Today, we’d like to introduce you to Sam Walker.
Thank you so much for sharing your story and insight with our readers. To kick things off, can you tell us a bit about how you got started?
Originally, I was in college pursuing an art degree with big dreams of becoming a museum curator. I pictured moving to a big city and immersing myself in the art scene. But when covid hit in 2020, I took a semester off, and like most of the population, I found myself unaware of what the future looked like for me anymore. I started tattooing in February of 2021 and quickly found a spot for myself in the Salt Lake tattoo scene. With the help of Instagram, I quit my job and dove head into tattooing, but I haven’t looked back.
Now, I’ve been tattooing for a little over three years, and I pride myself in creating a welcoming and consent-driven environment for SLC’s queer scene. For me, tattooing is about human connection and being able to use tattooing as a form of body reclamation and gender affirmation care. It’s been a beautiful experience to travel across the US and develop so many wonderful relationships with clients and fellow artists. Even though life didn’t go the route I had originally expected, I’m grateful to live a life surrounded and fueled by art.
We all face challenges, but looking back, would you describe it as a relatively smooth road?
I think every job has hurdles and bumps along the way. I started tattooing at 20, and it has been difficult to become an adult while holding a large Instagram following.
In the age of Instagram, you have to market yourself as a person alongside your craft, and that can be difficult to do when you don’t know who you are yet. I feel incredibly lucky to have had such amazing clients and friends who have helped guide me through my career and consecutive queer journey.
Thanks for sharing that. So, maybe you can tell us more about your work next?
I like to experiment with my art and feel so lucky to have clients along for the ride! Throughout the past few years, my art has changed a thousand times, and I don’t anticipate that stopping anytime soon. Most of my work is flash based, just predrawn designs that are booked as is. I don’t take on many customs, as the flash I offer tends to book up fairly quickly. I’m not sure what you would classify my style as, but I think the word “whimsy” would capture it well. Even though I go through phases, every tattoo I’ve done is recognizable as being done by me.
Ultimately, I think what sets me apart is less about my art style and more about my approach to engaging with my clients. I think tattoos should be for everyone and not only accessible but safe. Providing an atmosphere that is relaxing and supportive is very important to me. As a queer individual, I know how stressful it can be to have a stranger touching my body. Our bodies hold so much experience and energy, and being able to offer someone a space to experience their pain without judgment is beautiful.
Where we are in life is often partly because of others. Who/what else deserves credit for how your story turned out?
My biggest mentor is my high school art teacher, who has since become a dear friend. Without his support in the early years of my art career I wouldn’t have had the courage to pursue my dreams. Having someone who believed in me, and continues to believe in me, was life-changing. I feel so lucky to have had the experience of having a mentor like him.
Other than that, I’ve had an amazing support network through the past few years of loved ones and friends who have always rooted for me, even when I wasn’t sure about myself. My best friends are all covered in tattoos from me, from terrible beginning ones to some of my proudest tattoos. It’s always a beautiful reminder that my friend’s love for me is unshakable and ever-present.
Contact Info:
- Instagram: @Magnolia_tats
