Rising Stars: Meet Victoria Asante

Today we’d like to introduce you to Victoria Asante.  

Hi Victoria, so excited to have you with us today. What can you tell us about your story?
I’ve been tattooing a little over 2 years, and what began as an interest quickly turned into my passion. I was attending MTSU (Middle Tennessee State University), and majoring in Athletic Training, when I made the decision to withdraw after my first year right before I got accepted into the athletic training program. Once in the program, I was informed I would not be able to work; being I was in school on my own that was obviously not an option for me. 

So, I withdrew and started taking my art more seriously! I’ve always drawn and been into art since I was a kid; mainly Graffiti. 

I started creating canvas pieces and promoting myself on social media through Instagram and Facebook by just posting my work. From there I started taking orders and selling custom pieces. After a couple of months one of my best friends asked me, “Have you ever thought about tattooing? You’d probably love it!” 

I hadn’t, but once she said it, I got to studying! Researching YouTube videos, vlogs, tutorials; anything I could find basically, and started practicing with a machine I bought from a supplier I had found on Offer up (An app for selling/ buying goods and products). 

At the time I was waitressing, and shortly after I was eagerly expecting my now 3-year-old son. 

Shortly after practicing on fake skin, I discussed with almost everyone I knew that I was going to tattoo. I had made my mind up and started offering free ink for anyone who would trust me enough. Ensuring and informing, of course, that I was just starting out with no real experience. Surprisingly my boyfriend, co-workers, and friends were excited to let me practice! 

From there I started and didn’t stop! Once I had my son, I pushed even more and that’s when Covid hit. Waitressing was never my end goal or dream career, then with Covid, everything seemed to come to a halt. Tables were less and less, which showed in the tips I was making. Shortly after the time came where I was laid off, and I looked at It like God was telling me now or never! So, I jumped in headfirst and fully committed to tattooing. I started offering tattoos for super low prices and traveling to clients to tattoo them. Having the help of my boyfriend and family with watching my son, and constantly studying and practicing to get better, I was determined and refused to give up. 

After a while, my social media began to grow and I caught the attention of my now mentor, Jeromy Durrett (@jayd_tattoos) from Against the Grain Tattoo shop; where I am currently tattooing! He invited me to come watch and learn from him as well as the other artists in the shop. Not long after me showing consistency he offered me an apprenticeship and a spot in the shop! Taking me under his wing, teaching, guiding, and showing me the ropes as well as the other artists in the shop (@codygower88 Cody Gower, @inkd_by_treez Tavarius Holt, @youngflash100 Terrence, @kirkemall1 Kirk Lee) my work progressed intensely and quicker than expected! My mentor taught me the correct techniques, correct styles of tattooing, and pushed me through my own frustration when I felt I wasn’t learning or picking up on something fast enough! Apprenticing under him for a year helped me grow majorly as an artist!!! Especially learning from an artist at his level! 

Tattooing has become a peace for me, I get lost in the art of it all. It doesn’t matter what’s going on in my life, when I grab my machine and get to work it all zones out and I focus on what I’m creating. 

I fell in love with it; not only tattooing but also the experience and the peace of it. You never know the effect you can have on someone’s day or even life with just a moment, I feel grateful to be a given a moment in anyone’s life, especially to have my work & opinion valued and to have these meaningful discussions and connections with my clients. 

We all face challenges, but looking back would you describe it as a relatively smooth road?
Anything easy is never worth it. Hard work pays off. 

These are two of my most repeated principles. Of course, I had challenges and obstacles along the way, but excuses get you nowhere. I was raised in that; and you have to make do with what you got, whether ya have something or not. There’s a reason you’re going through what you’re going through, so what am I meant to learn through right now? Every time I go through anything I put it in tattooing. Every emotion, doubt, frustration, sadness, anger, happiness; all of it. And I full-fledged throw it into my work. Haha not tattooing angry, I’m speaking mentally. 

Alright, so let’s switch gears a bit and talk business. What should we know about your work?
I am a tattoo artist! I’m still a young one in the industry, so I haven’t figured out my particular style yet. I love tattooing pieces that challenge me; pieces I’ve never done before. I’m most proud of my art. Every tattoo I learn something new. Especially when it’s a something a struggle in. 

I would say what sets me apart from others is my work ethic. 

So, before we go, how can our readers or others connect or collaborate with you? How can they support you?
You can contact &support me on Instagram! @itsonlytori @toriasante123@gmail.com 

Pricing:

• 150$ Hour
• Half-day:600$
• Full day 1000$
• Minimum 80$

Contact Info:

• Email: Toriasante123@gmail.com
• Instagram: @itsonlytori

Image Credits