We’re excited to introduce you to the always interesting and insightful Mitch Baer. We hope you’ll enjoy our conversation with Mitch below.
Mitch, we’re thrilled to have you on our platform and we think there is so much folks can learn from you and your story. Something that matters deeply to us is living a life and leading a career filled with purpose and so let’s start by chatting about how you found your purpose.
My journey to finding my purpose in tattooing began unexpectedly but profoundly during my high school art class. A local tattoo artist visited to demonstrate their craft, and as I tried my hand at the tattoo machine, something inside me clicked. The artist noticed my natural talent and encouraged me to stay longer, igniting a passion that would shape the course of my life.
From that moment on, I pursued tattooing with unwavering determination. I understood that starting out would be challenging, but I embraced the journey wholeheartedly. I immersed myself in learning, constantly seeking out opportunities to improve my skills and expand my knowledge.
Despite the initial hurdles, I persisted, driven by a deep-seated love for tattooing and the desire to empower others through self-expression. When I brought my portfolio to a street shop, I was offered a job on the spot, bypassing the need for a traditional apprenticeship. It was a validation of my dedication and talent, reaffirming my belief that tattooing was my true calling.
Over the years, I explored various tattooing styles, honing my craft and pushing the boundaries of my creativity. But it wasn’t until seven years ago that I discovered my love for the art of sacred geometry. This revelation marked a significant turning point in my career, leading me to establish my own private studio where I now focus exclusively on large-scale sacred geometric tattoos.
Tattooing has always been more than just a profession for me—it’s my purpose in life. It’s a means of connecting with others on a deeper level, empowering them to embrace their identity and express themselves freely. And as I continue to pursue my passion, I am grateful for the opportunity to make a meaningful impact in the lives of those I tattoo.
Great, so let’s take a few minutes and cover your story. What should folks know about you and what you do?
As a tattoo artist and co-owner of a private tattoo studio, my passion lies not only in the craft of tattooing but also in the vibrant community that surrounds it. Together with four other talented artists, I strive to create meaningful and transformative experiences for our clients through our art.
What sets our studio apart is the deep connection we forge with each client. Their stories, struggles, and triumphs inspire us to push the boundaries of creativity and self-expression. In fact, tattooing has been a lifeline for me personally, saving me from the depths of despair. Without it, life would be bleak and dull.
My wife and I co-own the studio, with her managing the business and storefront operations. Together, we form a tight-knit family-owned team dedicated to providing exceptional service and creating a welcoming atmosphere for everyone who walks through our doors.
In addition to our tattoo services, we recently launched a clothing line featuring premium quality hoodies adorned with my artwork and my wife’s unique bleach art. Each piece is truly one of a kind, reflecting our shared passion for creativity and individuality. You can check out our latest releases on our website, www.mitchbtattoos.com.
Ultimately, what I want people to know about our brand is that it’s more than just a tattoo studio—it’s a sanctuary for self-expression, creativity, and community. And as we continue to grow and evolve, we remain committed to delivering exceptional artistry and fostering meaningful connections with each and every client.
If you had to pick three qualities that are most important to develop, which three would you say matter most?
Looking back on my journey, three qualities, skills, or areas of knowledge stand out as most impactful:
Strong background in tattoo application and hygiene: This foundational knowledge is essential for any aspiring tattoo artist. Understanding proper techniques and safety protocols ensures not only quality work but also the health and well-being of clients.
Advice: Invest time in comprehensive training programs or apprenticeships to gain hands-on experience and learn from seasoned professionals. Stay updated on industry standards and regulations to maintain high standards of hygiene and safety in your practice.
Ruthless ambition, determination, and immense patience: Tattooing is a demanding profession that requires unwavering commitment and resilience. Ambition fuels the drive to push boundaries and achieve success, while determination and patience are essential for navigating the inevitable challenges and setbacks along the way.
Advice: Set ambitious goals for yourself and stay relentlessly focused on achieving them. Understand that progress takes time and be prepared to weather the highs and lows with patience and perseverance. Use setbacks as learning opportunities to grow and improve as an artist.
Diversified artistic skills and adaptability: The ability to draw proficiently and a willingness to explore various tattoo styles are invaluable assets for a tattoo artist. Flexibility and adaptability allow artists to cater to diverse client preferences and stay relevant in a constantly evolving industry.
Advice: Practice drawing consistently to hone your artistic skills and develop a versatile portfolio that showcases your range as an artist. Experiment with different tattoo styles and techniques to find your niche, but remain open to exploring new styles and expanding your repertoire. Embrace challenges as opportunities for growth and embrace opportunities to learn from fellow artists, whether through mentorship, workshops, or networking events.
Lastly, maintaining a good reputation is crucial in the tattoo industry, as word of mouth can greatly impact your success. Treat every client with respect, professionalism, and care, and consistently deliver high-quality work that exceeds their expectations. By prioritizing these qualities and following this advice, aspiring tattoo artists can lay a solid foundation for a successful and fulfilling career in the industry.
Tell us what your ideal client would be like?
My ideal client embodies several key characteristics that align with my approach to tattooing and commitment to excellence:
Self-awareness: An ideal client is someone who has a clear understanding of themselves and their desired tattoo. They have thoughtfully considered the meaning and significance behind the design, ensuring it reflects their identity and values.
Ready for a lifelong commitment: Tattooing is a permanent form of self-expression, and an ideal client understands and embraces the lifelong commitment that comes with it. They are committed to their tattoo not just in the present moment, but for years to come.
Self-care and responsibility: Taking good care of oneself extends to taking care of one’s tattoos. An ideal client prioritizes their health and wellness, staying hydrated and using sunscreen regularly to preserve the vibrancy and longevity of their tattoo.
Financial and time investment: Tattooing is an investment, both financially and time-wise. An ideal client is prepared to allocate the necessary resources to ensure a high-quality tattoo experience, from choosing the right artist to investing appropriately.
By embodying these characteristics, an ideal client not only enhances their own tattoo experience but also fosters a collaborative and positive relationship with their tattoo artist. Together, we can create a tattoo that not only meets but exceeds their expectations, leaving a lasting impression for years to come.
Contact Info:
- Website: www.mitchbtattoos.com
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/mitchbtattoos/
- Facebook: www.facebook.com/mitchbtattoos/
Image Credits
Photos taken by: Mitch Baer, Lisa Marie Baer and Victor Talley
