Conversations with Aethan “Quil” Seawright

Today we’d like to introduce you to Aethan “Quil” Seawright.

Hi Aethan “Quil”, thanks for sharing your story with us. To start, maybe you can tell our readers some of your backstory.
I’ve always loved tattoos and been drawn to them from a young age. When I was 12, I got to see my first professional tattoo procedure on my uncle’s arm being done and it just made me more curious. I also have always loved art in many forms but was trash at art until around high school. I had an amazing art teacher who saw that I had the fire and really helped me. When I turned 15 my mom signed for me to get my first tattoo and again I was even more intrigued. When I was 16, I got my second tattoo and asked how someone gets into it. The artist told me kind of the process and when I turned 18 I didn’t go the normal route at all. I had been accepted into art college and was starting. So, my tattooing actually started in a dorm room with a $60 machine before I ever had a formal mentorship. I’ve been hooked ever since though and still love it with a fiery passion today, it never gets old to me. I went through many shops and learned along the way from the different artists, owners, and shops themselves to get to the point I’m at now with almost 16 years under my belt and my own studio.

Would you say it’s been a smooth road, and if not what are some of the biggest challenges you’ve faced along the way?
I wouldn’t say it was a smooth road, but it helped me build myself into the artist I am today. My initial mentorship was not great. I had very little direction and it taught me some outdated practices that I had to unlearn. But, I think that with experiencing different shop environments, artists, owners, and systems, I’ve learned so much and been able to create my own sort of way of navigating through business ownership as well as teaching what I’ve learned to other artists and becoming a better artist myself.

Thanks – so what else should our readers know about your work and what you’re currently focused on?
I fall into all categories described above. I am an artist who owns my own shop, which is a professional environment. I have been a practicing tattooer for almost 16 years. I specialize in every style, as I am passionate about art and like to be challenged in ways that keep me involved in the craft. I’m exceptionally proud to have opened my own shop, as well as train people who can also be well versed in every style to share culture and keep the industry alive. I love to connect and share experiences with clients while I tattoo and enjoy getting to know strangers from all paths of life who want to bring an idea to life.

Can you talk to us a bit about the role of luck?
I don’t believe in luck. I believe in working hard and learning everything you can to get to where you want to be.

Pricing:

• Our shop minimum is $100
• I charge $175 per hour with other artists at my shop being different hourly rates
• My shop offers pay later options such as Klarna and Afterpay for large sessions/pieces
• We also offer discounted custom pieces

Contact Info:

• Website: https://www.darkarrowtattooco.com
• Instagram: https://Instagram.com/darkarrowtattooco
• Other: https://Instagram.com/quiltheheathen