Amelia Edwards Denver, CO

AMELIA EDWARDS

Hi! I’m Amelia! I’m an autistic tattoo artist and co-owner of a private studio (Happy Heart Tattoo) in Denver, CO. I started tattooing in Nebraska in 2018 and have since also tattooed in Washington and Virginia! I’m married to my high school sweetheart, and together, we have 2 kids, one very rotund cat, and an energetic dog ⸺ Has

it been hard working as a woman in a male-dominated indus-

try? Yes. Plain and simple. Especially as a young mother, it’s been extremely difficult. After I had my oldest daughter, I only had about a year of experience under my belt, so I knew I wanted to be in a shop setting to be able to continue to learn and grow. Most people wouldn’t even look at my portfolio. The people that did told me that if I prioritized my family over tattooing, I would never make it in the industry. Trying to be a good wife, mother, and friend has always been my top priority. I just can’t bring myself to put any merit into the toxic mindset that seems to be so common in this industry; that you have to break yourself and dedicate all that you are to be successful ⸺ What is

the most important advice you can give a female new to the

art of tattooing? I would say, just keep pushing yourself to grow, and don’t lose focus on what’s most valuable to you. Attend seminars regularly, and make friends with tattoo artists that are at different stages of their careers than you are (you’d be surprised how much someone “less experienced” can teach you.) And always be open to constructive criticism and advice even when you don’t ask. Thinking you know it all will get you nowhere fast ⸺ Who/where do you get your inspiration from? I draw inspiration for my tattoo designs from art, tv shows, and other tattoo artists! ⸺ What did your

family and friends think about you getting into the tattoo busi-

ness? My mom, siblings, and friends were all ecstatic and extremely supportive! I tattoo my mom regularly! My old-school dad, however, was less than enthused. I think he’s getting on board, though!⸺

Do you have any other art mediums that you like? Oil paint-

ing, charcoal, watercolor? I really enjoy watercolor and pencils! However, I also find myself painting just about anything I can get my hands on with acrylic paint. ✕