Today we’d like to introduce you to Megan Clifton.
Alright, so thank you so much for sharing your story and insight with our readers. To kick things off, can you tell us a bit about how you got started?
I’ve always been an artist, and I knew I wanted to turn my passion for art into my career. I have always admired tattooing as well the artist behind them.
It’s takes a massive amount of confidence and resilience to be in this industry. It’s intimidating and I genuinely thought I’d never be able to have that kind of confidence. Then one day, I just said “F*ck it I’m gonna fake it till I believe it”. I knew this was what I wanted to do, so I had to muster up the courage and confidence in myself in order to make this apprenticeship, and career, happen.
The apprenticeship process alone can be quite a challenge, which I don’t think a lot of people who are unfamiliar with the tattoo industry realize. It’s not just walking into a tattoo shop and saying “Hey I’d like to become an apprentice!” and everyone welcoming you with open arms. Of course, apprenticeship experiences vary per tattooer. My apprenticeship was tough. It was made very clear to me that I wasn’t wanted there. As uncomfortable as I was, I was still determined to pursue my dream. I showed up everyday and would draw, clean, and learn as much as I could.
Even though my apprenticeship was challenging, I had an incredible mentor, Teague Mullen (@tmullen13). He was the one who saw the potential in my work and could tell how passionate I am about tattooing. Everything I am today I owe to Teague. I am forever grateful to have had mentor who genuinely cared and wanted me to succeed.
Fast forward to now, I have my own private studio space located in Hyde Park that I opened in March 2021. I feel very fortunate to have such great clients, fellow tattooers, and friends who have supported me along the way. It feels surreal to be where I’m at now in this point of my career, and I can’t wait to see what the future brings.
I’m sure you wouldn’t say it’s been obstacle free, but so far would you say the journey have been a fairly smooth road?
Short answer? No. This industry is tough in general, but when you factor in being a woman in a still mostly male dominated industry, it redefines the term ‘tough’. I learned very quickly it’s not going to be smooth sailing.
For lack of better words, there’s a lot of amped up egos. You have people who view you as competition when that’s not the case at all. There are people who purposely try to bring you down and make you doubt yourself. The silver lining in all of the obstacles I’ve faced was learning from those egos and backhanded compliments. You can either be like them or do the opposite.
I’m also under a constant state of pressure. Artists in general are their own biggest critics. I’m constantly thinking “How can this be better?” It’s hard to not wear yourself down when you’re in that mindset 24/7.
Tattooing isn’t just my career, it’s an entire lifestyle. There aren’t many moments when I’m not working. It’s not just go to work, tattoo, and go home.
There are drawings to do, emails to answer, networking, to name a few. I’m never not thinking about work in some way. Eventually, you’re guaranteed to have a burnout, but it’s all about learning how to bring yourself back. Being able to do what you love for a living is worth all the bullsh*t at the end of the day.
Alright, so let’s switch gears a bit and talk business. What should we know about your work?
I specialize in mainly large scale Neo traditional blackwork. It’s a mixture of two very different styles, but Im really enjoying the way I’ve been able to combine them into one.
Opening up my studio was a major achievement to me. It was a huge transition from what I had been used to. Change is never easy, but the growth I’ve had from making this change was worth it. I love being able to ensure my clients are in a safe space when they’re at my studio. That’s extremely important to me. As a tattooer, you hear so many horror stories from your clients about their other experiences. My goal at the end of the day is to not only give them a beautiful piece, but also give them a positive experience. You can give someone an amazing tattoo, but if you’re an a**hole they’re going to remember that forever. I love tattooing, and without my clients, I wouldn’t be able to do it.
There were times during my apprenticeship where I’d have a silent breakdown in the bathroom because I didn’t think I could do this. But, I did it. As cheesy as it sounds I’m proud of myself for overcoming the obstacles I’ve encountered to get me to this point in my career.
Contact Info:
- Email: Tattoosbymegan@gmail.com
- Instagram: Instagram.com/themeganclifton
