That Time A YT Man Told Me 'NO' to Learning Tattoo
And July Tattoo RoundUp
Every time I have to start with WHY Tatttoo therapy is a major part of my being I am flooded with overwhelm - mostly from gratitude in this space. But also from anger, frustration and rage.
These strong fiery emotions have a strong hold on me as I think about HOW tattoo is demonized for Black bodies with no consideration of the importance OR history of tattoo to Black society.
There are plenty articles about reformed proud boys, neo-nazis, skinheads and more covering up their racist tattoos. It often makes me wonder if the tattoos are being covered up to be able to walk amongst society in it's current POC state or if they are actually shifting mindset to being anti-racist. But that's another topic for another day.
What interests me most in tattoo culture these days is how tattoo can be used as a form of liberation and reclamation of identity for Black folk. Using tattoo, an ancient medicine, as a form of both community -and self-care.
And I have successfully integrated this interest into my tattoo therapy process.
Why? It's simple. Black people whether we know it or not cope with pain through self-expression. It is a legit healing form - think of fashion therapy, retail therapy, ART therapy …
Well here we deep dive into tattoo therapy while reclaiming tattoo as a useful tool - a medicine - for healing , identification and communication.
Every time I am requested to host a tattoo therapy experience I feel extremely honored and blessed. Simply because that soul has decided to reconnect with its truest, most authentic core identity. It's generally lost in childhood and abandoned in adulthood, leaving us with a host of emotional needs from hyperindependence to a sense of achievement. But no matter in all of it … we're usually looking for meaning. And that means we have to be open to sharing in a vulnerable space.
And my job, as your guide is to support you in being vulnerable.
The shit's not easy. ESPECIALLY with a complete stranger. Trust me when I say I speak from experience.
My Origins Story
There was a time in my tattoo career (as a collector, not an artist) that I was denied being supported in a vulnerable space. I come to tattoo as a cutter and attract a lot of who I am - both hurt and healed. My then artist - a white man - tattooed me and got a kick out of every time I came. He'd be laughing, all smiles and uber chatty (that last part, I am certainly, NOT). Meanwhile I was often dark, void and empty inside - lifeless. And only getting tattooed to feel. To release and to express emotion that I couldn't otherwise articulate.
Welp. One day … he was vulnerable enough with me to ask me on a date. Of course I saw tis as vulnerability because rejection is also an option here. And that's what he experienced cuz I was not bout to go out with nobody who made jokes about beaver hair on my privates cuz I'm Black with 4C hair. Thas hella weird ~
But I laughed. I was getting poked with needles and it's best to be as friendly as possible when you're not sure if your artist will purposely mess you up … for life! (yes! that IS a thing in this industry)
Anyway … thinking about how I'm allowing him to tattoo me while in such a fragile mental state, I asked for an apprenticeship. Here's the kicker tho …
I didn't want to become a tattoo artist. I had no interest. Like NONE!
He promptly responded, letting his racist flag wave high, that he would never apprentice a Black person let alone a woman. Later I learned he also had some racist tattoos covered up. And now we're full circle to WHY I wonder about racists getting their tattoos covered vs. shifting their mindset COMPLETELY. But any whoo ~
His response lit a spark under my ass to find someone who would willingly take me on. Cuz now you've awakened a beast MOTHERFUCKER! And I'm gonna take up space in this industry and be there for Black people AND women … if it kills me! THAT was my declaration. And so …
Here we are …
Introducing Ink & Release
Though I am always open to working with all skin types and people from all walks of life, I always, always, always prioritize and hold space for Black folk, first.
I believe that tattoo therapy as a trauma-informed experience focuses on creativity, wellness, and community care, but centers on something often left out of intimate touch experiences - emotional needs, community and connection.
And knowing that we THRIVE when these three things are tended to, my goal in this container is to use ancient medicine, tattoo, to help you powerfully reconnect with your truest, most authentic core identity.
In this retreat style tattoo experience, you can escape to a melanin-rich space that prioritizes knowledge of darkskin tattooing (composition and color) and ensures a safe, comfortable, respectful and healing transformative experience.
The process is a 3-day (4-6 hours per day) experience:
Beginning with a creative vibe session where we get to know each other beyond the virtual world. We also offer 1:1 intuitive tarot readings, hula hooping, sidewalk chalk, walking, yoga, or meditation to get the idea juices flowing.
On day two, we engage in a body mapping tattoo session, where we start your tattoo journey by styling your piece to your skin in a co-collaborative creative process. This day may be longer than a traditional tattoo session day.
Finally, on day three, we complete your traditional tattoo session. If your idea morphs into something larger, we will add more sessions to come.
Included in this experience is lunch, a 30-day follow-up, keepsake souvenir pics and vids, and a copy of Shoppe Gal, The Memoir.
I believe that the tattoo therapy experience is an opportunity to reconnect with your truest, most authentic self. My philosophy is that we don't have to know each other's secrets to support one another fully. We hold hands to walk through the journey from consultation to execution. If we're not a good fit, we have references and resources to share.
Come to the table without having to think about anything, and let us guide you through your journey.
We offer ongoing support and welcome you to the LIPS community to share your continued growth and anything else tattoo and beyond.
Visual Diary: Healing Moments
The first event on the Road to Black Tattoo Anthology is the Books & Tattoos Afterparty taking place in DC on August 25 from 9 PM - UNTIL. This intimate cocktail party will be cohosted by me, Imani K Brown, and Keymone Freeman. There will be live tattoo demonstration and interviews to talk about the tattoos that stained your body and books that stain your brain. These interviews will be featured stories within Black Tattoo Anthology.
To purchase a ticket : click here.
Drop a comment below and let me know how you feel about tattoo therapy, Black Tattoo Anthology, these conversations, overall! I can’t wait for you all to hear all the new tattoo storytelling content!
Some Next Steps For Yah:
🌸Get tattooed by Imani! Duhhhh ~
🎀 Download the Tattoo Therapy guidebook.
💖 Follow Imani’s tattoo work on Instagram | Facebook
