Today we’d like to introduce you to Izzy Briceño.
Hi Izzy, so excited to have you on the platform. So before we get into questions about your work-life, maybe you can bring our readers up to speed on your story and how you got to where you are today?
I became fascinated with tattoos as a teenager and once I turned 18 I asked around and found a local shop and got tattooed. A few short yeas later I saw the artwork of Tony Olivas in a tattoo magazine and was so impressed my passion of the art grew. I found out that Tony often traveled to conventions and looked for the closest expo near me. I saved and got tattooed by Mr. Olivas once a year and as we built a friendship he invited me to Atlanta to visit and eventually sometime circa 2008 he offered me an apprenticeship and I jumped at the chance. I traveled, lived with, learned from him about the lifestyle, the art and the industry as a whole. I remained at his same Norcross location, leaning, growing, experiencing the highs and lows of the life. Some 16+ years later I decided it was time to open up my own shop. I want to focus on all the great things I’ve learned and picked up over the years about the industry and do my best to change the things I don’t agree with.
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?
Moving from Ohio to metro Atlanta was definitely my first challenge. Being away from my family was hard as you can ask any parent and provider of young children. Knowing I was building something for the future along with my work ethic, passion for the art kept me motivated. The highs and lows of being an artist are real, feeling good about one tattoo and being humbled about the next. Add in always wondering if you are good enough were real issues for me in the beginning. My next obstacle was at my own fault…unfortunately I did get caught up in the nightlife, parties and drinking. I am not saying the industry is or isn’t one big party. What i am saying is that me personally I enjoyed it a little too much. Many years of sobriety later as I timed my exit at the only shop I have ever worked and opening my very own I ran into my latest challenge….money! Hahaha no matter what you are prepared for you will always need extra. Creating a brand, a new location, beautiful and organized tattoo studio while getting approval from the county every step of the way was challenging financially and time consuming. As I tried to take on these challenges myself I leaned some things the hard way which delayed my dream a little longer.
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 am a tattoo artist who fell in love with the entire process, I started as an artist and collector. As I learned the application and all the preparation that goes into a single tattoo I fell even more in love with it. I love being creative, taking someone’s idea, their trauma, happiness, sadness, loss, joy, just for expression and triumph into a permanent memory is amazing. I learned different styles and simply love to tattoo but I think black and gray has the slight edge over other styles. Traditional and lettering are fun for me as well. I would say I specialize in the experience of it all, getting to know people, being kind and doing my absolute best to not only give them a beautiful tattoo but a wonderful experience and memory. I’m proud to be a part of this industry, proud to be available to my community and awesome clients all over.
How do you think about happiness?
Connecting with my clients and creating a piece of body art that will stay with them forever makes me happy. Being an artist who can express myself support my family makes me happy too. Honestly the simple things like being a good human, traveling, eating good food, family and of course spending time with my loving wife.
Pricing:
- $100 minimum
- I truly feel like we can create a tattoo to fit any reasonable budget.
- $1,200-$1,500 day rate
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.anointedinkatl.com/
- Instagram: @anointedinkatl
- Facebook: anointedinkatl
