Today we’d like to introduce you to Taylor Compton.
Hi Taylor, we’d love for you to start by introducing yourself.
I grew up in Munster Indiana, a small town outside of Chicago. When I was in 5th grade, I had an assignment to write down three things I wanted to do when I grew up. I wrote, go to SAIC (the college I attended), work in fashion (Rustic Threads was the name of my knitwear line), and move to California (which I did as soon as possible). Now, I didn’t realize that 11 years old me was that self-aware, because 31 year old me isn’t at all. Too bad she couldn’t predict that I would end up quitting fashion, move to Denver, and feel kind of lost for almost two years before I found my stride again.
Even though when I moved to Denver, I felt very displaced, it was a great opportunity to re-examine what I wanted in life and what kind of career I wanted. I had no problem being creative and making things, that’s always been second nature to me. But I didn’t know where my skills fit and what other skills I had. So I took some time away from making art as my main form of income. I got a job at Whole Foods. Funny enough, I figured out I was really good at customer service, and I really liked it. I’d worked jobs like this before but mostly in small boutiques or retail stores. There was something about the validation from a larger group of people that gave me the confidence to start thinking, “Hey service is a special skill.” It was something I also found fulfilling. Human interaction and connection fuels me, but at the time I didn’t know what career would allow me to be creative and be of service to individuals.
Somewhere in the middle of all of this, I had learned about handpoked tattooing. I had gotten a few, and made friends with a few tattoo artists. Tattooing had always been something that interested me but I didn’t think to do it as a career.
One day I found out a friend from work had purchased all of the things you needed to hand poke tattoo yourself. I immediately asked her if I could give it a try. She, probably reluctantly, said yes. She came over to my house and many hours later she had a little tattoo. Soon after a few more co-works wanted tattoos, then it was friends, then it was friends of friends, and so on. Next thing I knew, I was doing it full time! It became the perfect integration for my love of creating and connecting. I get to make art every day and sometimes make really special, unique custom pieces for clients that mean a lot to them.
I believe that tattoos are self-care! (I even had a neon sign made for my studio that says that!) Sometimes the tattoos are a way to make a memory or commemorate one. It’s such a beautiful form of art and self-representation. I feel really lucky to have this be my job.
Now although 11 years old me predicted a lot, but never saw me moving to an obscure small desert town, like Joshua Tree, becoming a tattoo artist, and opening a studio with a badass crew of women behind her, but I think she’d be proud of me.
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?
Of course, the road hasn’t been smooth! I am a female in the tattoo industry who also specializes in a style and technique that isn’t always looked at as credible by other tattooers. Plus, I’m an entrepreneur, I own my own business. Anyone who owns their own business will tell you that there’s always bumps in the road. The bumps always hit really hard at first, and they can cause real damage, but what’s leftover after the crash is what you rebuild from.
For example, I have had four tattoo studios in the almost five years I have been tattooing. One loss after the other felt devastating. After each I lost time, money, energy, and a little hope. But after each loss, I learned something new. I learned how to do things better. I learned what worked best for me. I learned to trust my intuition. I learned that you shouldn’t always settle for the first thing that comes along. I also learned to read the fine print! Don’t sign a lease without reading the fine print people! Seems like a basic idea but when you’re desperate or excited, it’s easy to miss some details. The most important lesson I have learned is that I am capable of being bouncing back. Just like anything, you get better at if after trying a few times.
Can you tell our readers more about what you do and what you think sets you apart from others?
I am a tattoo artist that specializes in a technique called handpoke or stick and poke. Handpoke is an ancient technique used for permanently applying ink to skin. It relies on one’s hand to imprint the needle into the skin instead of a modern machine. However, the way I do it now is a much more contemporary take than the more familiar techniques used in Polynesia, Thailand, or Japan. Most of the equipment I use, including the needles is similar to most machine tattoo artists. I use a sterile tattoo needles that would normally go into a coil tattoo machine, but instead of the machine, I just use my hands to control the needles movement into the skin. I find it to be a relaxing process for myself and my clients. The sensation is different than a machine. You don’t have the vibrating or scratching sensation you get from most machine tattoos. However, I would never say they hurt less. Pain is totally subjective it’s often determined by the tolerance of the client, the hand of the artist, and the location that the tattoo is being applied.
I try to pursue subject matter like female figures, plants, and animals. I love when those ideas get to intersect and play off one another. I do mostly custom work for clients. Often clients will send me more than one idea and I kind of get to pick the one that calls out to me. I try to avoid ideas that I don’t feel like I am the best suited for and will often to try guide clients to artists I feel might be better suited to complete their vision. I want to be excited about the pieces that I am creating for my clients, that way, we get the best results possible! The entire experience of tattooing is important to me. That’s also why I’ve moved into a private studio with only three artists. The place is always calm, comfortable and relaxing. I want people to walk away with a tattoo they will love for ever and a pleasant experience they will appreciate too.
How do you think about happiness?
Living in a beautiful, peaceful place with a solid community. Dogs, but mostly my dogs. Being my own boss. Spending time with family and friends. Being outside on a perfect day. Cooking. All of the people I get to meet through my job. Eating/ drinking in a bikini, don’t ask my why at any size it’s incredibly freeing! OH, fried chicken and waffles, PURE JOY.
Pricing:
- I charge by the hour $175/hr
Contact Info:
- Email: [email protected]
- Website: lovealwaystattoo.com
- Instagram: @lovetaylorelyse or @lovealwaystattoo_studio
Image Credits:
Feature image was taken by Jessica Castro Photographer | Los Angeles P 323.642.8201 [email protected] W http://jessicacastrophotography.com
