Meet Mariah Ballard

We were lucky to catch up with Mariah Ballard recently and have shared our conversation below.

Hi Mariah, really happy you were able to join us today and we’re looking forward to sharing your story and insights with our readers. Let’s start with the heart of it all – purpose. How did you find your purpose?

I actually found my purpose somewhat by accident. School was challenging for me, and I didn’t always connect with traditional academics, but I noticed I thrived when assignments allowed for creativity. In my freshman or sophomore year of high school, I took a painting class with an assignment to create a painting only in black and white. I chose to paint a lion, and when my teacher praised my work in front of the entire class, it was a transformative moment for me. That recognition sparked a sense of confidence I hadn’t felt before, inspiring me to keep practicing and pushing my creative limits. From that point on, I knew I had found something meaningful to pursue.

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 was born in Wyoming and eventually made my way to Minnesota, where I earned my degree in graphic design from the University of Minnesota Duluth. Creativity has always been a part of my life, but it wasn’t until college that I truly discovered how much I could express through design. Music has also been a constant influence on both my art and my lifestyle—it’s like a soundtrack that shapes the mood and vision of my work, drawing inspiration from lyrics, melodies, and the energy that music brings. Fashion is another core part of who I am, especially vintage and grunge styles, which have an authenticity and rawness that I strive to bring into my art. Together, music and fashion give me endless ways to explore and express my creativity.

I’m now pursuing a career as a tattoo artist. I love the idea of using my art to create something meaningful and lasting on someone else’s skin; it’s such a unique way to connect with people and become part of their stories.

Recently, I had the joy of marrying the love of my life in a beautiful ceremony inspired by enchanted forests and Lord of the Rings. However, life took an unexpected turn shortly after our wedding when I was diagnosed with stage 4 follicular non-Hodgkin’s lymphoma, a type of cancer that affects the lymphatic system. I’m set to start treatment next week. While the path forward is uncertain, these past few months have taught me a lot about resilience, and the support of my family and friends keeps me grounded and optimistic.

Despite my personal challenges, I’m genuinely excited to see where my journey as an artist will lead. My hope is to use my story and my art to inspire others, reminding them that creativity can be a powerful source of healing, connection, and self-expression.

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?

Looking back, three qualities stand out as the most impactful in my journey: resilience, a willingness to explore creatively, and the support of a strong community.

Resilience has been essential, especially when life throws unexpected challenges. For anyone early in their journey, I’d say: don’t be afraid of setbacks. Instead, view them as moments to reflect, adapt, and grow stronger. Every artist faces struggles, but resilience can turn these moments into opportunities for personal and creative evolution.

A willingness to explore creatively has also been key. The best advice I can give is to stay open to inspiration from everywhere—whether it’s music, fashion, other artists, or even experiences outside the creative world. Try out different styles, challenge yourself with new projects, and don’t be afraid of making mistakes along the way. Each experiment teaches you something, and often the biggest breakthroughs happen when you step out of your comfort zone.

Finally, I’ve learned the importance of having a strong support system. Whether it’s friends, family, mentors, or a creative community, having people who encourage and believe in you can make all the difference. If you’re early in your journey, seek out mentors, build connections with fellow artists, and don’t be afraid to ask for help or feedback. The creative world can be challenging, but surrounding yourself with supportive people will keep you grounded and motivated.

So, to those just starting, remember: be resilient, stay curious, and lean on your community. Each of these qualities will help you grow, both as an artist and as a person.

Is there a particular challenge you are currently facing?

My biggest challenge right now is finding an apprenticeship in the tattooing world, which has proven to be quite competitive. Along the way, though, I’ve had the opportunity to connect with talented artists who inspire me to keep pushing forward. To overcome this obstacle, I’m practicing a variety of tattoo styles and refining my skills, particularly in traditional, woodcut and neo-traditional techniques, which have been resonating with me lately.

I’ve also been building my skills by practicing on synthetic skin, watching tutorials, and working through tattoo-focused workbooks. I believe it’s only a matter of time before I’m a full-time artist, and I’m confident that with persistence and passion, I’ll succeed in making this my career

Contact Info:

• Website: https://Www.cataclysmicart.com
• Instagram: Cataclysmicbeauty