Ashley: A History

I was originally born in California to two very caring and supportive (if not a bit strange sometimes) parents named Shawn and Lisa. Luckily, they had already had my sister, Krystle, so I didn't have to face the world on my own. I have always been ambitious, and having a rock solid family has enabled me to chase my dreams (and whims) with courage. 

Growing up, I was constantly reading novels and particularly adept in academics. We moved to Wasilla, Alaska when I was just turning eight years old, and my hunger for fantasy and knowledge never diminished. My mother would even "ground" me from reading since I would tend to neglect my chores. I have a deep fascination with magics and wonder, and anyone who has entered my tattoo booth can tell you, I am a Potterhead. Big Time! These days, I don't read nearly as frequently as I would like, but I have entered the endless universe(s) that is Dungeons and Dragons. I am a proud nerd, and can't stop; won't stop!

Now, I know what people think. "If she is a tattoo artist, she must have always been talented in drawing and art."

Nope.

Art is something I enjoyed for as long as I can remember, but I did not particularly have an inate gift. Sure, I doodled, scribbled, and sketched here and there (and sometimes on the walls... Sorry, Mom.), but I only started really focusing on learning the fundamentals of drawing and color when I was in college. I was a year ahead in school from the beginning, and I graduated with a near perfect GPA. Which meant I had better go to college, right? I had a small scholarship and no idea what I wanted to do with my life. Hence the drawing and color (and art history and watercolor and... you get it) courses I started taking. I needed extracurriculars, Dad! 

I never quite finished my degree, and, honestly, it's just so close! The workforce called to me. I wanted to move on from school, and retail seemed like the right way to do it. Three years later, I was overworked, overstressed, and running home to my father looking for a fresh start. Which wasn't art either! The next three years, I worked at a credit union. I had gained management experience in the retail world, and I put it to good use in the financial plane. I made so many incredible friends there too. I grew up! I bought my first new vehicle, my first house, and I started my tattoo apprenticeship. 

I suppose I have yet to illustrate my love, my addiction, to tattoos. When I was young, my parents got tattooed, and that's all it took. I knew I would have tattoos on my body the moment I was old enough. Remember my doodling? I was definitely planning tattoos I would get in the future. Before I ever felt a needle loaded with pigment touch my skin, I was obsessed. I turned 18, and promptly got my first tattoo on the back of my neck. That didn't hurt that bad. Then, I  had a piece that spanned across my back between my shoulders.

 It didn't stop there. 

During this time, my mom was also collecting tattoos rapidly. Enter: Shelly Vaillancourt. I hadn't found a single artist before that I truly vibed with. Mom was visiting Shelly every three weeks for ink, so I figured I had better check her out! Five years prior to my apprenticeship, I met Shelly and knew she was MY artist. We worked on so many projects together! I would have several large pieces in progress at a time, and I cherished every moment with Shelly. The more tattoos we did together, the closer we grew. Shelly left the shop she was managing opened her shop, Tides and Time by Shelly V. I followed her. Soon, she would bring on her first apprentice, Alia. 

Oh. So it's and apprenticeship?

Consider my interest peaked! I was insatiable. I have so many questions! 

How does someone become an apprentice?

Can I become an apprentice?

Am I good enough to even try?

I try to be sure that I remind Shelly as much as I can just how grateful I am that she took a chance on me. For both of us, my apprenticeship was a serious commitment. For a long time, in the state of Alaska, a tattoo apprenticeship required 380 hours to complete. We got our paperwork in order and sent in the application, and, boom! The requirements were now 1000 hours. At this time, I am still working full time at a credit union, and Shelly also has a full clientele to accomodate first. We would have to complete a minimum of 20 hours per week on top of our full time jobs. 

We did. Fortunately for me, I still have my family in my corner, and I have an incredible best friend thats ride or die (and loves getting tattoos). To anyone that let me practice on their skin, you are brave, and I love you!

In March of 2019, I became a licensed tattoo artist. 

It still feels surreal sometimes that my job now revolves around drawing. Even with that license, there were still many challenges to overcome. I had to build a clientele. I needed to somehow convince other humans that I was skilled enough to permanently mark their skin. Occasionally, I wondered if I was good enough, but my clients I have gained so far have truly kept me inspired. I have consistently ordered myself to always strive to improve. Learn new techniques. Invest in better equiptment and pigments. 

Research. Learn. Practice. 

Now, even in the midst of a worldwide pandemic, I know I have grown as an artist, a business owner, and a person. With my family, my mentor, and all of my old and new friends supporting me, I commit to bringing art and joy into peoples' lives as only I can do. 

So, you know, THANK YOU!