Conversations with Lex Kennedy

Today we’d like to introduce you to Lex Kennedy.

Hi Lex, thanks for joining us today. We’d love for you to start by introducing yourself.
When I was in Michigan where I grew up, I tried to get an apprenticeship everywhere within 30 miles of where I lived at the time. Showing up with my portfolio, willing to talk to anyone who would listen. Being a female in a male dominated industry is never an easy thing and I can’t tell you how many times I was scoffed at, laughed at, had my portfolio shoved back at me, called slurs, or my favorite of being told my hands wouldn’t be able to handle the weight of a machine. I took a chance and uprooted my entire life to see if California had anything to offer me in terms of tattooing and I was able to find an apprenticeship 3 days after I got off the plane. Sometimes every door slams shut in your face for a reason.

My apprenticeship itself was grueling. It was a very traditional type of street shop apprenticeship and as difficult as it was, I’m glad I went through it. I learned so much about not only the industry, but myself as a person and an artist as well. That time was incredibly formative to my career and will always hold a special place in my heart.

I’ve moved through my tattooing career fortunate enough to be surrounded by and have worked alongside some of the best in the industry. Learning, growing, and expanding are always at the center of what I hold dear.

Would you say it’s been a smooth road, and if not what are some of the biggest challenges you’ve faced along the way?
When I arrived in California, I was working full time at my day job on top of apprenticing. Working day in and day out, one step at a time to chase my dream.

The pandemic hit as soon as I started to feel like I was actually getting somewhere. I remember watching tattooers work in home made hazmat suits just to try to keep going. The days I spent in my apartment listening to podcasts and tattooing endlessly on fake skin without saying a word for hours on end will always stick out in my mind. As bizarre as that time in everyone’s life was, I’m glad for the lessons I learned during it.

Alright, so let’s switch gears a bit and talk business. What should we know about your work?
There aren’t many pieces I say no to, but my favorites are anything witchy of course, lady faces, bugs, bottles. I’m known for both my dramatic black and gray as well as my bold color. Stylistically, I tend to lean towards more illustrative realism and neotraditional, though I do have plenty of people who come to me for fine line or other styles. I’m proud of the range that I carry in my skill set and being able to always bring my best to the table when designing and tattooing.

Alright so before we go can you talk to us a bit about how people can work with you, collaborate with you or support you?
I’m mainly on Instagram (@a_kennedy15) and TikTok (@lexkennedytattoos) and my booking information is listed there as well. Any kind of social media interaction is a great way to help show your support.

Pricing:

• $150 minimum
• $450 half day
• $800 full day
• $1200 back to back full day sessions

Contact Info:

• Website: https://venue.ink/@lexkennedytattoos
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/a_kennedy15?igsh=NTc4MTIwNjQ2YQ%3D%3D&utm_source=qr

Image Credits
N/A, all photos were taken and edited by me