Today we’d like to introduce you to Emerson Carroll
Hi Emerson, thanks for sharing your story with us. To start, maybe you can tell our readers some of your backstory.
Hello! My name is Emerson, i’m a queer non-binary tattoo artist in central Florida. I’ve been doing art since I was around 3-4. Art and creativity have been at the forefront of my mind since I can remember. When I was in middle school I got really into anime and would cross reference screencaps from my favorite shows or mangas and spend hours drawing pictures for my wall. In high school my interests switched more to film and writing which pushed me to apply to colleges’ film programs as at the time I wanted to be a director. Once getting to college though I was quickly reminded of where my original true passions lie: Drawing. I’m not a painter, or a screenwriter or sculptor. I love to draw and I needed to find a way to do what I love and be able to support myself. I met a girl through one of my college classes who was a tattoo artist at the time who said she’d perhaps be willing to teach me. So here I am.
I’m sure it wasn’t obstacle-free, but would you say the journey has been fairly smooth so far?
The only speed bumps I feel I’ve encountered on my journey to tattooing have been getting way too ahead of myself with impatience. I worked as a receptionist at a tattoo studio for about a year before starting to tattoo and that killed me inside. It was hard to play the waiting game while having to watch people do what I wanted to do so badly. The only other thing I can think of is that I constantly compare myself to my peers, close and distant. I think that’s just an artist thing in general, but I’m getting better and reminding myself there’s a reason people choose me for their permanent art, and I have to accept that with nothing but grace and not question it.
Thanks – so what else should our readers know about your work and what you’re currently focused on?
I specialize in anime, video games and pop culture tattoos. It’s what I enjoy most media wise and something that allows me to really connect with my clients. I don’t just do that though! I also love anything cute, creepy, alternative or wild life. I take a lot of pride in my ability to give people a safe and warm place to share their interests, geek out about characters and shows and media that means a lot to them. I’ve felt like an outsider my entire life. I’m queer, I tended to be the weird one in groups growing up. I have felt the feeling of not wanting to bother people with my interests and feelings. But art is meant to be shared, I will ask my clients a million questions about what they’re getting tattooed, share my love for it too if I’m familiar, and just let them feel cared for and heard. It’s a really intimate experience that I feel like every artist should want to create.
What matters most to you?
Creating a sense of belonging with my work. I want people to feel like they know me, my likes and interests, and can connect with me through it. I have made amazing friends and met incredible clients through things as simple as a video game. I want to meet new people and connect with them, for us to feel safe together, or learn and laugh together, or get to be queer and educated together. That’s WHY I create. That’s the only reason I’ve ever created.
Pricing:
- I price based on piece and complexity.
- I do take deposits to book a tattoo.
Contact Info:
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/rekitto.inks/
