Today we’d like to introduce you to Zoey Hunter Vick.
Hi Zoey, we’re thrilled to have a chance to learn your story today. So, before we get into specifics, maybe you can briefly walk us through how you got to where you are today?
I started out just idolizing tattooers through magazines and dreaming of what could be. After realizing college and animation wasn’t where I belonged, I took on finding a way into this industry. Just like anything that’s worthwhile, it was hard and full of ups and downs. I opened my own studio using literally all the money I had to my name, I turned the key on day one with ten bucks left in my pocket and a prayer I’d be able to put food on the table at the end of the day. That was over twenty years ago; I’ve been tattooing just about thirty years now. While it is still hard, it is fulfilling and exactly where I want to be. I look back on three decades with kinder eyes than I had as I lived it. I was always the hardest on myself- that is still who I am but with a little more compassion. Getting here took hard work, the fierce loyalty of my clients, artists who helped me along the way and with the support of my husband and my brother who has always stood right next to me as we succeeded and endured even on the hard days.
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?
Of course there was struggles. All of them – financial, mental, sickness, death…but at this point in my life I choose to reflect on the good as much as possible. The struggles do not define us, they teach us lessons and they definitely put a spotlight on how strong we are; but they do not define me. How I look into the next day is what defines my strength. My Father once told me you can either lay down and let life kick you in the face or you can get up and walk. I choose to get up and walk right into and through the storm All of the struggles I’ve faced in this industry and as a business owner have taught me something, and I have endured and walked into the next chapter.
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 tattoo, pierce and now I do canvas painting, custom shoes and skateboard deck art. I’m from an older age of tattooing where you were taught to be as well rounded as possible, so I don’t feel like I specialize in one particular style. I am known for loud color and heavy details, I’m most proud of the family feel inside my shop; we have generations of clients and people who have been coming here for ten, fifteen or more years. That kind of loyalty is very humbling and leaves you at a loss for words. When I think of this question and I think of my shop I immediately think of how proud of my brother I am. He was hanging around the shop as a young teenager and now he runs the place and often runs circles around all of us with his clientele base. My legacy lies there and that is a pretty great feeling. You would need to ask my clients what sets me apart. I don’t know – we are all different…I try and be honest and true to who I am and I truly live with the ‘take me or leave me’ philosophy. My clients are awesome but only they know why they choose me over other artists.
Can you talk to us a bit about happiness and what makes you happy?
My life. I’ve hit that age where I am happy right where I stand. I’ve tattooed in almost every state in our country, I’ve truly lived – on my terms…doing something I love. I have wonderful people in my life, fantastic clients a beautiful shop. Hard days are never behind us, but how you deal with them changes over time. I’m in a place in life where those hard days no longer hold as much weight on me like when I was younger. Maybe it’s just that I have more days behind me than in front of me I don’t know, but I am grateful for it all. Truly loving what you do brings its own happiness; as I’ve gotten older combining that with all the other things not only helps me be happy with my life, but it also gives me a great support system for the days that just aren’t so great.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://heartansoultattoo.com/
- Instagram: zoeydmonster2
- Facebook: heartansoultattoo
