Today we’d like to introduce you to Ellie Chase.
Hi Ellie, can you start by introducing yourself? We’d love to learn more about how you got to where you are today?
I come from a very long line of artists in my family. My mother is an art teacher and played a major roll in propelling me into the art world. I remember being around 10 or 11 years old when I became interested in tattoos. Funny enough, I was inspired and maybe a little bit obsessed with Kat Von D’s tattoo show called LA ink.
From that point on, I knew I wanted to become a tattoo artist. I was a senior in high school and had just turned 18. I was on a career path to become a nurse. I always thought that becoming a tattoo artist was only a dream of mine that wouldn’t become my reality. I had a couple of tattoos at this point and I met an artist named Samuel Ramsay. He introduced me to the owner of Black Heart Tattoo and this was the beginning. I started my apprenticeship in February of 2017. I worked endlessly on adapting my art into tattooable designs and perfecting my style. I graduated my apprenticeship nine months later and was filled with joy. I wanted this for so long and I finally made it happen. I have learned so much in the last three years from all of the artists I’ve been lucky enough to meet and workaround. I love tattooing and I wouldn’t give it up for anything in this world.
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?
One of the biggest challenges I’ve faced is being a female in this industry. This is a very male-dominated career so you’ve got to be a pretty tough woman. A lot of people will not take you seriously. So many times I’ve had people come into the tattoo shop thinking I’m the counter girl or just someone whose cleans the shop. The other thing that’s a bit disappointing is meeting your idols only to realize they aren’t who you thought they were. It’s very hard to not put someone on a pedestal that is a great artist. I have a lot of favorite tattoo artists but I have definitely met some that were not as passionate about it as their work may lead on.
Thanks for sharing that. So, maybe next you can tell us a bit more about your work?
I specialize in blackwork and neotraditional style tattooing. Both of these are very different. When it comes to neotraditional, I love to use a more muted palette of colors. There are lots of different subject matter, but I enjoy tattooing plants, animals, antiques, and lady faces. In blackwork, you compose a piece that has a lot of texture, line art, and contrast. The subject matter is the same for this style as well. Plants are my favorite though. I think what sets me apart from other tattooers is that I have my own style. Yes, I fall under the categories of blackwork and neotraditional but I do add my own elements that make it stand out.
Do you have recommendations for books, apps, blogs, etc?
I enjoy listening to a lot of true crime podcasts. Two of my favorite are My Favorite Murder and The Last Podcast On The Left. They’ve got great stories and even better storytelling abilities. I read all kinds of books. I enjoy finish random books about different subjects. One of my favorite books is The Alchemist. I read it I’m high school and it resonates with me. Working in other mediums and experiencing other forms of art is a great way to keep my artistic brain stimulated. I enjoy working in charcoal, oil paints, and watercolor.
Contact Info:
- Email: Elliechasetattoos@gmail.com
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/toughtittytattoo/
