5 minute read
AMBER LYNN
ALDRIAN ALFONSO @ar1photography
Loud&Clear caught up with Amber Lynn, a talented Model, Professional Tattoo Artist, and owner of Tru Tattoo in Albuquerque, New Mexico.
When I decided to open up my own shop I wanted to create a whole atmosphere based on that idea, that women would have a place they were comfortable. –Amber Lynn, Tru Tattoo
When did you start your career as a tattoo artist?
I started my career as a tattoo artist almost two years ago when I began tattooing at home. From there I was offered a tattoo apprenticeship at Pushin Ink.
Who or What inspired you to pursue such a career?
It wasn’t any specific thing or person that inspired me to become a tattoo artist. There was multiple people in my life that inspired me and supported my art.
What do most people not realize about life as a tattoo artist?
Most people don’t realize how hard it is on your body to be a tattoo artist, but also how rewarding it is on a deeper scale. I remember venting to another tattoo artist about my back. They told me “Imagine tattooing for over 20 years. Your eyes, your back, even your shoulders will be physically worn out”. But, there are times where I am covering peoples scars, tattooing memorial pieces, or even tattooing something to remind someone to wake up every day and keep pushing. These are some of the most special moments for me where I can help someone in their healing process.
If you were forced to choose only one, which emotion, more than any other, drives you to stay in this tough business? Is it joy, anger, desire, passion or pride and why?
If I had to choose one emotion that drives me I would say it is passion. I have a passion for art, for working with people and for seeing someone happy. Tattoo is a form of therapy for many people.
Facial tattoos are becoming more and more popular. How do you feel about giving facial tattoos?
I am biased towards face tattoos, because I have two myself. I think that tattoos on the face when done well can be tasteful.
What are some of the least painful places to get tattooed?
Some of the least painful areas to get a tattoo would be the forearm and bicep. Surprisingly the sides of the face are also areas that are very tolerable.
How many tattoos do you have? Which one is your favorite?
I have 27 tattoos in total on my body. I have a hard time picking a favorite tattoo because my whole sleeve tells my life story. If I had to pick my favorite, it would be my grandparents handwriting it says “I love you”.
Do you represent any brands? If not, what brands would you like to rep?
Yes, I have been representing a local jewelry company, Adam Fierro Jewelry. Adam designs and creates beautiful turquoise and silver jewelry. I’m hoping to work with more tattoo related companies in the future.
What has been your biggest challenge as a tattoo artist? Have you been able to overcome that challenge? If so, how?
My biggest challenge becoming a tattoo artist has been being a young woman in the industry. I have overcome this by turning it into a marketing tool. Tattooing is such a male dominated industry that there is a specific clientele that doesn’t get catered too in the tattoo world.
A common phrase among creatives is, “you must suffer for your art”. Do you agree with this statement? If so, how have you suffered for your art?
Yes, I think that you can’t appreciate the good without first experiencing the bad. Tattooing within itself is pain before production. Before I became a tattoo artist, I too experienced pain before production. Being a tattoo apprentice is not as fun as some people may think. You start at the bottom of the totem pole. You have to learn to be okay with being uncomfortable. You have to learn how to humble yourself and take criticism and at the same time you have to learn how to believe in yourself and your art.
Tell us about your new all girl tattoo shop?
When I was an apprentice a lot of girls were excited that they were going to have an artist that they could feel comfortable with. When I decided to open up my own shop I wanted to create a whole atmosphere based on that idea, that women would have a place they were comfortable. I hired an all girl staff and based the aesthetics of the shop off of that. Everything from the wall decor to the tattoo machines is feminine.
How can new clients find your shop and schedule an appointment?
New clients can find our shop at 1001 San Mateo Blvd., SE Albuquerque, NM 87108. You can contact me personally at (505) 514- 7172 or DM my Instagram @freakingamberstattoos.
What do you enjoy doing when you’re not tattooing people?
When I’m not tattooing I’m a single mom of two boys who enjoys boxing at Johnny Tapias Gym.
What is the best advice you have received?
The best advice I have ever received was “if there is a will there is a way”.
If you could describe your art in one word, what would it be?
If I had to describe my art in one word it would be evolving.
Please list your social media.
My Instagram handles are @freakingamberman and @freakingamberstattoos
