Check Out Shannon M’s Story

Today, we’d like to introduce you to Shannon M.

Hi Shannon, thanks for joining us today. We’d love for you to start by introducing yourself.
I’ve always been immersed in art, having grown up in New York City. I started doing illustration at the age of 14 and earned two degrees in the field from FIT. As a typical NYC punk kid, I enjoyed creating music logos and album artwork, as well as attending shows.

However, while pursuing illustration, I discovered a stronger passion for tattooing and anatomy. Surprisingly, there weren’t many art students interested in tattooing or had any tattoos in general at my school during that time (this was the pre-internet era; I’m an old guy!). To break into the tattoo world, I tried to befriend and get guidance from established tattoo artists on what was the most respectable way to get into this world.

At the age of 20, I made the decision to leave college and pursue a tattoo apprenticeship. Securing one was not common these days, especially as a girl. It was more of a boys’ club in the area where I was working if you catch my drift. I lied to my family, who were super strict, and lived out of my car because I was making just $75 a week scrubbing toilets and stations and basically getting yelled at all day. Honestly, the best thing I ever did. I might have been traumatized by it, but it sure did build character!

Towards the later part of the apprenticeship, I stumbled upon paramedical tattooing and realized instantly it was my calling. Not only did it blend my love for anatomy, but it also allowed me to empower individuals by helping them feel comfortable in their skin after significant changes. It became clear to me that my place was in the paramedical world. After careful consideration, I redirected my career focus toward learning areola tattooing. It has been an incredibly fulfilling career.

Can you talk to us about the challenges and lessons you’ve learned along the way? Looking back, would you say it’s been easy or smooth in retrospect?
No, no it has not been easy, but it’s been incredibly rewarding. Back when I was learning the trade, it wasn’t as common as it is today, so finding the right people to ask the right questions was a challenge in itself. Instagram frequently flagged my work, so I relied heavily on word-of-mouth advertising. Some of the studios I used to work out of were uncomfortable hosting the service, so I had to learn how to build client’s trust while ensuring suitable environments and times for those who might not feel at ease in a traditional tattoo shop.

I also had to ensure that my work aligned with my tattooing morals. There were numerous established individuals offering this service using the wrong kinds of pigments and needle configurations and tattooing scar tissue prematurely, leading to people basically getting chewed up and overcharged! Many of my clients are older women who’ve had mastectomies and are unfamiliar and uncomfortable with the tattoo world. There was, and still is, a significant amount of misinformation surrounding paramedical tattooing, so a huge part of my job involves dispelling myths and reassuring clients.

Also, the pandemic severely impacted the industry. In Los Angeles, studios were nearly shut down for a year. When we finally received the green light to reopen, many people were still hesitant to return to come back or book, despite tattoo shops being among the most hygienic places to be in! It’s been over four years, and we’re still feeling the aftermath of that.

Alright, so let’s switch gears a bit and talk business. What should we know about your work?
I’m a cosmetic/paramedical tattooer. I specialize in Areola tattooing. But I am best known for my “Floofie brows,” which is the loving term for some really natural microblade brows. I also do combo brow tattooing and lip blushing.

I try to approach my style of tattooing as a more restorative and enhancement of one’s features. I’m not trying to change anyone; I’m trying to complement the personality of the anatomy and, most importantly, make my clients feel the best they can in their own skin!

Alright, so to wrap up, is there anything else you’d like to share with us?
I guess the only other thing I would like to share is how lucky I am to go to work every day doing this job.

I’m literally going to work to make people feel good. I’m being met with clients who have so many choices of amazing tattooers, and they liked me enough to trust me with their features!

It’s impossible to have a bad work day when that is your situation. I meet so many amazing people from all different walks of life. I’m always grateful to be doing what I’m doing!

Contact Info:

• Website: https://www.memoirtattoo.com/artists#/shannon-m
• Instagram: Www.instagram.com/thebrowrecluse
• Email: ShannonM.Tattoo@Gmail.Com

Image Credits
Nat Austrich