Meet Echo Ruiz

 

Alright – so today we’ve got the honor of introducing you to Echo Ruiz. We think you’ll enjoy our conversation, we’ve shared it below.

Hi Echo, so happy you were able to devote some time to sharing your thoughts and wisdom with our community. So, we’ve always admired how you have seemingly never let nay-sayers or haters keep you down. Can you talk to us about how to persist despite the negative energy that so often is thrown at folks trying to do something special with their lives?

Being in such a saturated and male dominated industry, it’s so easy to get overwhelmed with the opinions from those who don’t want to see you succeed. Which begged the question of reflection; what is success for me?

I’ve hopped around from many different tattoo shops in the city, each almost seemingly worse than the next with the same common denominator; toxic masculinity. I’ve had to do a lot dirty work, to climb the ladder of an apprenticeship. It wasn’t until I realized they weren’t here to teach me, that I ventured out on my own to learn and make a name for myself.

It’s because of this that I developed the conscience to ignore outsiders opinions. Turn their hate into constructive criticism; if I get better what else will they be able to complain about?

Thanks for sharing that. So, before we get any further into our conversation, can you tell our readers a bit about yourself and what you’re working on?

I’m a proud Puerto Rican tattoo artist with a background of being a pixel artist for video games! Being a women pushed me to excel and rise above my peers to make myself stand out. It’s my kindness and artistic abilities that allows me to put art on people’s skin; making them feel at home within their bodies.

Tattooing gives me a purpose in life, to know that even after my time on this earth my work will still be around and talked about; even as the next generations of my clients come to me for a tattoo.

With that being said, having my rabbit solidified my pursuance to provide for her; it’s why I became Echo. If not for her there would be no Echo, so in remembrance of her, I am currently in the alpha stages of creating a card game in her honor!

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?

What gave me a small head start in my career choice was being an artist. I’ve attended a performing arts high school while focusing on the art path of my Game Design Degree.

A quality that I have and needed was the desire to learn and place pride aside. If I had not reflected and wanted to advance in my tattoos, I would not be able to do the work I’ve done today.

The knowledge of the industry prior, having gotten tattoos is what helped me come to terms that this career choice is not like others. There is no 401k plan offered, no health benefits but was I willing to work and do what I love regardless, ABSOLUTELY.

For those who are just starting, thinking or even applying to fields; have faith in your own abilities. Yes this may be over played, but one cannot apply themselves to their fullest potential if they have no confidence in their own abilities!

Okay, so before we go, is there anyone you’d like to shoutout for the role they’ve played in helping you develop the essential skills or overcome challenges along the way?

I owe my love and passion to both my best friend and my rabbit. My best friend realized I was miserable working a regular job and reminded me that I’m an artist, I can draw and have the ability to create my own original works. Not to mention when I was in a tough financial hole she was the one to help me gather supplies to begin practicing.

I owe my drive and perseverance to my rabbit, who I adopted from a shelter. I never realized that having a living being to care for would awaken my nurturing spirit, and do anything and everything to make sure that she had the best life imaginable.

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