Meet Shyne Ink: Tattoo artist

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

Hi Shyne, how does your business help the community?
Being a tattoo artist, you get to do some amazing things that impacts a persons entire life. I’ve done coverups to remove a former lovers name and watched my client rejoice in this new found sense of “freedom” I’ve given them. Aside from being a tattooist, I am a queer identifying person of color and I’m aware of the struggles a lot of people within the LGBTQ+ community; body dysmorphia, self-harm scars, unfortunate surgeries, etc. I wanted to do my part to help how I can by offering my expertise at a discounted rate. I know how expensive large scale pieces and coverups (especially scar coverups) can be and I would much rather offer a lower priced piece that I know will be executed beautifully, as opposed to someone being butchered by an artist that isn’t well-versed with people in the LGBTQ+ community or coverups in general. My gift isn’t just targeted to my community, it’s for anybody that’s suffered and are reminded daily. I have done mastectomy areola pigment correction and gave a woman her confidence after 10 years of feeling unsightly. I’ve covered dark tummy tuck scars that has allowed a woman in her 40’s to feel sexy in her bikini again. I’ve covered top surgery scars that have given a man the confidence to go shirtless on the beach. If these small creations of art can provide someone that small feet, then I’d do it again and again knowing I’ve helped someone put the painful reminders of what was to rest.

Can you open up a bit about your work and career? We’re big fans and we’d love for our community to learn more about your work.
I’ve been obsessed with art since I could hold a crayon. I immersed myself in every medium and style that existed. Graffiti really captivated my soul and from there tattooing was introduced to me. I searched for shops in my hometown that offered apprenticeships and much to my surprise, I was turned away…a lot. I decided to teach myself. I watched every YouTube tutorial, sat with people during their own sessions and asked questions without seeming weird. I soaked up all the knowledge I could and began to teach myself. It was difficult at first, but as i continued to practice and learn, I became more proficient each piece. The tattoo industry can be a bit cut-throat so it’s up to you for you to stand out in the crowd. It’s pretty easy for me being queer and specializing in coverups and scar coverups— I come well equipped with the uniqueness. Having your own style, offering an experience during a session, connecting with your client are all things that will continue to make your brand flourish and your legacy as an artist will live on.

Any places to eat or things to do that you can share with our readers? If they have a friend visiting town, what are some spots they could take them to?
I’m a Chicago native, but i reside in Dallas, TX. There’s tons to do in Dallas; my favorite is the DFW Museum of art, the Dallas Zoo and of course Deep Ellum. The tattoo shop i work at, 1 Up Tattoo Studio, is definitely a sight to see, as we are the only anime pop cultured themed shop in Texas.

The Shoutout series is all about recognizing that our success and where we are in life is at least somewhat thanks to the efforts, support, mentorship, love and encouragement of others. So is there someone that you want to dedicate your shoutout to?
The only thing I can think of that would make this dedication worthy is to dedicate my success to everything and everyone that didn’t support me or wanted me to fail. It was the closed doors and the No’s i heard that pushed me to keep going. It’s my fear of failure that drives me to go harder.

Instagram: www.Instagram.com/shyneink
Twitter: www.Twitter.com/ShyneInk
Facebook: ShyneInk