Today we’d like to introduce you to Sadie Samet.
Hi Sadie, so excited to have you with us today. What can you tell us about your story?
Hey, I’m Sadie! I’m an artist, I’m a LA local, and I’m currently a tattoo apprentice at Puppy Studio LA. I got my first tattoo when I was 21 years old and that changed the trajectory of my life as I knew it. Tattooing is special to me because I think a lot of us can feel a disconnection from our physical bodies for a variety of reasons. I think there’s a lot of ideals that people are pressured to live up to. I’ve always hated the idea of trying to fit myself into a box, I’ve always expressed myself the way I want to despite what anyone else might say about it. Tattoos for me have been like taking that agency back into my own hands and decorating my body and expressing myself as I see fit. When I start tattooing skin, I want to help others the way getting tattooed has helped me see myself again. I’m still incredibly new to the tattoo world, but I’m so grateful to be part of it. I love this city and living here has absolutely shaped my art making journey as a whole. I’m passionate about LA, I love making art that strikes a chord with people and fosters the community that exists here.
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?
As a lesbian, found family has really been what pushed me through the hard times. I think so many of us in the LGBTQ community can feel a sense of loneliness when we’re initially searching for that. I grew up during a time of such rapid social change in queer community that the same people who called me slurs in the locker room were praising me just a couple years later for being so unapologetically gay. I’m so grateful that I was able to stay true to myself during the darker times and I want to be a beacon to those who might just be finding themselves now. I’m so grateful to have found my community, it’s completely shaped who I am today. My queerness is so integral to my work and I’m so happy to be at a studio with so many other queer artists, it’s such a beautiful place to be.
As you know, we’re big fans of you and your work. For our readers who might not be as familiar what can you tell them about what you do?
I’m currently Apprenticing at Puppy Studio LA in the Arts District and I love it so much. I spent a long time searching for a studio to call home. I’m so grateful to my mentors, Katya and Gusak, for taking a chance on me. I would describe my style as high femme and illustrative, but influenced by traditional. My absolute favorite palette to work with is black, grey, pink, and red. I’m also deeply influenced by nature and fantasy. I’m still so new to tattooing, but I learn something new everyday I’m surrounded by the incredible artists at Puppy.
For the past 12 years, I’ve also been a volunteer artist at the Pasadena Chalk Festival where 600+ artists gather in June of every year to create giant chalk murals and raise funds for the Light Bringer Project, which is a non-profit that brings art programs to underserved youth in the greater Pasadena/Los Angeles area. I’m very proud of my involvement in this event because to me this event really celebrates community and it makes an effort to bring accessible art programs to the next generation of artists.
We’d love to hear about any fond memories you have from when you were growing up?
When I was 12 years old, I started taking art classes over the weekend with my best friend. David Moen(or Mr. Moen) taught me almost everything I know about drawing. He taught classes out of a small studio he built in his backyard. It was a quiet place, tucked in behind a lively and untamed garden. I loved going to class and I spent all of my formative years there. I would draw in the back room for hours with his greyhound, Cosmo, sleeping at my feet and chatting about life with my best friend. It was so special, I’ll never forget it.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://sadiesamet.com
- Instagram: sadie.samet
