Interview with Lana Hicks, Tattoo Artist.

photo taken by Lisa Christine

       Lana Hicks is a tattoo artist based out of my home town of St.Thomas, from her very own studio, Lady Unlucky Tattoo. I first experienced Lana's work when I saw it on my friends - she came highly recommended. St.Thomas is a town with at least four tattoo studios (the last time I checked, and that I know of.) I knew when I planned on getting my first tattoo I wanted a place close to home, with an artist I could get to know and trust. I needed to be able to contact my artist before and after my tattoo, and someone who could deal with me being a nervous Nelly and possibly bothering them with thousands of questions.

        With Lana I got more than I asked for, and I am eternally grateful for it. I went in for my consultation and was immediately put at ease by the friendly, cozy atmosphere of her little in-house studio. It was set up simply with a chair, and all the complicated machinery set off to the side. I knew I wouldn't be crowded with other people staring at me or machinery constantly buzzing before it was my turn.
  
        Lana is a sweet, friendly lady who is of course, covered in tattoos. So there's no doubt she knows what it's like to be in your place as well as her own. She happily answered all of my questions without a moment's hesitation, and seriously gave me some advice and rules for my first appointment. A week or so later she e-mailed me her sketches for my design, and we exchanged back and forth over that. Being an artist myself I was worried about imposing on her art or her vision - I know what it's like to work with someone else on a piece of art and what kind of process it can be - but at the same time I was sure about what I wanted and how it would look - since it was going to be on me forever. Lana was completely understanding and flexible during this process, and welcomed and encouraged my opinions, the perfect attitude for a tattoo artist.
  
        My first appointment didn't go exactly as planned, but just helped to show Lana's wonderful personality and endear me to her even more. On a hot summer day scheduling conflicts left me without a ride to my appointment and no one to come with me. I rode my bike there - bad idea. And being alone I became so nervous and scared I couldn't go through with it - I was totally ashamed. But Lana was very sweet and comforting to me and easily rescheduled my appointment to go with a friend's so not only would I not be alone, but I would be able to see another tattoo in action before I got mine. She explained the process to me down to the details, not sugar coating anything but not trying to scare me either, just an attention to detail and honesty.
  
      When I told Lana I would most likely be bothering her with questions long after my tattoo was finished, I don't think this is what she had in mind. But I thought about all the questions I had, and all the other people I've known who've wanted tattoos but knew nothing about them. Many people are still intimidated by tattoo parlours and the people that work in them, even I was pretty nervous, even though I've known people that worked in parlours and are heavily tattooed. Lana was the perfect pick to answer some questions about tattooing, the industry, getting a tattoo, and of course, reality TV.

    Tell us a bit about your life in the world of tattooing. How did you get started?
I started when I was 17 purely out of curiosity. Back then tattooing was not what it is now. There wasn't a tattoo shop on every corner and it wasn't so accepted and mainstream. I didn't get back into tattooing until approx. 8-9 years ago. I did a second apprenticeship then started back at it full time and have been doing it every day since.

    What sort of advice would you give to someone trying to get into the industry?
It's not easy. Getting an apprenticeship is hard and getting through it is even harder. Everything you do during that period is important and for a reason, and no it's not fun or glamorous, but it has its purpose. It is a 24 hour 7 days a week job, not a 9 to 5, so be prepared for it to be your life.

    Are there any sort of art techniques or schooling you would recommend to someone interested in tattoos?
Apprenticeship! There is no other way. These so called "Tattoo Schools" are bogus. No, you cannot learn how to tattoo in two weeks. It's a long learning process and you never stop learning.
    
    What kind of art are you interested in besides tattoos? Tell us about your other projects.
I am a painter, renovator/interior designer. I make one of a kind Art Dolls and I used to do pin striping. I recently completed a book and designed the logo and T's for a female Roller derby league as well.
   
  Who are some of your favourite artists? In tattoos or any other kind of art.
Hmm, there are so many. Top favs in the industry would have to be Nico Hurtado and Joe Capobianco and Victor Portugal for starters. In other mediums, Greg Craola Simkins, Brian Viveross, Sylvia Ji, David Stoupakis, and Natalie Shau are just a few of my favs.

   What inspires you? What makes you want to put pencil to paper, or needle to flesh, as it were?
That's a tough one. I am always looking for something new to inspire and motivate me. I think the love of art of course but when you do it day in and day out you are always hunting for inspiration in everything.
    
    How about some advice for potential clients? What should someone do to prep for their first tattoo, or any other tattoo for that matter?
Take your time and really know what you want. It's a life long commitment. Find the right artist for you and never let price be your determining factor. You get what you pay for.

    What should someone think about when choosing what they want to get as a tattoo?
Why do you want it? Is it something you can live with forever? Placement! Think about what you may want to do in the future, because a tattoo can interfere with that as well.

    What should someone keep in mind when looking for an artist?
Look at their portfolio, look for client feedback. Make sure it's someone you feel comfortable with and who's willing to do a consultation to talk to you about your ideas and answer any questions or concerns you may have.
    
     What makes a good tattoo parlour? What should people avoid?
Atmosphere first off. If you feel uncomfortable when you walk in imagine sitting there for a few hours. Are there people just hanging around? Cleanliness of course! Ask questions about sterilization practices. If they are reluctant to answer your questions you have to ask yourself why. Look for portfolios.
   
    Be honest. What do you really think about all those tattoo-related reality shows, like L.A. Ink or Ink Master?
Hate them for the most part. They give a very unrealistic portrayal of how this industry works. No you cannot get a sleeve or back piece done in a couple hours, and it takes longer to create the design than the time it takes to have a cup of coffee. Those people on those shows have applied and submitted their designs months in advance. They did not just walk in off the streets. The worst was TLC's "Tattoo School." It was the most reckless, irresponsible garbage I have ever seen! The only plus is that they have helped tattooings popularity. It's more accepted and common now. It has also helped people finally see it as an art form and what's possible beyond roses and stars and tribal and flash on the walls.
  
    What do you say to all those naysayers who ask, “What are you going to look like when you’re older?”
Older but more colourful! I'll be wearing my story with no regrets.

      When I finally got my tattoo, Lana's gift of gab really helped me out by keeping me distracted. We chatted about everything from school and work to comic books and movies. So I knew when I went to her for an interview she'd give me some good, full answers, and I was right! I hope you've enjoyed this interview and found it informative. If you're London/Elgin/Middlesex area and are considering a tattoo, go to Lana!

My tattoo!

(I originally did this for my Writing for the Web class, and it was posted to my class blog at Spineonline.)