We had the good fortune of connecting with Nathan Harris and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Nathan, any advice for those thinking about whether to keep going or to give up?
That is a simple answer for me, really. Giving up isn’t really an option, as I would rather fail, than quit. At least if I fail, I know I gave it my all, and I learned a way that doesn’t work. It isn’t even a failure if it helps you learn what you needed.

Let’s talk shop? Tell us more about your career, what can you share with our community?
I really got into my creative field through deduction. I had done a great job of blowing off most of my educational opportunities, and I was stuck working dead-end jobs that don’t come close to being fulfilling. At least those were great lessons, and huge motivators. From those, I realized that I did not want to work for large faceless corporations, and if at all possible, I’d rather work for myself. I also thought that working in a creative field would be fulfilling, since I was naturally creative I discovered tattooing after pursuing other creative self-start schemes, and it just stuck. I often say it must be the first thing I ever wanted to do, because I set to it and never gave up. A lot of other people have tried and failed, and so many people thought I was crazy, but it didn’t stop me, because I could see this path laid out ahead of me. Not like I started out the best, I just kept plugging away at it, slow and steady, with simple goals to guide me.
After working for a couple of other shops, for about 8 or 9 years, it started to become apparent that in order to best protect what I had worked for, I would need to open my own studio. That was WAY harder than just learning how to tattoo. Especially when it was hard to find other employable artists. It can be pretty difficult to keep yourself motivated and inspired, so at times you just settle on getting by. I knew eventually, the right person would cross my path, and help me expand my studio.

Well, that did indeed happen eventually, and came with more lessons. Now I wasn’t just worried about myself, I had other people to manage, promote, and help grow. I really started to become more business-minded, instead of always thinking like an artist. For professional and personal reasons, I started to think more about my systems, styles, techniques, etc.

After 15 years in the business, I decided to make some pretty bold changes. I had come up with a concept for my personal style of tattooing, that took time-tested techniques and styles, and elevated them. Elegance through simplicity, really. This concept then crept onto my business practice, so I rebranded, moved, and remodeled. I hoped to attract clients that appreciated the professionalism and expertise of the artists, and a space where they could entrust them to create a real work of art, rather than “just a tattoo”.

Let’s say your best friend was visiting the area and you wanted to show them the best time ever. Where would you take them? Give us a little itinerary – say it was a week long trip, where would you eat, drink, visit, hang out, etc.
Being located in a small town, I often joke that my studio IS the thing to do in town, but I really love my area. A big draw of country living is of course the outdoors! We have plenty of natural beauty in our meadows, forests and lakes, as well as world-class fishing.

We also have no shortage of restaurants, whether you are looking for sushi, country cooking, Italian, Chinese, or authentic Mexican. One of our favorites, located right downtown with us, is Nardello’s, a locally sourced, wood-fired pizza place. You can enjoy any meal from a multitude of downtown restaurants, whether it is breakfast, coffee, lunch, brunch, or dinner!

When the season is right, I always try to take people to a local orchard called Efurd’s, which has the BEST homemade ice cream, made with fresh fruit.
It is a really exciting time for us in Mt. Pleasant, as we are in a time of rapid expansion and growth. We have new stuff to do all the time!

Who else deserves some credit and recognition?
I’ve been at this a while, and managed my own level of success locally for many years, but to grow my studio, my reputation, and my brand, I HAD to have other people around. The other artists in my studio have given me so much inspiration, support, and accountability. Eric Tuck (@TUCKTATTOOS) has been a great set of skilled eyes, and indispensable part of growing my brand (and he’s a phenomenal photographer, designer, and tattoo artist).

Chris Angelo, (@ANGELO_PNWTATTOO) has been a huge support, and a sound counsel regarding studio systems and methods.

Website: WWW.TRIPLENINEFINE.COM

Instagram: @NATHANHTATTOOS, @TRIPLE.NINE.FINE

Image Credits
Eric Tuck

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