Today we’d like to introduce you to Bradi Bratton
Hi Bradi, it’s an honor to have you on the platform. Thanks for taking the time to share your story with us – to start maybe you can share some of your backstory with our readers?
I grew up with a mom that loved painting and taught me all about art from a very young age. When I started high school I began oil painting. The first painting I ever did in oil was of a female tattoo artist that owned a studio near my house. I was so inspired by her that I put over 40 hours into the piece and even won a state scholarship . I later entered it in a local pop up competition where I won second place and sold my first piece of art for $600.
Before graduating I took a position as a receptionist at a tattoo shop. I fell in love with the industry and upon graduating high school as the valedictorian of my school became an apprentice. My love for art lead me to tattoo instead of college.
I learned from many peers and officially began tattooing in August of 2021.
I’ve shifted from street shops taking walk-ins to being booked out and appoinment only. I constantly challenge myself and strive to be better.
I’m grateful to my mom for sharing a passion with me that will forever contribute to not only my life but my clients as well.
Alright, so let’s dig a little deeper into the story – has it been an easy path overall and if not, what were the challenges you’ve had to overcome?
The journey to where I’m at now wasn’t always smooth. When I was newer I had a harder time setting boundaries and frequently got taken advantage of by peers and or clients. Being a woman in this industry can be hard at times.
I’ve been harassed by drunk men and coworkers in passing. As I’ve developed and became more confident in myself I deal with this MUCH less.
Also choosing a better work environment has greatly improved my work as I’m able to focus on my art instead of exterior stressors.
I started working at Marigold in November of last year (2023). I’m incredibly greatful for the ladies I work for and with. The whole studio is appoinment only and currently only women.
In this healthy environment I’ve been able to develop my art significantly.
Thanks for sharing that. So, maybe next you can tell us a bit more about your work?
I’m a tattoo artist in Dallas. I specialize in full color, fine line floral, anime, and Neotraditional tattoos.
I’m most proud of my color work because of my confidence in saturating and blending of different color inks. I have an extensive background in color theory so I also really enjoy tattooing it.
However I’d say my most popular or rather what I tattoo the most would be fine line florals. My clients seem to really enjoy them.
Something that sets me apart from others would be how well rounded I am.
I know how to effectively tattoo black and grey as well as color. I can tattoo traditional as well as realism. The majority of my work is fully custom designs. I enjoy learning new techniques and continuing to expand them.
As an artist you can always improve your craft.
Risk taking is a topic that people have widely differing views on – we’d love to hear your thoughts.
The biggest risk I’ve taken as an artist would be my transition from walk-in studios to private studios, after tattooing for only 2 years.
I had a lot of anxiety as this was the first time I was entirely responsible for my own clientele.
As a commission artist at walk-in studios you pay a percentage of any tattoo you do. So if no one comes in you make no money but also won’t owe any money.
With private studios you pay booth rent even if you aren’t booked.
Also moving from Arlington to Dallas adding 30 more minutes to my drive I was worried about any clientele I already gained following me.
With this anxiety in the back of my head I very quickly learned that I was very capable of networking and developing clients on my own. Within 3 months I was able to fully book myself at about a month out and even longer for weekends. I have clients that follow me wherever I go now.
I’ve tattooed people in Oregon, Alaska, California and Oklahoma to name a few.
Pricing:
- Half day (3-4hrs) $400-$500
- Full day (~6 hrs) $800-$1000
- Minimum of $200
Contact Info:
- Website: https://Tattoosbybradi.com
- Instagram: Tattoosbybradi
Image Credits
Amy Lane
Amylanephoto.com
