Meet Kim Petty

Today we’d like to introduce you to Kim Petty.

Hi Kim, we’d love for you to start by introducing yourself.
Foggy memories of 8th-grade art class in a lovely little town in Wisconsin; my art teacher celebrated my differences in art aesthetics and encouraged me, which put my brain down the path of keeping art in my life forever. After high school, I obtained a Fine Arts degree in painting and an additional degree after that in graphic design. I have bounced around continuously since then, both in careers and locations. I have been a designer in very corporate settings in Minnesota and an art director in laid-back fun shops in Wisconsin and Missouri. After moving to Kansas City with my husband for his work, I decided to add a new medium to my collection of techniques and learn to tattoo. My husband introduced me to his tattoo artist, who was starting his shop, and the stars aligned most perfectly, and I became a tattoo apprentice. As of March 1st of this year, I am the owner of my very own shop, Vicious Sweethearts Tattoo. While I was at that shop, I learned so much from many extraordinarily talented people (and a Welsh dude) and followed my artistic instincts.

We all face challenges, but would you describe it as a relatively smooth road?
It has been a challenging road. As life does, it throws obstacles and opportunities at you in strange ways. My journey has ebbed and flowed around the obstacles as best it can. They have not defined me but informed me.

Let’s switch gears a bit and talk business. What should we know about your work?
I am the owner and artist of Vicious Sweethearts Tattoo. I specialize in fine line, graphic, and illustrative tattoos. If you asked someone what my shop is known for, they would say making you feel as comfortable and welcome as possible. I want tattoos to be accessible to anyone who wants more art. I feel the most proud moment when I watch clients leave, and they can’t stop smiling as they walk to their car. Tattoo therapy is real, and I want to spread positivity and art to anyone who wants it.

We’d like to hear your thoughts on luck and what role, if any, you feel it’s played for you.
I’d rather like to think of it as karma. I don’t litter, get road rage, and kill a fair amount of plants unintentionally. It all evens out in the end.

Contact Info:

• Website: www.strangechildrenart.com
• Instagram: @vicioussweetheartstattoo
• Facebook: /vicioussweetheartstattoo
• Other: vicioussweetheartstattoo (tikTok)

Image Credits
Kansas City Roller Warriors head shot (Kim Petty_Add_10.JPG) taken by: Zaftig Unicorn Photography, Working shot (Kim Petty_Feature_1) taken by: Hally Hogg with Mothership Arts