Today we’d like to introduce you to Alex Payne.
Hi Alex, can you start by introducing yourself? We’d love to learn more about how you got to where you are today?
I’ve always planned on becoming a tattoo artist, ever since I was a pre-teen. I took countless art and graphic design classes throughout high school, and followed up with an Associate’s Degree in Fine Arts to further my career. Right out of college, I approached my mentor for an apprenticeship and the rest is history. I worked 7 days a week through my apprenticeship, working weekends and nights to learn as much as I could about the history and craft of tattooing. Today I am living my dream every single day.
Alright, so let’s dig a little deeper into the story – has it been an easy path overall and if not, what were the challenges you’ve had to overcome?
It was not a smooth road, I struggled a lot with burn out and overworking myself but at the end of the day, I would do it all over again without question. All the struggles and lessons learned throughout the year have shaped be to be a stronger person and artist.
Thanks – so what else should our readers know about your work and what you’re currently focused on?
I’m early in my career of tattooing, as I’ve been doing it for under 5 years, but I plan to specialize in realism and neo-traditional Japanese tattoo styles. I’m currently learning and practicing realism on friends and coworkers, because the only way to learn the style is to do it hands-on. I’m most proud of a Catwoman portrait I completed on my mentor, which was my first portrait ever tattooed.
What was your favorite childhood memory?
My favorite childhood memories are a blend, spending time with my mom my older sister. We would go on little trips, just the three of us, to places like the Florida Keys. Spending quality time with the two of them was the best time ever.
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