Alright – so today we’ve got the honor of introducing you to Kehrmie Kehrmeyer. We think you’ll enjoy our conversation, we’ve shared it below.
Hi Kehrmie, thank you so much for opening up with us about some important, but sometimes personal topics. One that really matters to us is overcoming Imposter Syndrome because we’ve seen how so many people are held back in life because of this and so we’d really appreciate hearing about how you overcame Imposter Syndrome.
Truthfully, I don’t think I have- and I don’t think I ever will. There’s always going to be someone better than you at any given thing, but I think it’s important for tattooers and artists to keep growing and pushing forward. The discomfort that comes with imposter syndrome actually helps me in that growth process. When I start feeling too comfortable with what I’m making or in my routines, that’s usually when I push myself harder to develop my skills. I think what separates a good artist from a great one is being able to work through those uncomfortable feelings of not being good enough. When I’m in a room where I don’t feel like I belong, I ask questions so I can improve, gain perspective, and pick up some wisdom along the way.
Thanks, so before we move on maybe you can share a bit more about yourself?
Hello, my name is Kehrmie, and I’m a tattoo artist in the San Francisco Bay Area. I’m based at Mirage Tattoo in SF but also do some work in the East Bay and frequently travel to the East Coast (shoutout to Stay Humble Tattoo Co in Baltimore). I’ve been tattooing professionally for about four years, and it’s the best thing in the world.
When people ask why I got into tattooing, I usually say the same thing: tattooing is the best gift I’ve ever been given, and the best gift I’ll ever give. I’m not sure when I started saying that, but it still feels like the most honest way to explain what I do and why I do it. Tattooing has given me everything I’ve wanted out of life and taken me to places I never imagined. It connects you to people in such a unique way that, when you meet another tattooer who’s just as passionate, there’s an unspoken bond.
I love what I do and being able to share it with people. Every tattoo feels like giving a gift — a piece of myself, my art, and my style — something I hope they’ll always love and cherish. It’s also a stamp in time, a snapshot of what I was drawing or interested in during that period. One of the best parts of working with long-time clients is being able to look back and see the different phases of both our lives reflected in the tattoos we’ve created together. Tattooing is such a special, unique thing — it gives back to you just as much as you put into it.
If you had to pick three qualities that are most important to develop, which three would you say matter most?
I think what’s helped me most in my journey as a tattooer is simply asking questions. That means listening intently, knowing which questions to ask, and being open to criticism. One of the best things I’ve done for myself is continuing to get tattooed by artists I respect and like—watching their techniques closely and asking them questions. A lot of what I’ve learned comes from observing, asking, and accepting critique.
If I’m ever unsure about a design, I show it to my peers to get their opinions. Being open to different perspectives and approaches is necessary to grow as an artist. It can be scary to be wrong, but it’s far worse to stay quiet and settle for comfort. Tattooers often keep their cards close to their chest, but if they sense you’re truly dedicated to the craft and want to improve, people will share all kinds of helpful insights. At the end of the day, whether you’ve been tattooing for two years or twenty, everyone has something to learn — and we’re all tied together by the same thing.
What has been your biggest area of growth or improvement in the past 12 months?
Lately, I’ve been focusing on going back to basics. Since I never had a traditional apprenticeship, I’ve spent the past year retracing my steps to dive deep into traditional tattooing, its history, and wisdom. Every tattooer, regardless of style, walks a path that’s been paved for them, whether they realize it or not. If you’re looking for answers, chances are they’re already out there.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://kehrmietattoos.com
- Instagram: @kehrmie
Image Credits
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