Today we’d like to introduce you to Evangeline Sellers.
So, before we jump into specific questions about the business, why don’t you give us some details about you and your story.
I started drawing when I was in elementary school; I would look at a picture and try to draw it as accurately as I could, It wasn’t until I was 16 when I started exploring my own style of art. I met a girl in art class named Hannah that made art journals filled with minimalist doodles, watercolor, and writings that inspired me to start my own journals. I had a hard time paying attention in a classroom full of kids since I was homeschooled my entire life up until 9th grade (when my mom decided to send me to public school). My journals became my escape, I was doodling and writing everyday during every class, and since I struggled a lot with racing thoughts, drawing was like meditation and I learned about myself through art. But I never thought I was good enough to make a career out of it, like most artists, I was very critical of my work.
Right after high school, I tried going to college because that’s what I was told to do, but I couldn’t stay focused and ended up failing multiple classes. In 2014, I dropped out of college and felt completely lost in my life, The few following years after this was by far the hardest times in my life. Then one day I found myself drawing more seriously and eventually built up a good following on social media where I started getting requests from my friends for custom artwork; T-shirt designs, logos, stickers, cartoon portraits, and tattoo designs. I did this for about two years and it taught me a lot about being professional and taking time on my artwork since I was being paid for it.
In 2017 I moved to Oakwood (which is right next to Gainesville). There was one morning where I just woke up and had a spur of the moment idea to check out nearby tattoo shops. I wanted an apprenticeship. The second shop I went to let me fill out an application, and later that night I had an email from the boss asking me to come in and show them my portfolio. Later that week, I was accepted as an apprentice at Magick Dragon Tattoo. It all happened so fast; it was surreal. I learned there for about a year until I started doing small tattoos. After six months of tattooing, I have enough experience to support myself and have fun doing what I love.
Has it been a smooth road?
It definitely wasn’t a smooth road, but it wasn’t too rough either. I’ve spent an incredible amount of time brainstorming, drawing, erasing, and re-drawing. If you want to be a good artist, you really have to dedicate most of yourself to it. I have spent almost everyday for years just to get cleaner lines. My biggest struggle has always been my inner critic.
So let’s switch gears a bit and go into the Magick Dragon Tattoo story. Tell us more about the business.
I go by the name “Motherborg” which is what I use to sign my artwork. It’s also my Instagram username and the name of the band I’m in. I specialize in minimalism and whimsical cartoon-like doodles, My style is on a spectrum for sure, I can do a lot of different things, yet they seem to come together and look unique. I’d like to think my sense of quirkiness and color choice is what sets me apart and I am proud of having clean linework.
How do you think the industry will change over the next decade?
All I know is that I never want to stop tattooing, it’s the best thing that’s ever happened to me. In 10 years I hope I can be doing work that challenges me and stands out. I would love to eventually move to a bigger city.
Contact Info:
- Address: 237 John W Morrow Jr PkwyGainesville, GA.
- Website: www.magickdragontattoo.net
- Phone: 7702879545
- Email: evangelinesellers@gmail.com
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/motherborg/
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/motherborg/
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