Today we’d like to introduce you to Ally Ward.
Hi Ally, please kick things off for us with an introduction to yourself and your story.
Growing up, I was always the kid drawing on herself in class or scribbling away in my sketchbooks whenever I had the chance. I had always dreamed of working with art, but wasn’t sure if it would be feasible in my life. Along with the pressure of growing up, deciding where to go to college, and thinking of my future career, art was discouraged by some people. It wasn’t consistent enough; it wasn’t a “real” job. That’s when I began looking into tattooing right before my eighteenth birthday and fell in love.
I devoted hours a day to my art and creating my portfolio to take to shops in my area. Trying to research a topic that was so foreign to me. No one in my family really had many tattoos so it was up to me to figure out how to get into this industry. I filled up my binder with the pieces I was most proud of and went to my first tattoo shop. To be honest the next part was a bit miserable, it took two years of going to shops and talking with tattoo artists before I found a shop to be an apprentice at. Studio after studio turned me away because I was so young and for being a woman in some cases. It was discouraging but I knew this was the job for me, nothing else was even an option in my mind anymore. Then by some chance while I was working my waitressing job I met the artist willing to give me a chance.
In September of 2023 I did my first tattoo. This was my career now there was no doubt. Getting to not only make art but connections with so many different people. I learned a new side of what came with tattooing. The intimate process of creating unique designs that tell a story for people. Everyone gets tattooed for different reasons and I was the one people chose to trust with that responsibility. What at first was just a cool job where I got to make pretty art became something so much more. I found my passion through the people I got to create this art for. I pushed myself to be better so I could get myself to a shop that would be more suitable for the goals I had for myself. To make a safe place where people felt comfortable and could enjoy the process. And it happened, I just celebrated my one year at my studio Black Water Tattoo!
Can you talk to us a bit about the challenges and lessons you’ve learned along the way. Looking back would you say it’s been easy or smooth in retrospect?
The tattoo industry is notorious for being a grueling process to get into. Just trying to find an apprenticeship was a long and difficult journey. There were so many times that I almost abandoned the dream, but thanks to the support from family, friends, and even other tattooing artists, I found the motivation to stick to it. I stayed confident in myself and the skill I knew I possessed and continued trying to make connections and talk to shops. However, once I got an apprenticeship I faced a whole new set of obstacles I wasn’t expecting. Long hours of being over worked and being told to sacrifice my creativity for speed. To get things done as fast as possible to get the next tattoo in and out.
I knew this wasn’t what I wanted for my tattoo career but didn’t see many options outside of where I was at due to my experience level. So I had to make the most of the situation, and choose to stay positive, making sure my clients had the best possible experience despite everything that was going wrong at that shop. My creativity and drive were being worn down by the people I worked with; it wasn’t the place to grow as an artist, let alone thrive. I wanted to be better, not just for myself, but for my clients too. They deserved to feel safe during such a vulnerable process. This pushed me to seek new options that have opened so many doors for my potential and skill. Now I finally have a safe place to deliver curated pieces to each individual person, filled with intention and love in every design.
Thanks – so what else should our readers know about your work and what you’re currently focused on?
As a tattoo artist, there are so many options for what you can do. I try to be an artist that anyone can come to. My focus is primarily on black and grey pieces with nature/life subjects. The beauty of nature and my appreciation for life has definitely become something I’m known for in my art. From large flowing pieces that tell a story across the body, to the beauty even the most simplistic designs can have, my goal is to make sure everyone walks away with a piece they love. Along with that, I ensure quality with smoothing shading and consistency in my line work. But what I really love about my specific path in tattooing is how diverse I’ve gotten to be.
When I say my goal is to make sure everyone walks away with a good tattoo, I mean everyone. I pride myself in being an artist anyone feels comfortable coming to, from military men getting a commemorative tattoo for their service, to freshly 18 year olds just getting one because they can now! I have tried many styles and colors, and I am always continuing to learn and try new things. Anyone is welcome in my booth and can rest assured knowing that their tattoo has been designed with care.
Before we let you go, we’ve got to ask if you have any advice for those who are just starting out?
Choose to see or find the positives in any situation. I know it’s a little basic, but switching to a more optimistic mindset will do so much for your mental health. I firmly believe that my outlook on life is what’s helped get me as far as I have in this industry. It can be hard, especially in a career known for tearing down people and their work. When you go into a shop and they’re not hiring an apprentice, don’t just turn and walk away. Find a positive result from the experience by asking if someone can still check out your work and let you know what they think. That way you will continue to grow and get closer to your goals. If you’re not taking care of your mental state, your growth will never be able to reach the level it needs to meet your goals.
Pricing:
- $100 an hour
- $100 minimum
Contact Info:
