Today we’d like to introduce you to Christian Clay.
Hi Christian, we’re thrilled to have a chance to learn your story today. So, before we get into specifics, maybe you can briefly walk us through how you got to where you are today?
For as long as I can remember, I have always painted, drawn or just simply created in one way or another. So from an early age, it was pretty much written in the stars for me to become an artist professionally. I had extremely supportive parents who helped cultivate my excitement and knowledge of the arts. And with each passing year, that excitement would begin to burn just a little hotter. Flash forward to about 15 years old, we cut to a scene of myself and my older brother walking into a tattoo shop for the very first time. While I was too young to participate, my older brother sat in the chair and picked out his flash design. From the very first sound of the machine I heard, I was absolutely hooked! I went from being the introverted, quiet fly on the wall to annoyingly asking a million questions to each tattooer that was there. They were extremely kind and patient with me, which only served to fuel my rapidly growing curiosity.
When the project was finished, and the artist was doing his final wipe-down on my brother’s tattoo, I felt both a wave of joy followed by an undercurrent of sadness. It was over… this experience of spectating the greatest artistic endeavor the human species will ever know had come to an end. We left the shop and I had what I can only describe as a “deep knowing’’. There’s a primal call from the depths of the soul that says, ‘THIS IS WHAT YOU WERE MADE FOR!’’ And who would I be to deny such a claim. So I spent the next four years going into shops, picking brains, observing culture and trying my best to find a way “in” to the coolest club on earth! Eventually, I would network successfully and be accepted into my apprenticeship at 19. Tattooing has gifted me some of the greatest opportunities, friends, family and tribe I could ever ask for. I met my wife through tattooing and we would eventually have 5 beautiful kids together. All of my closest friends are either other tattooers or dedicated clients who have spent so much time with me they end up having dinner at my house.
After 10 years of tattooing professionally, I now own Ring and Robe tattoos in my hometown of McDonough, GA located on the south side of Atlanta. I could not see a life where I don’t tattoo & paint flash. Every possible outcome of my existence leads me to this one cause. To Love the Lord my God with all my heart, soul and strength & to Love people through the sacred and intimate act of adorning the body with an indelible mark.
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?
There is a great bit of duality on the road of the industry. Feast or Famine. Some days you’re tattooing so much you don’t sleep more than 2 hrs. And some days, you go on a week without so much as a thin line infinity symbol walk-in. But if you are keen and have eyes to see, wisdom will keep you balanced in the center and you can successfully navigate through in a somewhat smoother fashion. I found my hardest times were the first four years. I lost a lot of friends. In some cases to my new lifestyle, and others were victims to their own lifestyle choices. Both losses hit hard but brought lessons all the same.
Appreciate you sharing that. What else should we know about what you do?
My name is Christian Clay and I am a tattoo artist. I think what makes me distinct from others in my industry is my methodology of intentionality. To put it simply, I love and I care on a deep level. I find myself increasingly in empathy and compassion the older I get & that translates into the way I approach my craft. I believe that my spiritual beliefs are both the catalyst and sustaining force of my success in life/art and a lot of what I believe draws people into my designs. I prefer the styles of American traditional or blackwork illustrations & am most known for these two.
What does success mean to you?
The days where I stay present to the voice of my Creator, speak in love, listen with compassion, work with intention, give with generosity, and am motivated by truth… those are the days I feel most successful.
Pricing:
- $100 shop minimum
- $200/hr for larger projects
Contact Info:
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/rev.claytattooer/
