Reclaiming Creativity: A Journey Into Tattooing and Self-Belief

In the world of art and self-expression, the journey often begins with remembering who you were before the world told you who to be. This is the story of someone who rediscovered their creative soul and, through a powerful tattoo apprenticeship, found a home in the world of tattooing.

Read on and tell me if you remember… maybe you too will find your lost creative soul….

A Rediscovery of Art After Years of Silence

This is a story of Alex Husmann, and artist I connected with who found her creative soul and dove deep into learning to tattoo. This story is for you if you have ever considered learning to tattoo, ever wondered if tattooing could be a good career for you or if you even have what it takes to try. This is for you. Let’s begin…

Growing up, art was always there. It lived in high school electives, quiet doodles, and forgotten sketchbooks tucked under beds. Recognition came early in the form of school awards and a genuine love for creation for Alex. But somewhere along the way through college, jobs, and the pressure to “grow up” that artistic voice was muted.

A philosophy degree, a brief stint in a 9-to-5, and a career in teaching followed. Art seemed like a childish dream, not a viable path. It wasn't until years later, while diving into acting, that the realization hit: "Oh yeah, I’m a creative person." Alex thought and decided to reopen a chapter of her life she thought was closed forever. 

When Curiosity Reignites the Flame

The pandemic-era slowdown became fertile ground for creative reawakening. With an iPad and a sense of curiosity, the doodles returned. Art supplies long buried under years of practicality resurfaced, and with them came a question: what if I took this seriously?

The idea of becoming a tattoo artist felt like a fantasy one reserved for “real artists,” not for someone who still struggled to call themselves that. But that perception began to shift after seeing other apprentices in action and engaging in a conversation that changed everything: “You could be a tattooer right now,” someone said. And for the first time, that dream seemed within reach. Alex followed the signs and began to answer the calls leading her to her self-actualization as a tattoo artist of Earth Altar Tattoo Studio and Collective.

Embracing the Artist Within

Despite years of pushing it aside, creativity had never left it was only waiting to be acknowledged. That realization led to the decision to begin a tattoo apprenticeship. It was fast-paced, deeply vulnerable, and utterly transformative.

The tattoo apprenticeship that we designed for Alex offered both structure and freedom. Structure, in the form of technical training, business acumen, and client work. Freedom, in the endless exploration of artistic style and self-expression. For someone like Alex who thrives within creative constraints, tattooing proved to be the perfect marriage of both.

From “Just Doodles” to Art on Skin

One of the biggest mindset shifts for Alex came from changing how the work was described. What once were “just doodles” evolved into professional designs. The transition wasn’t only technical, it was internal. It meant learning to own the title of “artist,” even when it felt strange to say out loud.

For Alex, creating art that now lives on real bodies, chosen by real people who see something of themselves in the design this was the ultimate affirmation. It wasn’t about external validation, but about internal permission. The art was no longer hidden; it was shared, celebrated, and tattooed into permanence.

“Doing It Scared: How to Start Your Tattoo Artist Journey (Even If You’re on the Fence)”

To those standing at the edge of their own artistic leap, filled with uncertainty and fear, the advice is simple yet powerful: “Do it scared.”

There will never be a perfect moment. The fear doesn’t disappear, it becomes part of the process. But when the regret of never trying starts to outweigh the fear of failure, that’s the moment to act. And it’s not about being fearless; it’s about being brave enough to go forward anyway. That is what Alex realized and she went full on in on a tattoo apprenticeship with me and studied really hard for 2 weeks and then came into the studio for her intensive training days and blew my mind. She completely surpassed my expectations and was ready to start taking clients much sooner than I had anticipated! Hard work pays off. She followed my strategies, my game plans and prtocals to a T and memorized everything. She’s a success and now thriving within our community! So, bottom line…

Creativity as a Conversation, Not a Command

One of the most beautiful discoveries along the way was a shift in how Alex now perceived creativity is now something she experiences in a whole new way. Instead of controlling the art, it became more about listening to it. Ideas weren’t forced they were coaxed, invited, and discovered through a gentle dance with inspiration.

A drawing session became an act of asking: “Are you done?” not to the self, but to the piece being created. This dialogue-based approach to art made the process feel like a collaboration between artist and idea, rather than a performance or production.

This story is more than a career shift, it's a return to self. It’s about shaking off the narratives that tell us creativity isn’t “practical” or that art is reserved for a select few. It’s a reminder that sometimes, our greatest work begins the moment we allow ourselves to remember what we loved before we were told to forget.

Whether your creative voice is a whisper or a roar, it’s waiting for you. Listen closely. The path may be scary but it’s worth walking. If you are feeling inspired, and ready for more just email me anytime: [email protected]. 

🎧 Curious how tattoo artist Alex Husmann transformed personal expression into powerful art? And how you can too… Listen to Episode 12: Rediscovering the Artist Within: A Tattoo Journey with Alex Husmann here

✨ Stay fearless, stay authentic, and keep carving your creative path your way.