Today we’d like to introduce you to Kaitlyn McCoy.
Hi Kaitlyn, thanks for joining us today. We’d love for you to start by introducing yourself.
I have been working in a tattoo shop for almost 9 years now, and tattooing for a little over 3. I’d always had tattooing in the back of my mind, but I had no idea how to get my foot in the door until I was about 20 years old.
I’d worked at Half price books, Movie trading company, and Fossil Headquarters and my life was feeling a bit like the movie groundhogs day. Just a repeat of mundane tasks as a means to making money. A friend of a friend posted an opening at a shop here in Dallas, and I knew this was my chance…. So I quit my job and dove in!
I managed shops, scrubbed tubes ( hundreds… thousands of tubes.) learned SEO, tattoo history, experienced different types of tattooers and tattoo shops, drew A LOT, tried different art mediums, and soaked up as much information that was offered to me. Eventually I landed an apprenticeship under Scott Cooksey at Lone Star Tattoo.
At the time, this shop was overflowing with creative vigor, and ample tattoo knowledge. Every day I was surrounded by incredibly talented people who never hesitated to show me new painting tricks, and let me know if my designs were stupid or if I managed to pull off a half decent painting. And I am so grateful to them for all the knowledge they gifted me!
Now almost 4 years after finishing my apprenticeship, my husband and I own and operate Tabernacle Tattoo in Lewisville, Texas. We have a team of 9 artists who work in varying styles and skill levels. It been a long and fruitful journey, and I feel so lucky to be surrounded by so much inspiration and talent everyday.
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?
Nothing worth having comes easy! It’s just apart of it. Of course there were times that I wasn’t sure I’d make it to where I am today. And yes, scrubbing tubes has become the bain of my existence, and I’ve met my fair share of assholes… But when you make it to the other side, the appreciation for the craft and industry is that much richer because of the time, attention and sacrifice dedicated to tattoo.
Alright, so let’s switch gears a bit and talk business. What should we know about your work?
I am a tattoo artist and shop owner at Tabernacle Tattoo Company in Lewisville, Texas. I specialize in American Traditional, bold ornamental, and illustrative tattooing. My favorite imagery to draw from is esoterica, nature, and religious iconography. Basically anything that I can nerd out on and learn while studying the imagery.
Is there anyone you’d like to thank or give credit to?
Oh, man! So so many people! Firstly, Josh Hall who gave me my first job in a tattoo shop. Justin Smith, who is told me to quit my shop manager job and go get an apprenticeship already haha! He now owns Americana, the best street shop in Denton! If you’re in the area go see them!! My mentor, Scott Cooksey and his wife Josefhine! They are the reason I am a tattooer today, and I am forever grateful for their influence on the trajectory of my life. The man, the myth, the legend: Waylon Harp at Anvil tattoo. He taught me so much about painting and drawing! Matthew Dycus (RIP) my piercing mentor who helped me pay my way through my apprenticeship and offered many many laughs along the way! And my amazing and talented husband Gabe Guidera. He has been my biggest mentor, inspiration, and cheerleader!
Contact Info:
- Website: https://web.getporter.io/artist/tatmccoy
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/tatmccoy?igsh=N3Axemk2MnZ4cTJ1
- Other: https://tabernacletattootx.com/
