Meet Brianna Skumlien

We’re excited to introduce you to the always interesting and insightful Brianna Skumlien. We hope you’ll enjoy our conversation with Brianna below.

Brianna , so good to have you with us today. We’ve always been impressed with folks who have a very clear sense of purpose and so maybe we can jump right in and talk about how you found your purpose?

I found my purpose with tattooing just as anyone finds purpose, learning and learning and learning. Once I graduated my apprenticeship I knew the learning would never stop. I feel in love with tattoos and tattooing the minute I saw an amazing tattoo and the minute I picked up a machine. I knew it’s what I wanted to do as soon as I held one in my hands and started it up.

Thanks, so before we move on maybe you can share a bit more about yourself?

Hey my names Bri, I own Underdark ink with my wife Jessica. We are a female, LGBTQ+ owned tattoo shop located in Mesa AZ. So if you’re in the area let us know we’d be happy to invite you into the Underdark family! I have been tattooing since 2016 since I graduated high school. I did my 11 months apprenticeship while I was going to high school. As soon as I turned 18 and was able to work at a shop I went out with my work and sketches and found a place to learn under amazing artist. It’s been a journey but I love where I am and can’t wait to see what the future brings!

Looking back, what do you think were the three qualities, skills, or areas of knowledge that were most impactful in your journey? What advice do you have for folks who are early in their journey in terms of how they can best develop or improve on these?

I would say three qualities that are impactful in my career would be, learning how to create a positive overall experience for your client and yourself. Not only is it important to give the best you can into a piece that someone will wear forever but also to create a safe place a comfortable vibe.
Also understanding patience with creating a design. The tattoo you create will live with your client for their entire life, they become a working canvas and you want them to be proud as well as you of the work they wear.
To stay focused and don’t compare yourself to other artist. This is a career where someone will always be better than you, but that’s the point as artist. Everyone will have a different style a different clientele base that’s what makes us as a whole (tattoo artist) so unique and learning will always come and you will always continue to grow in this career as long as you allow yourself to. Be inspired not intimidated.

Who is your ideal client or what sort of characteristics would make someone an ideal client for you?

My ideal client is someone who gives me creative freedom, isn’t a judgmental person as me and my wife are gay. So definitely someone who accepts me for who I am. Someone who enjoys having a great time as we are a crazy fun bunch at Underdark. Haha you will most likely laugh at all of us throughout the tattoo haha. Someone who is excited to get a new tattoo done. I love giving people confidence with artwork. I accept all styles.

Contact Info:

• Instagram: @bri_55555
• Facebook: Brianna Skumlien
• Other: @underdarkink on instagram is the shops page.