Conversations with Annabella Tessier

Today we’d like to introduce you to Annabella Tessier

Annabella, we appreciate you taking the time to share your story with us today. Where does your story begin?
I never imagined that chalkboard art and calligraphy would one day lead me to my dream job of becoming a tattoo artist. From a young age, art and aesthetics were something I’ve always been passionate about. I watched my father, who is an architect, go through art school and got to join him at art studios and when he worked late nights on creative projects. I was inspired by the technique, dedication, and beauty of art being born through various mediums— from straight, fine lines drawn with a pencil and ruler to miniature model sculptures.

I always knew I wanted to do something creative and make art for a living and share it with the world because of the connection it could create with others and how moving it can truly be. What started from a skill in calligraphy and doing chalkboard art at a local business in Acworth, led me to a tattoo apprenticeship. I shared the work I was doing with my good friend, who is in the industry, and she gave me the opportunity to work under her as her apprentice.

In 2021, I began the process of honing in the skills I had and learning the true fundamentals of what it means to make good art, be a good artist, and translate it into something meant for the human canvas. Guided by skilled artists who knew the industry, I quickly learned how vulnerable an experience making art is. Long nights, doing something again and again until it was done right, persevering through feelings of self-doubt, and taking criticism with the importance it holds.

I worked two jobs, keeping my dedication and sight on what I wanted. After my apprenticeship, I began a whole new journey of being an independent tattoo artist. I worked at a shop in Kennesaw, a small private studio in Marietta, which eventually led me to the current shop I call home now, with my own booth.

I’m sure it wasn’t obstacle-free, but would you say the journey has been fairly smooth so far?
The road has not always been easy, being a tattoo artist for me has been a very transformative experience. It has pushed me to my limits and extended to every inch of my life. It has expanded my mind and made me face the beliefs I had about myself. Before I ventured into the world of tattooing, I lacked confidence in myself and my abilities and sharing a vulnerable side of myself. It’s made me tear down the walls I had created and expose my soul for the world to see. Along with it, came the challenges we all face in learning how to do something new, all while holding another job that created schedule conflicts. Spreading my time and creativity thin. But, within the struggles a light at the end began to appear and little did I know how life changing it would be. I developed confidence and a love for myself I never knew I could have—not only in my art but also in the ways I interacted with the world around me. I began to advocate for myself, and let go of people and things that no longer served me. I gained knowledge, the ability to dream and know I can handle anything that life throws at me. Struggles in their own right are both beautiful and necessary. I’m so grateful for the experience I’ve had no matter how difficult it can be at times.

Can you tell our readers more about what you do and what you think sets you apart from others?
I am a tattoo artist who specializes in black and gray illustrative tattoos and creating patchwork sleeves. I have dedicated my work to creating specialized art composed of fine lines and dotted shading. I enjoy designing florals, cute animals, and aesthetic furniture pieces. I pride myself on making designs that are mood-invoking, sentimental, meaningful, and aesthetically pleasing. I believe something that sets me apart from others is the connection I make with my clients. I create a personalized experience and form genuine bonds, rather than treating clients as another transaction. It is my mission to ensure my clients feel comfortable and assured that they are getting a piece curated to their exact wants and needs. I treat every tattoo with a level of importance, as if it were going on my own body. I enjoy getting to know my clients and creating a dynamic where I am not only their artist but a trusted friend.

What sort of changes are you expecting over the next 5-10 years?
I think it is hard to predict what could come next in the tattoo industry. I’ve enjoyed seeing the rise of early 2000’s trends coming back into the spotlight, in particular tramp stamps. I think as the years progress, we will continue to see a rise in nostalgic pieces. I find trendy tattoos fall in line with what clothing era is popular. Along with trends I am curious to see the changes in the market. The tattoo industry is saturated with artists because it is such a popular profession at the moment. I wonder if another profession will replace its popularity, leaving us with fewer but stronger artists

Contact Info:

• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/rougecowboyink/

Image Credits
Annabella Tessier