Today we’d like to introduce you to Elizabeth McDonald.
Thanks for sharing your story with us Elizabeth. So, let’s start at the beginning and we can move on from there.
I have known I wanted to tattoo since I was 17. I grew up drawing fantasy characters and doodling friends’ names in cool ways, but I figured it would only be a hobby. I never considered that I would actually be able to make a career out of my passion. I always thought that was for the supremely lucky, and I, like so many others, would just end up doing whatever I could to pay the bills.
After a few years of years struggling to find my footing in college, I left. I couldn’t fathom spending the money I was only to be an under-appreciated art teacher or a struggling artist. I was super depressed for about a year after that. but then one day I woke up, utterly determined. I wasn’t going to wait to find what I wanted to do anymore. I had pushed it aside in the back of my head for years, tried the office life, tried to get my BFA, and I failed each time because something just didn’t feel right.
Once I decided I was going to put all my energy into trying to find an apprenticeship, I felt a drive that I never had before. I got turned down, a lot. I got told “it’s an over-saturated industry,” “you won’t really fit in,” and “you still need a lot of work” by several artists and peers before someone finally accepted me as their apprentice. I got lucky though. I was apprenticing at an exceptional shop with amazing artists as mentors and peers, some of the best in Dallas.
Dark Age Tattoo Studio in Denton opened their doors to me, and I worked for them for 2 long years before finishing my apprenticeship. I don’t think I’ve ever worked so hard in my life, between the apprenticeship and my day job as a waitress. I was pulling 80+ hour weeks, running on coffee and 2 hours of sleep, making virtually no money, but I was constantly reminded that I was lucky by other tattooers who had it worse than me in their apprenticeship or lack thereof. I worked hard, I endured and struggled for years, and I finished what I set out to finish.
Regardless of what happens next, I finished something, something I had envisioned myself doing since I was a teen. I’m still working on the next step, working harder than ever to learn and grow within this industry, honored to even be included.
Overall, has it been relatively smooth? If not, what were some of the struggles along the way?
I’ve had my ups and downs. Tattoo apprenticeships are notoriously difficult and consume your life for an extended amount of time. So relationships are hard, visiting family is hard, keeping friendships alive is hard, and keeping good health and happiness is hard. Probably the biggest struggle was doing it all alone.
My family lives a few hours away, and I was single for the majority of my apprenticeship. It was difficult doing it all by myself, but I can honestly say I am better for it because I earned it 100% on my own. I’m also not everyone’s cup of tea. I’m crass, headstrong, and defensive when I sense injustice. I’m sure I could have made it a lot easier on myself if I were a nice, delicate young lady who just smiled and kept her mouth shut, but that’s never really been my style.
MissLiz_art – what should we know? What do you guys do best? What sets you apart from the competition?
I tattoo professionally, primarily focusing on neo-traditional and realistic styles. I also draw, paint, and dabble in various other artistic mediums. I’m not sure that I can pinpoint what sets me apart from others. I guess that’s not for me to say. I try to present myself as honest, hardworking, kind, and passionate every day. I can only hope those characteristics will yield success in the long run.
What is “success” or “successful” for you?
Success has many definitions in my eyes. I want to be successful in my career for sure. I want to be able to provide quality artwork that is desired by a multitude of people. I want to be able to adorn people with meaningful pieces that remind them of their accomplishments, triumphs, or loved ones. I want to be able to travel and meet with some of my favorite artists. I want to be their peers.
But aside from all of that, I just want to be happy. I don’t want to spend my life working in a job I hate only to live in fleeting moments of happiness. Life is too short to work in a field that makes you miserable.
Pricing:
- $60 minimum for smaller pieces
- $150 per hour for hourly work
Contact Info:
- Address:721 S Elm St Suite 109, Denton, TX 76201
- Phone:9405141260
- Email:liz.mcdonald.art@gmail.com
- Instagram:missliz_art
- Facebook:www.facebook.com/lizmcdonaldart
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