Today we’d like to introduce you to Carlos Ransom.
Hi Carlos, so excited to have you with us today. What can you tell us about your story?
My journey started by chance. Being in the right place at the right time. And has continued through very hard work, and a passion and love for tattooing. I believe its what I was born to do. Like somewhere in my lineage one or more of my ancestors did this for their people. And I’m continuing the work we were always meant to do. I’ve been tattooing for 31 years. 27 of those here in Lawrence. I opened my own studio Abraxas Tattoo in 2012. It was one of the first private studios in the area. I’ve never felt that street shops were the environment for me. The walk-in traffic was always a distraction, and that kind of tattooing wasn’t something that ever fit my style or personality. My preference has always been large scale work, which is primarily appointment based because of the multiple sessions involved.
Can you talk to us a bit about the challenges and lessons you’ve learned along the way. Looking back would you say it’s been easy or smooth in retrospect?
It’s never a smooth road! But overcoming obstacles and challenges only makes you appreciate what you have achieved that much more, right?
Maintaining a good relationship with tattooing is a challenge, in the way of creating your best art for others at such a regular pace. This is really hard work. And the more you care the harder it gets. You’re constantly working with very little down time. This job continues outside of the studio, at home working on the design for the next day, or for next week. Returning emails, and booking people. Making sure your supplies are on order, and that you’re continuing your education and research. Doing your absolute best to perform at 100%, giving your clients the best tattoos and experiences on a daily basis. It’s never ending, and the list of responsibilities goes on and on. I don’t think most people realize what they’re signing up for when they first get into this business. It’s glamorous to them because it’s the ability to be a professional artist and make good money right away. Maybe get some fame or notoriety. I think if you can make it past 10 years and still continue to love it, keep pushing yourself to grow, learn, and be better, then this craft can bring you many more years of happiness too. It’s such a rewarding job, but also so very challenging!
Appreciate you sharing that. What else should we know about what you do?
I’ve changed the direction of my art a handful of times in my career. It’s been necessary in order to not only satisfy my own creative desires, but to also stay relevant in the ever changing world of tattooing. Right now my focus is on heavy black work. Ornamental, abstract, and blackout work. It’s interesting because I think what I’m most known for is my color work, but blackwork is how it all started for me. It’s what I was doing even before I started tattooing, and it’s what got the attention of my mentor, eventually leading to an apprenticeship opportunity. So I love that I’ve gone back to it after all of these years.
Another thing I’m know for is my coverup work, which is something I’m still doing a lot of. Most of what I do is coverup. So I’d definitely say that’s one thing that sets me apart. Not many tattooers enjoy doing them. I like the challenge. It’s always a puzzle to solve, and there’s so much more to consider with them compared to placing a tattoo on an empty body part. How do I make something new out of this without making it obvious that it’s a coverup? How do I cover this piece in a way that is smart and creative? But also in a way that is flattering and intentional like this piece was the plan all along. Watching my clients go from wanting to hide their tattoos and feeling ashamed or self conscious, to feeing transformed and proud is incredibly rewarding.
Ultimately the goal at this point in my career is body suits. Seeing the entire body as one piece and theme. That’s the direction that’s calling me, and I think that’s the ultimate achievement for me.
We all have a different way of looking at and defining success. How do you define success?
I would define success as being able to do what you love for a living.
Pricing:
- $600 half day rate
- $1000 full day rate
Contact Info:
- Website: https://carlosransom.com
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/carlos.ransom.tattoo?igsh=bjJ6anZvNW5leXU5&utm_source=qr
