but at the end of the day , we work for the client . These things are pretty permanent so you want to make sure it ’ s a good compilation between artist and client .” Originally from the Shopville area , just past Short Creek , Bullock graduated from Pulaski County High School in 2000 , where she was voted “ Most Artistic ” by her peers , “ so that ’ s a nice little bit of foreshadowing ,” she noted .
“ I have always loved art ,” said Bullock . “ My grandmother was a seamstress and even had a business downtown , The Sewing Bee , located in the basement of my family ’ s feed mill .”
She started at Bodean ’ s in January 2004 , though tattoos weren ’ t her original course , as she had taken auto tech classes at Somerset Community College , and had also worked as a restaurant server .
“ I was 21 , had a 3-year-old , and really didn ’ t think I was gonna make a living for me and my kid as an artist ,” she said . “ But I had a friend who worked there and just happened to land there at the right time .”
The rest is history . Bullock became a well-known name on the local tattoo scene , and developed a strong reputation for the quality of her work -- which is far from easy to do .
“ The main challenges come down to everyone just being unique ,” said Bullock . “ Skin tones and textures , how well someone sits , how well they heal , all of that .
“ Communication is key throughout and it is very rewarding ,” she added . “ You get to help people celebrate , grieve , and overall love their skin and make it their own .”
Red Letter Studio is located at 311 west Mt vernon . Vortex plaza in Somerset , and is on Facebook (“ Red
Letter Studio ”).
Being an artist and a mom and a city councilor and so many other things has kept Bullock busy , but her work ethic has always been as strong as her artistic ability . Even though it wasn ’ t what she ’ d originally designed for herself , Bullock is happy with the way her life has been drawn .
“ This career has afforded me the ability to be there to take my daughter to school every day and be home for bath and bedtime every night ,” she said . “ I can set my own schedule and work with great people . I ’ ve been able to raise money for multiple charities . And I ’ m passing it down to my daughter .
“ Seeing the art world in Somerset growing and thriving is exactly what teenage me wanted and needed ,” she added , “ and I ’ m so excited for the future of it .”
Story photos by Christopher Harris 40 • SEKY - Life in Southeast Kentucky august 2022