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Ashley Rose is a wonderful human being, awesome mother & wife, and a friggin mind blowing tattoo artist. She did 2 of my most conversation starter tattoos and I am truly going to miss her when she moves. I had the honor to interview her before she leaves (if she does, wink wink) and don't you worry Ash, me and G are coming by in a week!!!! Anyone who wants a tattoo, go check out www.myspace.com/ashleyrosetattoos!
How did you get into tattooing?
I kinda just fell into it. When I moved here a few years ago I wasn't really sure what I wanted to do as far as a job goes. I did the house wife thing for a few months, which quickly became painfully boring. It was out of that boredom that I rediscovered my love for drawing and art which I had pretty much forgotten about after I had my son and became busy with other things. One night my husband came home from getting tattooed and I had drawn a portrait of him. He was impressed enough by it to take it with him to the tattoo shop the next time he went. The following week I was offered an apprenticeship and I haven't looked back since.
What was your occupation before this?
Before learning to tattoo I worked as a Phlebotomist for about 4 years. I basically spent my days poking people with needles and lances, drawing blood, conducting drug screens and breath alcohol tests, and generally just scaring the crap out of sick people. Fun times! I do have to say, my experience in the medical lab was definitely good preparation for tattooing.
Who did you apprentice under?
I apprenticed under Danny Azaceta at Hoboken Body Art (he can now be found at Lucky's Tattoo in Union City). He's an awesome artist and I was very lucky to learn from someone who I will always consider as a good friend. I've also learned a lot from Ray Flores who I work with at Lucky Hearts Tattoo in Jersey City Heights. He's so on point and methodical with his tattooing and he's become a very close friend of mine in a short amount of time.
As a female, what's the biggest obstacle you face in the industry?
Although things are getting better for us girls in the industry, there still is somewhat of a misconception that the girls aren't as good as the guys. When people walk into the shop and I'm behind the counter they tend to assume that I'm a desk girl or piercer. I also get a lot of "SHE's gonna do it??" when they realize that I will be tattooing them. I don't let it get to me. All I can do is make each tattoo the most important one I've done and then let my work speak for itself.
What designs do you enjoy tattooing and which ones do you dislike the most?
I love tattooing portraits and awesome Kukula girls with eye-patched owls ;o) Dislike tattooing tribal, armbands, and tribal armbands.
You are moving back to Cali at the end of the month, what did you think of NJ while living here?
Jersey will always hold a place in my heart. I mean, where else do they use the word "yous"? And who knows, I might just stay afterall...
You are an amazing artist, besides inking people's skin, which mediums do you like to work with?
Thanks She! I love it all really. I love working with clay, paint, charcoal, colored pencil, pastels, I've even used make-up on paper when I couldn't find anything else! I'd have to say my all time favorite is plain old pencil.
I'm going to miss you a lot Ash, do you have any closing words to add?
Absolutely! Here's my list of Top 5 Things Not To Sleep On:
1. Lucky Hearts Tattoo
6 Bleeker St
Jersey City Heights, NJ 07307
2. Blestenation (Album to be released soon!)
www.myspace.com/blestenation
3. Pardon The Stranger
www.myspace.com/pardonthestranger
4. Chainsaws & Jelly, the illest blog on the net
5. OBAMA!
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