Today we’d like to introduce you to Chantel Kristensen.
Hi Chantel, it’s an honor to have you on the platform. Thanks for taking the time to share your story with us – to start maybe you can share some of your backstory with our readers?
I got my first tattoo at the age of 16. My mom signed for me to get it of course, and it just made me really happy. It wasn’t a special tattoo, it had no meaning behind it, it just made me feel good. So, I decided that I wanted to make others feel happy about themselves. I started to do a lot of research, and at 18 I got my first apprenticeship at a shop. I worked as hard as I could and graduated at 20. My mentor taught me so much and if it wasn’t for his knowledge and guidance I would still be struggling. He passed on his skills, and told me to be better than he was. I have been tattooing professionally for 6 years now. I couldn’t see myself doing anything else.
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?
It has not been a smooth ride. Learning a whole new medium is a challenge on its own. It’s even worse when your canvas is moving. It was difficult learning the first shop I apprenticed at wasn’t going to teach me anything. I had to leave and find a better place. The second place, where I graduated from, was much better and they actually wanted to teach me. It was still very difficult to learn, but after about a year everything clicked. All of a sudden it all started to make sense.
Thanks – so what else should our readers know about your work and what you’re currently focused on?
I specialize in neo-Japanese, anime, and horror tattoos. I learn as much as I possibly can to make sure my tattoos are accurate. I love asking my clients why they want their tattoos. If it is a meaningful tattoo I want to know why, if it means nothing then I ask more personal questions. Getting to know and understand people is the best part. You get to bring their story or idea to life. I do not strive to be the best tattoo artist. I just want my tattoo to be my client’s favorite.
What sort of changes are you expecting over the next 5-10 years?
People are doing new things every day! It is absolutely astonishing to see what some people are capable of. The industry is always changing and I am so excited to see where it goes. When I first started tattooing, there were still a lot of does and don’ts. Unfortunately, at the time, the older tattoo artist was very stuck in their ways and did not like change. But, now that there is a wave of artists with new ideas and a better way of doing things overall. It is exciting to watch and be a part of. I can’t wait to see where the industry is at in the upcoming years.
Pricing:
- $120 and hour
- $1000 for all day session
Contact Info:
- Instagram: @chantytattoos
- Facebook: @chantytattoos
