We’re excited to introduce you to the always interesting and insightful Emma Sidener. We hope you’ll enjoy our conversation with Emma below.
Emma, so great to have you with us and thanks for taking the time to share your thoughts with the community. So, let’s jump into something that stops so many people from going after their dreams – haters, nay-sayers, etc. We’d love to hear about how you dealt with that and persisted on your path.
At first, it took me a long time to stop feeding into other’s negativity. I like to remind myself that everyone is welcome to their opinions, but at the end of the day, I trust myself, and more importantly, my clients trust in me. Everyone will have something to say about everyone and what they do. But never will they break me enough to make me stop. Like momma used to say, “sticks and stones may break my bones, but words will never hurt me.” Ultimately, I think every critique, good or bad, is an opportunity for growth.
Great, so let’s take a few minutes and cover your story. What should folks know about you and what you do?
Never once did I see myself where I am today. I never saw myself becoming a tattoo artist, never saw myself owning shops, none of it. I always grew up wanting to be a veterinary technician. Which I actually went to college for in Arizona! But one day, my mom fell in love with a tattoo artist and here we are.
I’ve always been a curious person, wanting to do more with myself. Seeing what I can push myself to do. I’ve had many jobs, worked alongside many people. But the one place that has always kept my interest most, was a tattoo shop. Being able to come to a place where I can create beautiful art for people… it’s a feeling words will never be able to explain.
I started tattooing 8 years ago, been in the industry for 10 years. My husband and I decided to buy the two tattoo shops my parents owned, while opening one closer to our home in Sedalia, MO! Now here we are, with three thriving tattoo shops and with thirteen tattoo artists and two piercers!
With the crews we have in each shop, I wouldn’t trade any of them for the world. As an owner, I thrive to make everyone feel like we are one big family. We doing monthly cookouts, we go on trips to the zoos or arcades, or meet at the park with the kiddos. It’s not just a “job”, this is a family my husband and I have created. A safe place for people to come to. Not only to get tattoos or piercings, but a safe place to go when you just need to get away.
Every one of our artists styles differs from the next. Each of us hold our own unique style! I myself am diving into the world of color Neo-traditional, while learning the world of realism with portraits!
If you had to pick three qualities that are most important to develop, which three would you say matter most?
To me, the three most important qualities of becoming a tattoo artist was. Creative/artistic ability, attention to detail, and communication.
Creative/artistic ability is, to me, an essential foundation to have. Having a creative flow helps you create designs that would help stand out within the competitive industry.
Attention to detail is the most crucial in tattooing. Being able to have the ability to focus not only on the small, fine details, but the way your gradients move from one to the other. Paying attention to make sure your colors match, that the design isn’t too busy. Having this will help and make your client trust you even more wanting to make the best of the tattoo.
Communication is VITAL in this industry. Within your shop and with your clients. Being able to listen actively whilst being able to tell your client what you think would look best for their body!
If I were to give advice, it would be to never give up. This industry is a very volatile industry. If you are a shy person, you better learn to come out of your bubble. You have to talk to people, approach people, have full conversations with clients. Some weeks you won’t make anything, some weeks you will feel rich. You have to be persistent with your social media and putting yourself out there. Go to tattoo conventions, watch senior artists, listen to what they have to say. Pay attention. Be able to take good AND bad criticism, as you will have both throughout this job.
Alright so to wrap up, who deserves credit for helping you overcome challenges or build some of the essential skills you’ve needed?
Austin Campbell. Hands down. Last year or a year and a half ago, I went out on a whim and decided to message him to work in his up and coming shop, Oculus Tattoo Collective. The most luxurious tattoo studio in the Midwest. Lo and behold, he got back with me, and took a chance hiring me. In the mere 6 months I was there, I learned so much from him. Just listening and watching him and taking all of his advice and pointers and turning those on my own tattoos has taken me farther then I ever imagined.
Unfortunately I had to part from the Oculus crew due to being on new seizure medication… but even being back in my home shop, we still talk and he still gives me advice on how to better my designs or my tattoos.
If it wasn’t for Austin taking a chance on me, I don’t believe I would be doing the tattoos I am today. Be the person I am today. Because not only did I better my skills, I bettered myself as a person being around some with an older mindset and watched how he was. How he carried himself and spoke with his clients.
One day, I will be as good as the great Austin Campbell. If I keep pushing myself daily, I’ll be there faster then I know it!
Contact Info:
- Instagram: bodyart_byemma
- Facebook: Emma Sidener
Image Credits
Feature photo is taken by Thee Bunny Studio
so if you or someone you know deserves recognition please let us know here.
