Meet Gracie Monk

Today we’d like to introduce you to Gracie Monk.

Hi Gracie, 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.
Throughout high school I was always doodling, making up characters or concepts. Taking AP art classes to make myself better even with a low-income school for the art club I was in. I knew once I was out of high school I wanted to pursue art. School always made me feel trapped so when I went to college I didn’t blossom the way I wanted to. I had a close friend of mine introduce me to tattooing, and I immediately felt a strong connection to this art form and wanted to give it a try. I pushed myself hard to get a grasp of what it meant to be a tattoo artist.

Working late nights to build a portfolio to show to a shop, and hope they would see potential in me. It took much trial and error and going from shop to shop, but I found Prestige ink. I definitely wasn’t a shining star when I first started, but my friends and family were always willing to let me practice on them. Asking for advice was always the key to me becoming better. Even now I’m still not perfect, but art is never perfect. I still give it my all and try to learn something new with every tattoo. Even the most overwhelming of pieces can be a great learning experience or a great accomplishment.

Would you say it’s been a smooth road, and if not what are some of the biggest challenges you’ve faced along the way?
It definitely wasn’t a smooth road for me at first starting. I struggled the most with my line work or needle depths. I would become so nervous because I was penetrating the skin and causing pain to the client in my chair. I would finish my tattoo and everything would look solid and not so shaky, but once I had wiped the stencil off, I would see my mistakes.

It definitely was discouraging at first, I thought I would never grow as an artist. But I kept at it, I wanted to become better. I always told myself “Rome wasn’t built in a day” and I got back to work.

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 female tattoo artist, which can be difficult in such a male-dominant field. This can be exceptionally difficult in such a small town. However, I am a very driven person and I am always ready for the next challenge and to see how hard I can push myself. I’ve never really been tied down to a certain specialization within my art.

I do have favorites though, anime tattoos are always fun to do, with all the vibrant colors and shading. Neo-traditional is also a favorite of mine, having a semi-realistic look to certain pieces can be just so beautiful and unique.

Are there any books, apps, podcasts, or blogs that help you do your best?
Any fantasy novels personally drive my creativity through the roof. I also enjoy playing Dungeons and Dragons on my days off. It really helps me unwind, but also gives me the excuse to draw pieces for my own pleasure.

Pricing:

• Small (2×2-3×3) $60-80
• Medium (4×4-5x5ish) $120-180
• Any large detailed pieces: $100/Hour

Contact Info:

• Instagram: @voidink_
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/callmezombie13?mibextid=LQQJ4d