Today we’d like to introduce you to Madison Northrup.
Madison, we appreciate you taking the time to share your story with us today. Where does your story begin?
I’ve always loved tattoos and known from a very young age I would have tattoos when I got older. It wasn’t until I was 14 that I realized that I wanted to become a tattoo artist, and even wrote an essay for my 12th-grade English class on why I wanted to become a tattooist. It wasn’t until about four years after graduation that I was blessed with the opportunity for my dream career. Even though there were bumps on the road on the way there, I never looked back! It’s now been about 4 years since I’ve been tattooing professionally and I absolutely love my life!
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?
In my opinion, the road to tattooing is a completely different experience for everyone. Many of us find that it is difficult mentally, physically & fiscally. At the end of the day, all the trials and tribulations are worth it especially when having the right environment to flourish in and having a support system to hold you up when you feel down.
Working in toxic environments and/or with toxic people was definitely one of the most frustrating parts I’ve had to experience throughout my apprenticeship and career, but I am lucky to now be in a shop surrounded by so many strong, talented and independent women. Both Queens locations have been my saving grace over the last few years!
Can you tell our readers more about what you do and what you think sets you apart from others?
I am a tattoo artist working in an all-female shop in the SFV. I specialize in black and grey illustrative tattooing, but do love to branch out when given the opportunity to try something new! I tattoo a lot of nature-inspired pieces which include insects, plants and animals, but also love to do portraits and ornamental/geometric tattoos as well.
I pride myself in providing a safe, clean and professional space for those who sit in my chair. It is important to me that my clients are comfortable when they are in my shop and to make sure that they are satisfied and taken care of even after they leave.
Networking and finding a mentor can have such a positive impact on one’s life and career. Any advice?
Before my apprenticeship, I used to do social media for a tattoo page. One day I came across a friend on Facebook who posted a sleeve he had gotten & I reached out to ask if I could share it for my work page. My friend said of course, then gave me his artist’s FB and told me to reach out to him for his permission as well.
After I got the artist’s permission he added me on Facebook, and he saw I had an interest in tattooing/my artwork and reached out asking if I wanted an apprenticeship and the rest is history!!
His ig is @tofutatu and he is the owner of @highnowheretattoo in Crested Butte, CO.
My advice for aspiring tattoo artists is to put yourself out there, draw, get tattooed and do the research to make sure you get an apprenticeship in a shop with dedicated artists and a clean environment!
Pricing:
- My pricing is dependent on the piece. Our shop minimum is $150 and goes up from there depending on a few factors.
- For large-scale work, I charge $150 an hour.
- Deposits are required for appointments and are either $50 or $100 depending on the scale of work being done.
Contact Info:
- Instagram: @anti.madiii
