Today we’d like to introduce you to Steven Campbell.
Steven, we appreciate you taking the time to share your story with us today. Where does your story begin?
I first discovered tattoo magazines in High school and was immediately drawn to the imagery. I knew I wanted to be covered. So I saved money and started getting tattooed my senior year of high school. Before the end of the year I almost had my sleeves done. Which helped me develop a relationship with a shop and a group of artists. I started out helping the front and drawing stencils while focusing on learning everything it took to run a shop. Eventually I started tattooing in 1999.
After a few years I decided to open my own shop which lasted about five years. Eventually I felt the need to work with people I could learn and grow from. So I closed my shop and went to start at the bottom at the best shops I could. After spending almost twenty years of working and pouring my heart and soul into that shop I began to see red flags with behavior of the people around me, I abruptly left to start over again to find a safe and welcoming space for my clients, their family and friends. I’ve been tattooing now for twenty five years I’ve seen so much change but rather than be bitter and complain about the old days I chose to adapt and embrace the changes which has helped me stay relevant and booked. I’ve found through the years that you will only get out what you put into this business. Nothings free and know one’s gonna just hand out success it’s on you to do the work and treat people right.
I truly appreciate each of my clients. Most of whom have become great friends. This business has provided for me and my family beyond what I ever thought possible. It really is an honor to do something I enjoy everyday with my friends. It never feels like work and never feel like an employee. I’ve met my best friends, the love of my life and so many characters who share their stories, experiences, highs and lows with me. As I do with them.
We all face challenges, but looking back would you describe it as a relatively smooth road?
I think the biggest struggle is self motivation. Ive seen so many talented people struggle to stay motivated and give up when times got hard. With any business there’s highs and lows and you have to adapt. If you don’t enjoy your work it will show and business will suffer. It’s not a 9-5. There’s late nights, there’s always drawings to do, supplies to order, emails to answer, just life. I try to find a good balance between work and home. This definitely seems to be a common issue with tattooers. I saw so many tattooers from the generation before me struggle to build a family, or relationships with anyone besides clients turning into sad lonely men with bad attitudes. Although I admired their skills I did not envy their personal life’s. No matter how much I enjoy my craft it’s family that brings me the most joy and happiness in my life. I think the influx of new artists is somewhat discouraging to older tattooers but there’s nothing you can do but accept it and concentrate on your self, your business and your family.
We’ve been impressed with I’m currently working out of Gold cathedral tattoo in the crossroads, but for folks who might not be as familiar, what can you share with them about what you do and what sets you apart from others?
I truly enjoy all styles of tattooing and focus on connecting with my clients so that we can make their vision come to life. With an emphasis on larger pieces. I believe what sets me apart is my ability to be ready everyday, which involves being prepared with my designs, showing up on time, treating clients time seriously as I expect from them, having a good attitude an open mind, looking clean, acting professional and personable.
How do you define success?
I live a life surrounded by friends and family who love me and share the life I’ve spent all this time building for us. I’m never alone through the good times and the bad.
Moneys great but it doesn’t buy love
Focus on the good, appreciate everyday you get in this life and the people whom you share it with
Pricing:
- Pricing varies depending on the project.
- I discuss this with each client as well as their budget and expectations
- So I can help them reach their goals while still maintaining my overhead.
Contact Info:
- Email: [email protected]
- Instagram: Stevencampbelltattoo
- Facebook: Steven Campbell
