.bigcartel.com
- Email: [email protected]
- Instagram: @cathedraloftears
- Facebook: www.facebook.com/heatherbaileytattoo
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