Rising Stars: Meet Elise Malone of Plaza area

Today we’d like to introduce you to Elise Malone

Alright, so thank you so much for sharing your story and insight with our readers. To kick things off, can you tell us a bit about how you got started?
I started tattooing five years ago in a traditional focused shop. As a young woman, it was incredibly challenging and I ended up leaving after six months for my own safety. Since then, I’ve had to fight to keep my place in the industry, but I’ve also learned to fight for what I love.
In May I received a Bachelor of Fine Arts from the Kansas City Art Institute, and this October opened my own shop, Easy Rose Tattoo, with my partner.
Overall, it has been an incredibly life changing process and I’m so grateful to do something I love every day.

I’m sure it wasn’t obstacle-free, but would you say the journey has been fairly smooth so far?
The Tattoo Industry is extremely unregulated, and there’s no one to run to when faced with harassment. This is a story I’ve heard time and time again from other female tattoo artists, and clients as well. Over time, I’ve joined a network of clients and artists that warn each other of dangerous shops/artists through word of mouth. If someone comes to me for their first tattoo, I always debrief them on safe tattoo practices, and try to give them words of advice as they explore the industry. It can be incredibly challenging to be a woman in this industry, and yet the space is becoming more female dominated every day.

Appreciate you sharing that. What else should we know about what you do?
I specialize in fineline black and grey tattoos. A style characterized by thin, delicate, lines, it’s a deceivingly challenging style not many artists can do. At my shop, Easy Rose Tattoo, we’ve gathered three of the best fineline artists in the city.
I’m extremely proud of my portrait work as well, I specialize in fineline pet and human portraits. They’re just about my favorite thing to tattoo!

Before we let you go, we’ve got to ask if you have any advice for those who are just starting out?
I always recommend clients and artists heavily research the shop they’re going to. Be picky with your artist, and don’t be afraid to spend top dollar on your piece- it’s permanent!

Pricing:

• My hourly rate is $200.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://elisemalone.com
• Instagram: https://instagram.com/elm.jpeg