Today we’d like to introduce you to Stephanie Irizarry.
Hi Stephanie, so excited to have you with us today. What can you tell us about your story?
I was born and raised in Puerto Rico, surrounded by a family that did art for a living. Very influenced by them I’ve found comfort in art since I had memory. Up until the moment I went to college for Computer engineering. Thinking that my art wasn’t going to pay the bills, I spent many years pursuing this engineering degree.
After hurricane Maria hit Puerto Rico in 2017, I decided to move to Orlando and continue my degree in University of Central Florida. Overwhelmed by depression for forcing myself to study something I wasn’t passionate about; I finally switched my major to Graphic Design which was a little closer to art. All these years, I was always drawn to becoming a tattoo artist, but I always found it to be unattainable. I had come to terms that I’d never be a tattoo artist and that made me sad.
One day I found out that I had maxed out by financial aid which helped me attend my college classes. In this moment of crisis, as I realized I had to drop out, I said it’s now or never. I should actually pursue what I truly want which was to become a tattoo artist.
I reached out to a local tattoo shop, Modified Tattoos, which I was acquainted with. I’ve gotten most of my tattoos with them for the past couple years. I explained my situation and told them that I’d love to apprentice at their shop. One week later, I was reached out by the owner, Justen Borrero, and then the rest is history.
I’m sure you wouldn’t say it’s been obstacle free, but so far would you say the journey has been a fairly smooth road?
The biggest challenge I endured was to come to terms that what I was studying was not what I wanted. I was pressured by society to pursue engineering solely because of the money. I felt like I was stuck in a loop and not going anywhere. Once I broke free from it, it’s been smooth sailing.
Thanks – so what else should our readers know about your work and what you’re currently focused on?
I am currently a Tattoo Artist. I specialize in Cute/Kawaii art style.
When my apprenticeship started, I was very eager to learn. I tried to be the best student I could be and felt like that helped my learning process with my mentor go smoothly. Justen is very passionate about teaching the ways of tattooing, as he taught everyone else in the shop, so I found myself to be very lucky to have been taught under his wing.
I’m very proud of progressing very quickly in my tattooing skills. There’s always room for improvement and I have yet to learn many things, but I have achieved more in my skills in less than a year than many people out there in the industry.
We’d love to hear about what you think about risk-taking.
I felt like my biggest risk was to take the leap and stop pursuing this degree and focus on what made me happy. The amount of anxiety I felt throughout this process, thinking about what others would think of me was my biggest roadblock.
I took the risk to start my tattoo career not knowing what to expect and I honestly couldn’t be happier with my experience so far.
Contact Info:
- Website: www.modifiedtattoogallery.com
- Instagram: instagram.com/devilishsherry
- Other: www.tiktok.com/@stephmeroo
Image Credits
Maddie Marissa
Modified Tattoo Gallery
