Conversations with Sarah Shadwick

Today we’d like to introduce you to Sarah Shadwick.

Hi Sarah, please kick things off for us with an introduction to yourself and your story.
I have always loved art. It was my first passion and is something I’ve always enjoyed. From taking trips to art museums to art camps in the summers, it always felt like more than a hobby. In high school, I took every type of art class available. These ranged from design, painting, and ceramics to more advanced classes like photography, sculpture, and jewelry making. Then in college, I stretched my wings and became a printmaking major specializing in screenprinting and intaglio. Due to unforeseen personal circumstances, I had to leave college and the art world behind. I still practiced art, but I let life get in the way and ended up putting art on the back burner. I’d given up hope that art would be anything more than a hobby (if I had the time) and stopped being creative altogether. Then COVID happened. I was working in retail and was miserable, so I stepped away to focus on my mental health, family, and happiness. I stepped away from work and focused on being a stay-at-home mom. Eventually, I found myself drawing again. Then drawing progressed into painting. When I had an excellent portfolio of work, I decided to throw caution to the wind and follow the one dream (fantasy even) I had never let go of; to be a professional tattoo artist. I researched, found a reputable shop with amazing artists, and was lucky enough to find a mentor and become a tattoo apprentice!

Can you talk to us about the challenges and lessons you’ve learned? Looking back, has it been easy or smooth in retrospect?
Not! The biggest struggle was never letting myself give up! Most people have a great answer to the age-old “dream job” question. I’ve known since I was sixteen that if I could do anything in the whole wide world, it would be to become a professional tattoo artist. I didn’t have enough faith in myself. When I first met my husband, he instantly supported me and my art. I played it off like a hobby, but he always saw through that. He knew it was my life and passion and silently supported me. When life would weigh down, or I felt like my art would never amount to anything, he never gave up. He always cheered me on and never let me give up on my dream, even when it felt like it would never be possible.

Thanks – so, what else should our readers know about your work and what you’re currently focused on?
I am a professional tattoo artist and started my apprenticeship almost one year ago. I work in a custom shop specializing in one-of-a-kind art pieces (there’s no flash on the walls in this shop!) There are so many different styles and techniques in this business that I’m still learning, so I need a specialty. That’s not to say I don’t get much practice trying it all! Taking walk-ins is something that helps. Some people have large ideas in mind, but most clients they’re looking for delicate minimalist linework or memorial pieces in a loved one’s handwriting. I love doing those types of tattoos because they present challenges that teach a lot. The small tattoos leave no room for error, so that tends to make them much trickier. Handwritten tattoos have to be exact because the slightest variation changes the whole look, and it’s no longer the handwriting of a loved one. I’m most proud of being a part of memorializing a part of someone forever. Take a moment, a person, or a life-changing event (good or bad), and turn that into something they will remember and love for the rest of their lives. My compassion and kindness are what sets me apart from others. Getting a tattoo (especially someone first) can be a make-or-break experience. You hear many stories about people with negative first-time (or millionth-time) tattoo experiences, making them wary of getting another. I make the experience excellent from start to finish. I want people to be relaxed, unnerved, and, most importantly, not afraid to voice what they want. I ask many questions to ensure each person gets exactly what they’re looking for. I want people to get the tattoo they picture in their heads!

Can you tell us more about what you were like growing up?
I was a very quiet kid who spent a lot of time reading, listening to music, and being artistic. I had a vast imagination and spent most of my time inventing elaborate stories and worlds to escape. I was the kid who marched to the beat of my drum. I’ve always been very quirky and individualistic, although that wasn’t something I loved about myself until I was an adult! I was the girl who wore all black, watched off-the-wall movies, listened to death metal, and loved Harry Potter!

Contact Info:

• Website: www.classictattookc.com
• Instagram: @tattoos.made.with.love
• Facebook: www.facebook.com/ClassicTattooKansas