Today we’d like to introduce you to Austin Ashby.
Hi Austin, so excited to have you on the platform. So before we get into questions about your work-life, maybe you can bring our readers up to speed on your story and how you got to where you are today?
I grew up drawing constantly, and somewhere along the way I realized that art meant more to me than just filling sketchbooks. I wanted to create something that lived with people, something that actually mattered to them. Tattooing became that path. My early years in the industry were a mix of grind, trial and error, and a whole lot of learning the hard way. I didn’t come in with shortcuts or special treatment. I worked for everything I had—late nights, long days, taking any opportunity I could to refine my craft. Over time, that discipline turned into confidence, and that confidence turned into a direction.
Eventually, opening a studio became the next natural step. I wanted a place built on integrity, faith, and genuine respect for both artists and clients. A space where people could feel welcomed, taken care of, and treated like their story mattered. That’s how Path of Light came to be. It wasn’t about trying to be the biggest shop; it was about building the right shop.
Today I’m blessed to be doing what I love every day—tattooing, mentoring, and building a community around art. The journey hasn’t been perfect, but every step has shaped who I am as an artist and as a shop owner. And honestly, I wouldn’t change any of it.
I’m sure it wasn’t obstacle-free, but would you say the journey has been fairly smooth so far?
It definitely hasn’t been a smooth road. Tattooing is one of those careers where you earn everything through patience, repetition, and resilience. In the beginning, the hardest part was simply getting opportunities. You spend a lot of time proving yourself before anyone even knows your name. There were moments where money was tight, time was tight, and the only thing I had was the belief that I could make it work if I just kept going. Starting a shop added an entirely new set of challenges. It’s one thing to focus on your own art, and another to take on the responsibility of a business—managing clients, schedules, finances, and the environment you want to build for other artists. There were setbacks, unexpected obstacles, and days where it felt like nothing was moving fast enough.
But every struggle ended up sharpening me. I learned how to adapt, how to lead, and how to keep going even when the path wasn’t clear. Those rough patches taught me discipline, humility, and the value of building things the right way. Looking back, the difficulties were part of the foundation that allowed me to grow into the artist and shop owner I am today
Alright, so let’s switch gears a bit and talk business. What should we know about your work?
My work is rooted in blackwork, stipple shading, and sacred geometry. Those styles have always spoken to me because they rely on patience, precision, and intention. There’s something meaningful about building an image out of thousands of tiny dots or creating balance through geometric patterns. It feels less like decorating skin and more like creating something meditative and permanent. Over the years I’ve been fortunate to receive awards and have my work published, but I still try to approach every tattoo like I’m learning. I don’t see myself as better than anyone—just someone who puts in the time, stays curious, and tries to honor the craft. Most clients know me for clean, detailed blackwork pieces, especially those that blend symbolism, geometry, and faith-driven themes.
What I’m most proud of isn’t the recognition, though. It’s the fact that people trust me with their skin and their stories. Being able to take someone’s idea, whether it’s deeply personal or simply something that inspires them, and turn it into a piece they carry for life—that’s what sets the tone for everything I do.
If anything sets me apart, it’s the belief that the tattoo should serve the person, not the other way around. I try to create work that has intention behind it, whether that’s spiritual symbolism, mathematical harmony, or simply craftsmanship done the right way. My goal is always to give people something honest, well-built, and meaningful, one piece at a time.
In terms of your work and the industry, what are some of the changes you are expecting to see over the next five to ten years?
I think the tattoo industry is on track for a really exciting next decade. It’s growing, but it’s also refining itself in a good way. We’re seeing more focus on quality, professionalism, and artists really carving out their own unique lanes. Technology will keep improving the tools we use, but I don’t think anything will replace the human side of tattooing—the trust between the client and the artist, the craftsmanship, the intention behind each piece. That part will always matter most.
I also think we’ll see safer, cleaner supplies becoming the standard, and more clients paying attention to the studios they choose. People are doing their homework now, and that pushes the whole industry to raise the bar.
Another big shift is in cover-ups and tattoo revision work. More people want to update old tattoos or transform something they’ve outgrown, so that side of the industry is expanding quickly and becoming its own specialty.
Overall, I see the future being full of opportunity. More styles, more individuality, and more room for artists to express who they are. As long as we keep putting people first and stay committed to the craft, the industry is only going to get better.
Pricing:
- I charge 175 an hour
Contact Info:
- Website: Electrictattoosbyaustin.com
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/electrictattoosbyaustin?igsh=MWZjZDkzcnhzNHd5&utm_source=qr
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/share/17MrNtQUXh/?mibextid=wwXIfr
