Today we’d like to introduce you to Keely Thompson.
Hi Keely, we’d love for you to start by introducing yourself.
I have always been interested in art. As a kid, drawing was my favorite thing to do. I still have boxes of sketchbooks from my childhood filled with drawings of animals, plants, trees… nearly everything I drew was very nature-inspired, as it still is now. Throughout my childhood and teenage years my parents really encouraged me to draw and paint, they were very supportive of my love for art.
My dad in particular also shared an interest in art. He helped guide me with his art knowledge, he critiqued my sketches and showed me ways that I could improve… which as a kid was frustrating at times but I know now that because of this it made me the artist I am now. It helped me create the mindset to strive to improve my skills with every art piece that I created, to take criticism, and to always seek more. Because of this, I became really focused on doing things better than I did them the first time.
After high school, when I was 18, I got my first tattoo.
I remember that I was in a weird time period of my life where I didn’t really know what I wanted to do as a career. They don’t really push a lot of art options in high school when it comes to deciding what career path you want to take. So, I almost felt like I had to keep art as just a hobby. So, still unsure, I decided I would just take a bunch of college classes and figure it out as I went.
I got this tattoo when I was about a month away from starting my first college classes. I was curious about the process; I asked a lot of questions and was just fascinated. This was an art form that I didn’t really ever consider was possible for me to do. My tattoo artist was really kind and helpful in telling me about how to get an apprenticeship and it really put things into perspective for me. This was something I could see myself doing. And I really wanted to try it.
So, I put together a portfolio of all my best art pieces and with the encouragement of my tattoo artist and a lot of people close to me, I took my portfolio into that studio and ended up getting the spot for the apprenticeship. So, I cancelled my college classes and decided to go for it.
The artist that did my first tattoo, Justin, became my mentor and is someone that I still have a strong bond with today. He was so kind and patient with me and started me on my path to becoming a tattoo artist. I really couldn’t have done it all without him really believing in me and being such a great mentor and role model.
At this point, I was 19 and moved out with a full-time job while also balancing an apprenticeship. My apprenticeship lasted about a year since I could only be there part-time. I finished my apprenticeship and started tattooing on my own and began the journey of finding a tattoo studio that felt like the right fit for me.
I worked at a couple different studios but ended up working at Dark Arts Tattoo in Midvale.
While doing this, I was building up my clientele and really developing my personal tattoo style. I worked at Dark Arts for a little over a year and then branched off into my own studio. Lucid Studios.
Now I work next door to everyone at Dark arts and really feel like I can create my own space and business while also still being around some amazing people in the industry.
Would you say it’s been a smooth road, and if not, what are some of the biggest challenges you’ve faced along the way?
I have had so much support from the very beginning. My friends, family, and clients have really supported me throughout the years. All of that continued support made all the obstacles worth it.
Starting your own business and learning as you go can be very difficult. Learning how to put monetary value on my art and time was one of the biggest struggles along the way.
Another major struggle has been trying to be everything at once. Being your own marketer, running social media, answering emails, managing booking, researching, keeping track of the finances, drawing up designs, all while tattooing full time. It’s a lot to do on your own. It’s hard to know when to ask for help.
I like to remind myself that the roadblocks should always become motivators, the people trying to dim your light should make you feel more motivated to prove them wrong, and your struggles will develop your strengths.
Alright, so let’s switch gears a bit and talk business. What should we know about your work?
I do fine-line black and grey tattoos. This means that the lines are very thin but I have also developed my own style to create these fine line tattoos but with a little bit of contrast. So that they are bold but still very delicate. I have become more known to do flora and fauna but occasionally I will tattoo other things if the subject matter sparks my interest.
I also love doing larger-scale “freehand” floral tattoos. With these tattoos, I don’t draw the design up beforehand or use a regular stencil, instead, I will draw the floral design directly on the skin to create a lot of flow with the area of the body that it is going on. I find this to be a little more challenging but very rewarding.
Something I’m most proud of is: whether I draw a design up beforehand or if I draw it on my client’s skin with a sharpie beforehand, I can guarantee that my client is always getting a unique tattoo from me. It sounds cliché but I really do pour my heart and soul into every tattoo that I do.
Another thing that I do is: when I open my books to take on new appointments, I will type out a “project list”. This is a list of ideas that I have but haven’t yet drawn up and I ask that whoever books one gives me a lot of creative freedom and trust so I can really bring that idea to life. So far, my clients have loved the outcome and I’m very grateful for all the trust that my clients give me when creating a design for them.
Do you have any advice for those looking to network or find a mentor?
I know how hard it is to approach people for questions or advice. I tend to be very introverted so this is something that I struggled with for a long time. I found that putting yourself out there by asking questions or showing support is a great place to start.
Social media is one of the best tools to network. Nearly everyone has it, it’s free, and it’s right in your pocket. Join/create groups, search for and find people that inspire you, and don’t be afraid to send them a message/email.
Attending events is a great way to network (for example in my case; tattoo conventions).
I have reached out to other tattoo artists and asked specific questions or advice on things and almost every single time I have been welcomed with open arms and have made friendships out of it.
Show appreciation. Support others around you. If you put that support out there it’s likely that it’ll come back to you.
Contact Info:
- Website: www.artworkbykeely.com
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/artworkbykeely/
