INKLING FOR INK
outweigh the negative and I am really
grateful for that.
Halifax has a lot of crazy talented
female artists who have really made a
comfortable and welcoming atmosphere
in their respective shops. They are
delivering out of this world tattoos of
the highest quality and abiding by
the highest standards in our industry
alongside the male artists. So the work is
speaking for itself and people see that.
The gender of the artist isn’t important.
It’s the quality of work that’s produced
and finding the right artist for your piece
that counts.
MI: Do you travel and guest spot or attend
conventions? What are your favourite places
to visit, conventions or otherwise?
HD: I’m just starting to attend local
conventions. I worked the 2015 Maritime
Tattoo Fest in Halifax last May. The
location of that convention was directly
across the street from HFX Tattoo so
I was able to go all out with my booth
and include a lot of my art. I won my first
two awards for my colour work and had
an amazing time.
come with some challenges that not every
artist has to face. I see many female artists
dealing with that. I have been told to my
face that women do not have the rights
or capabilities to be tattoo artists. I have
been touched and groped inappropriately
by male clients while trying to do my job. I
have had clients talk to me in aggressive
and demeaning ways. If I compare this to my
co-worker’s experiences over the past four
years, he has never had a client verbally
insult him or treat him in a threatening or
condescending manner.
I work hard and am completely dedicated
to tattooing and art. I would like to not be
seen as a female artist, but an artist who has
standards and ethics that coincide with the
best in the business.
When I deal with difficult dialogue, situations,
or people, I remain as professional as
possible. I have a great support team and
family at HFX Tattoo as well as my amazing
and loyal clients. The great experiences
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Issue 18 | Missy/Ink