Meet Seth Clark

We were lucky to catch up with Seth Clark recently and have shared our conversation below.

Seth, so great to have you with us and we want to jump right into a really important question. In recent years, it’s become so clear that we’re living through a time where so many folks are lacking self-confidence and self-esteem. So, we’d love to hear about your journey and how you developed your self-confidence and self-esteem.

Honestly, I don’t think confidence is something you just have—I think it’s something you build. Early on, I definitely struggled with self-doubt and imposter syndrome (and to be real, I still do sometimes). But over time, I’ve learned that the antidote to that lack of confidence is simple: putting in the work.

When you’re consistently showing up, improving your skills, and learning new things, your confidence naturally grows—because now you’ve got real ability backing it up. On the other hand, when you’re not putting in the effort, it’s easy to feel like you don’t deserve the things you’re reaching for. That’s where a lot of self-esteem issues come from, in my experience.

I still hit phases of uncertainty—especially when I’m learning something new—but I’ve trained myself to recognize that feeling as part of the process. Every time I’ve felt like that before, growth was right on the other side of it. Confidence isn’t the starting point; it’s the result of consistently doing the work and pushing through those uncomfortable moments.

Let’s take a small detour – maybe you can share a bit about yourself before we dive back into some of the other questions we had for you?

I’m a trauma-informed tattoo artist through Tattoo Therapy™️, and I specialize in black and grey, fine line, and black work. But more than anything, I see tattooing as a form of therapy. For a lot of my clients, it’s not just about the art—it’s about telling their story, processing pain, or marking a turning point in their life. That’s the part of this work that fulfills me.

What makes my approach different is the environment I try to create—safe, calm, and judgment-free. I’ve been through my own struggles and healing, so I understand how powerful it can be to turn pain into something permanent, beautiful, and personal.

Right now, I’m expanding my brand to include a clothing line and art prints that reflect the same energy and message behind my tattoos. I’m also continuing to speak and share more publicly about the role tattooing can play in healing trauma, especially for people who feel unseen or unheard.

At the end of the day, whether someone’s coming in for a large piece or a small one, my goal is always the same: help them walk away feeling more whole than when they came in.

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?

Looking back, I’d say the three most impactful things in my journey have been: consistency, emotional intelligence, and being willing to stay a student.

Consistency is huge. Even when I didn’t feel inspired or confident, I kept showing up—drawing, tattooing, learning. That steady effort is what built my skillset and gave me the confidence I have now. Consistency is something I also struggle with even now from time to time but you have to remember You don’t need to feel ready to get started—you just need to start and keep going.

Emotional intelligence came with time, but it’s been just as important as technical skill. Being able to listen, hold space for people, and understand the emotional weight behind the tattoos they’re getting has shaped the way I work. Tattooing can be deeply healing for people, and being aware of that is what makes the experience meaningful for both of us.

Staying a student has probably been the most freeing. I never want to feel like I’ve “made it” or know everything. There’s always a new technique, a new perspective, or something you can refine—not just in tattooing, but in yourself.

For anyone early in their journey: show up consistently even when you’re unsure, stay open to growth, and remember it’s not just about being a great artist—it’s about being someone people feel safe around. That’s where the real impact is made.

What do you do when you feel overwhelmed? Any advice or strategies?

When I’m overwhelmed, I slow down and take the pressure off. I break things into smaller steps and just focus on what I can do right now. Drawing or tattooing for myself helps too—no pressure, just creating. Biggest thing I’ve learned? You don’t have to push through everything at once. Breathe, reset, and move one thing at a time.

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