When senior Emily Rich walked into Evelynn Johnson’s house late March, she left with more than just a friend; she took away a newfound love of art and a mark forever reminding her of that day.

Johnson tattooed a frog skateboarding on both Rich and her mother’s ankles. This tattoo serves as a lasting reminder of the beginning of their connection not only as a couple but also the initial spark that ignited Rich’s interest in pursuing a career as a tattoo artist.

“That was my first tattoo; it honestly hurt. It felt like a blade repeatedly cutting me,” Rich said. “The next day, she gave me another tattoo of a red scorpion on my thigh that night. I asked my mom if I could get a tattoo gun. At first, she said no, but the next morning, she bought me a tattoo gun off Amazon.”

Upon receiving her tattooing equipment in March 2023, she diligently prepared by watching YouTube tutorials before embarking on her first practical experience with artificial skin. Her first foray into tattooing involved creating a design of Kirby, a well-known Nintendo character.

“I was curious about the sensation of holding the tattoo gun,” Rich said. “Once I felt confident, I proceeded to ink a purple crab in the middle of my thigh. In hindsight, it wasn’t the best decision; the experience was rather unpleasant.”

Like any tattoo artist, she continues to encounter challenges that require her ongoing improvement. 

“The application of the stencil is particularly demanding, often a tedious process even when shading different colors,” Rich said. “Additionally, juggling appointments and having a job can be a challenge, but things generally work out smoothly.” 

Texas requires all tattoo artists to register. They also have to present proof of an approved training course that includes at least six hours. This program should encompass time dedicated to bloodborne pathogens – a course specifically designed for tattoo artists who may be exposed to blood and bodily fluids in their work environment. Additionally, the training should cover aseptic tattoo methods to minimize the risk of cross-contamination. According to texas.licenselookup.org and redcross.org.

“I’m planning on getting my tattooing license once I’m 18,” Rich said. “All I know is that I need to do 100 hours of apprenticeship, and all I do is draw lines on fake skin and paper and then apply in a tattoo shop, and eventually get hired so they can teach me even more.”

Rich has noticed that tattooing herself is less painful than tattooing others. She’s also observed differences in how the skin of a 70-year-old and a 16-year-old reacts to the ink. 

“Younger skin tends to be smoother and more accommodating for the process,” Rich said. “On the other hand, I’ve also tattooed my grandma, creating a small cat design behind her ear. However, tattooing on more mature skin, which is naturally more stretchy, presents about 20 times more of a challenge.”

She has expanded her clientele to include individuals beyond her immediate family and close circle of friends. She’s now serving a broader and more diverse range of clients, which allows her to showcase her skills to a wider audience and explore a variety of artistic preferences and styles. 

“Out of the blue, I received a message from an individual on my tattoo Instagram page,” Rich said. “He’s going to be my very first client who isn’t a family member or a close friend and this will also mark his first tattoo experience. He’s looking for a design with numerous small intricate lines on his wrist. It’s a bit hard to put into words but I hope you can grasp the artistic vision he has in mind.” 

Out of the 30 tattoos she has, there’s one that holds a truly special memory for her. 

“When I was 15, we visited the beach, and I got stung by a jellyfish, which made me develop a dislike for the beach due to that traumatic experience,” Rich said. “However, my friends eventually persuaded me to return to the beach. During the trip, one of them wanted to go hermit crab hunting and that experience completely changed my perspective. I fell in love with the beach and, as tribute to that newfound appreciation, I tattooed a hermit crab on my leg.”  

Clients connect with her through her Instagram account emily_does_tats, which features her art examples.

“Currently, this serves as a backup plan in case my initial aspirations don’t materialize,” Rich said. “However, once I go to university, I intend to set up a dedicated tattooing workspace at a small desk, allowing me to continue pursuing this passion. What remains constant is my enduring enjoyment of the art of tattooing and the gratification I derive from witnessing the completed designs and the joy they bring to others.”