Today we’d like to introduce you to Ella Baer.
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 been an artist my whole life. When I was 2 or 3 years old, I would set up still lifes with my toys and draw them. I went to an art high school and later studied graphic design in college. I spent about seven years working as a designer, creating work for companies like Baltimore Water Taxi and Invisalign. But over time, I started to feel burnt out. I was juggling too many roles, and after a rough experience at one job, I hit a dark point in my life.
Everything shifted when I got tattooed by an artist in Canada named David Coté (@thedavidcote) . His work and energy reignited my passion for art. That moment inspired me to change paths and pursue tattooing. I eventually found an apprenticeship in Maryland at Helix Tattoo Company, where I met one of my best friends and biggest inspirations, Katarina Lawrence (@katcha_22).
During COVID, I reconnected deeply with my sister in Texas and decided to move to the DFW area. The journey wasn’t easy. My first shop here wasn’t the right fit, but I eventually found my home at Sorry Mom Tattoos. Now I work alongside incredible artist Hannah Polkey (@Rottenhannah), and I feel creatively fulfilled and inspired every day.
Can you talk to us a bit about the challenges and lessons you’ve learned along the way. Looking back would you say it’s been easy or smooth in retrospect?
It definitely hasn’t been a smooth road. Transitioning from graphic design to tattooing was a huge leap. It meant starting over completely, rebuilding my career, and proving myself all over again in a totally different field. There were many moments of self-doubt and financial uncertainty, especially in the beginning.
I’ve also had challenging experiences in certain work environments that really tested my confidence and boundaries. But every difficult situation pushed me to find where I truly belong. Those experiences taught me to trust my instincts, protect my energy, and keep focusing on what inspires me.
Now I’m finally in a place where I feel supported, creative, and grounded, and I’m really grateful for the bumpy parts of the journey because they led me here.
As you know, we’re big fans of you and your work. For our readers who might not be as familiar what can you tell them about what you do?
I’m a tattoo artist at Sorry Mom Tattoos in Alvarado, and I specialize in fine line and illustrative work, often with a soft, feminine, or a surreal touch. I love creating pieces that feel delicate but still have depth and emotion. My background in graphic design really shaped my eye for composition and detail, and I think that shows through in my work.
What I’m most proud of is the connection I build with my clients. Tattooing is such an intimate, emotional experience. People come in trusting me to create something that’ll be part of them forever, and that means a lot. I love when someone sends me an idea, and together we turn it into something personal and beautiful.
What sets me apart, I think, is the balance between structure and softness in my style. I approach each tattoo like a miniature piece of art, blending design principles with emotion and intuition. It’s really important to me that every tattoo feels intentional and timeless.
Do you have recommendations for books, apps, blogs, etc?
I’m a big fan of the Mel Robbins podcast. Her perspective on motivation and mindset really helps me stay grounded and focused, both in and outside of work. I also love The Moth because storytelling inspires me. Hearing real people share their experiences reminds me how powerful connection and vulnerability can be.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.ellabaertattoos.com/
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/Elllabaer/
- Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/elllabaer
- Other: https://www.tiktok.com/@elllabaer
Image Credits
I took all of my photos.
