Today we’d like to introduce you to Bonnie Boatright.
Hi Bonnie, 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 basically came out of the womb with a tattoo machine in my hand. I’m the third generation of tattooers in my family! So I grew up hanging out, playing with my Bratz dolls, reading books and tracing flash for fun at the shops with my pops since I was a lil tyke. In high school, I would avoid class assignments by doodling n’ coloring all day to the point where classmates would pay me to draw up their future tattoo designs… So I’m sure you see where that was heading. BAM BOOM BANG school was out forever and I was onto the journey of a 17-month apprenticeship. 12-hour workdays, hardly any days off, all that work paid off though, because now I get to share the 10 years of lifelong knowledge earned with new artists. I couldn’t ask for more, but I still strive for the drive.
I’m sure you wouldn’t say it’s been obstacle free, but so far would you say the journey has been a fairly smooth road?
Biggest challenge? I CAN’T EVER FIND MY MATCHING SOCK!!!! It’s such a pain in the ass, and honestly makes me late for everything. So, it’s been a smelly road because sometimes I have to go to work without socks and my feet stink.
Can you tell our readers more about what you do and what you think sets you apart from others?
I specialize in tattooing, but I’m a natural born artist. The world is my canvas! I paint, do digital art, sculpt, sew, you name it! I’ve even dabbled in making some short films recently. As I grow older, my resume grows longer. And being able to work with idols I’ve looked up to since my childhood has got to be some of the biggest achievements added. For example, I tattooed the coolest lady of the cool Malice McMunn! She’s an Alt model that I’ve looked up to since high school, and I never thought that would’ve been possible. I also tattooed for 24 hours straight Friday the 13th at Oliver Peck’s shop (TWICE) in LA before they shut down! Which was on my bucket list. It’s so amazing to be able to reach goals like those, it truly makes me tear up with joy. I don’t think a lot of people in Houston can say they’ve done those things, so it does make me a bit unique on top of an earful of shit I could say to sound cool, but I like to stay humble about my experiences.
How do you define success?
I’d say as long as you’re happy doing something, and making progress, you’re succeeding. I hate feeling stagnant, and when I do, I change my environment, or try something new. I don’t think success is defined by status or your bank account, it’s a personal development and investment.
Pricing:
- Shop minimum $100
- Color minimum (for me) $200
- $150/hr color
- $180/hr black and grey
Contact Info:
- Email: bonnietattoos666@gmail.com
- Website: http://www.richmondavetattoo.com/bonnie-b
- Instagram: @bonnietattoos
- Facebook: @bonniebtattoos
- Twitter: @bonniesaydwut
Image Credits
Judith Thielen
