Today we’d like to introduce you to Kaylee Ruiz.
Hi Kaylee, please kick things off for us with an introduction to yourself and your story.
Hi, my name is Kaylee, and I am a tattoo artist! I grew up hugely influenced by music, theater, and painting. My dad, the musician of the family, introduced me to the piano from around 8 years old. By high school, I geared my direction towards theater production, becoming head of the costuming department my senior year.
Originally, I wanted to go to college for fashion design or theater costuming, but art schools were too expensive, and I thought that because of my financial situation art would just have to be a hobby. After attending Valencia State College where I received my associate degree, I transferred to the University of Central Florida (UCF) where I studied digital media. Quickly my interest started to dwindle, and I began taking art seriously again. I reactivated my old art Instagram page and began asking about apprenticeships to every tattoo studio that my failing white 2009 Jetta could take me to.
By Spring 2020, I was offered to apprentice at “The Ink Lab” studio under Juan Carmona (@Inkednoir). After a month in, I quit my part-time job as a lifeguard, dropped out of UCF, and began down the road of who I am today, a professional tattoo artist.
It’s now been almost two years since I graduated from my apprenticeship, and I couldn’t be more thankful for my family, friends, and my mentor helping me get to where I am today. But especially my clientele—without them, I would have never been able to grow at the rate that I did. I can happily say that because of them I upgraded the Jetta, moved out of my parent’s home, and am living the life high school-me could only have dreamt of. I am so honored to be able to create art for all skin tones and people with different backgrounds. I love engaging with my clients and listening to their stories. I have met so many beautiful souls, they are the reason my tattooing career has been a joy.
We all face challenges, but looking back would you describe it as a relatively smooth road?
Unfortunately, like many women in a male-dominated industry, I have experienced discrimination against my age and gender. I had an experience with a studio where I suffered extreme anxiety and depression due to their abhorrent behavior. Attitudes towards disregarding sexual assault victims’ trauma, racism towards not tattooing certain skin tones, and sexist comments were thrown around casually. I quickly realized that this environment did not fit my comfort or my morality.
There is stigma in the industry that every artist must ‘pay their dues’, whether that is earned through grunt work, restricted or nonexistent wages, or stunting potential because you are ‘not ready for a certain design’. As a female, and especially one who is as young as I am, it has been frustrating and oftentimes discouraging working in an industry full of middle-aged men.
I have always felt that I had more to prove because my age. It took me time to reflect and think about these conditions, but through the support of some fellow artists and the powerful women in my life, I have found my voice. I speak openly about my situation now because I want to remind other women who struggle with discrimination that you are not alone. The first step to solving any problem is realizing that there is one, and the tattoo industry is by no means the only one with this problem.
Can you tell our readers more about what you do and what you think sets you apart from others?
I specialize in fine line/ornamental designs! I love working with lots of skin breaks and thin details. My inspiration for these designs come from middle eastern and native American architecture. I try to feed myself as much art as I can, by visiting museums and listening to art history podcasts.
No matter the size, I take pride in taking my time to perfect every detail of my work. I’d like to thank my parents for my work ethic. They immigrated from Ecuador as wide-eyed teenagers. Their drive to provide for my siblings and I have always inspired me to work hard.
Alright, so to wrap up, is there anything else you’d like to share with us?
It is a dream to create art for others to wear, and I couldn’t thank everyone enough for supporting my tattooing journey. I’d like to specifically thank The Ink Lab studios, for giving me a home, I couldn’t do what I do without my talented peers. Thank you to my mentor, Juan, who had the uttermost patience with me during my apprenticeship, for always keeping an open mind, and for always guiding me in the right direction.
I’d like to thank Wender Pires (@Wender_tatu) for opening and running a tattoo studio that fiercely encourages diversity and inclusion.
To my family and friends, they are literally my rock.
Thank you to my partner for all the behind-the-scenes work that keeps my business running smoothly.
Thank you to all my amazing clients for trusting me, I am so grateful for you all.
Lastly, to my all my fellow female workers. Always speak up for yourself and pay attention to who listens and who simply talks over you. Keep your head held high. Don’t give up, and never let anyone disgrace, discourage, or degrade your work.
Contact Info:
- Email: kaylee.tattoos04@gmail.com
- Website: https://www.rustnrue.com
- Instagram: @Kaylee.tattoos
Image Credits
@Lynetteortiz.photography
