Today we’d like to introduce you to Isabela Livingstone.
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 opened June Bug Tattoo in Altadena two years ago this month. I aimed to create a space that was queer-friendly, sensory-friendly, and a generally safe and comfortable place to get a tattoo. We came a long way in 2 years and created a wonderful community of artists and clients.
When the fire came through and burned everything to the ground, I was left feeling like I had no other choice than to rebuild it as soon as I possibly could. I had put my life savings into building it the first time so I needed to reach out to the community and try to crowd-fund the effort. To my amazement, we were able to raise the money we needed in less than a month and we were able to get a new space and rebuild it in 2 months. Its been a crazy time and an unbelievable amount of work but I’m so proud to say we are back.
Alright, so let’s dig a little deeper into the story – has it been an easy path overall and if not, what were the challenges you’ve had to overcome?
The trauma of watching my community burn was unbelievable. My fathers home, My childhood school, My friends, family, neighbors and my business all gone in just a day. It took a toll on me that I’m still trying to recover from. I really did throw myself into work, specifically the work of rebuilding. Rebuilding took all of my mental and physical energy. I really had no room in my life for anything else. My relationships suffered, my marriage suffered and my physical health suffered quite a bit.
Alright, so let’s switch gears a bit and talk business. What should we know about your work?
I as an artist love to lean into the Neo Traditional Style. I love Black and grey semi-realistic designs. My favorite subjects are bugs and botanicals and birds. Nothing makes me happier!
I am most proud of the community I’ve built, the artists I have taught and have made relationships with. I wouldn’t trade that for anything.
How do you define success?
Success to me looks like a happy community of Artists working together supporting each other and making good money from our art. Being able to pay for healthcare, good food and a good home.
Pricing:
- My price is $175 per hour
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.junebugtattoo.com
- Instagram: @hellzbellzink
- Yelp: https://www.yelp.com/biz/june-bug-tattoo-los-angeles-3?osq=June+Bug+Tattoo
Image Credits
Budd Diaz
Paul Livingstone
Lauren Dunn
Isabela Livingstone
