We recently connected with Kelcie Spector and have shared our conversation below.
Kelcie, we are so appreciative of you taking the time to open up about the extremely important, albeit personal, topic of mental health. Can you talk to us about your journey and how you were able to overcome the challenges related to mental issues? For readers, please note this is not medical advice, we are not doctors, you should always consult professionals for advice and that this is merely one person sharing their story and experience.
Well I definitely wouldn’t say I’ve overcome, but I have absolutely persisted. I have had extreme anxiety for as long as I can remember. If I’m being honest, I have missed out on TONS of opportunities because of it. Luckily though I’m also very stubborn and determined. I have found that by putting myself in situations that are a bit out of my comfort zone, I will gain clarity on how bad I really want something. I will either sink or swim. My anxiety may have me shaking and my heart beating out of my chest, but in that moment I know to my core if it’s something I want or not. I know that uncomfortable moment won’t last forever, the adrenaline and anxiety will subside, and I will come out the other side better for it. It can be incredibly uncomfortable, but it’s been the push I’ve needed on several occasions. Also, I started therapy this year and I highly recommend everyone give it a try.
Great, so let’s take a few minutes and cover your story. What should folks know about you and what you do?
I am lucky enough to have the honor of tattooing people for a living! Sometimes I step back and think about it and my heart just explodes. Being able to not only be creative for a living, but make other people more comfortable in their own skin… it’s just so incredibly rewarding. Not to mention being able to provide them with a safe, comfortable, and inclusive environment. Especially for something that is obviously painful and can be very nerve-wracking. It’s so important and gives me a certain sense of purpose in this life. Then there’s the challenge of taking someone’s rough idea and turning it into a custom, one of a kind piece of art which is thrilling! It is so satisfying seeing the end result and the smile on my client’s face.
There is so much advice out there about all the different skills and qualities folks need to develop in order to succeed in today’s highly competitive environment and often it can feel overwhelming. So, if we had to break it down to just the three that matter most, which three skills or qualities would you focus on?
Empathy, attention to detail, and determination. Empathy is absolutely crucial in every career and aspect of life. In tattooing, you can be a talented artist, but if you don’t care about or attempt to understand people, it’s going to be hard for them to want to spend hours at a time with you. Or keep coming back. Attention to detail will absolutely level you up as an artist. So many things like line weights, flow, highlights/shadows, unique elements etc. can take a tattoo from average to exceptional. Tattooing is hard, and if you aren’t determined, you will fail. You have to be able to push through rejection, fear, ridicule, slow seasons, difficult clients, long hours, body pain, and so much more. It’s definitely not a hobby. When you’re not tattooing, you’re drawing, answering emails, making posts, studying, etc. It’s not always glamorous. Burnout is very real and very common. My best advice is to always make sure you’re taking time to yourself. Take actual days off where you don’t do a single tattoo related thing. Be patient with people, but don’t let them walk all over you. Take care of your body. And never, ever stop learning.
What is the number one obstacle or challenge you are currently facing and what are you doing to try to resolve or overcome this challenge?
Absolutely. The recession we are currently experiencing is hitting the tattoo industry hard. Obviously, tattoos are not a necessity. At a time when the cost of living is at an all time high, I can completely understand why people aren’t able to spend their hard earned money on tattoos. I’ve only been tattooing a little over 5 years, so I have yet to experience something like this. I’m gonna be honest, it is incredibly nerve wracking. I’m seeing even the most established shops and artists feeling the effect of it. I’m trying to just stay calm, keep drawing, and just be patient. Though I would like to point out, there’s nothing else in the world you can keep for your entire life! So if you’re looking to acquire some permanent artwork, there’s no better time to reach out! 🙂
Contact Info:
- Website:Â www.kelciespector.com
- Instagram:Â @kelcie.spector
- TikTok: @kelcie.spector
