Meet Artist and Tattooist: Laura Rachel

Today we’d like to introduce you to Laura Rachel.

Laura, please share your story with us. How did you get to where you are today?
I learned early on in my career the difference tattooing can make in a person’s life. I began tattooing in 1997, at that time scar tissue/burn victims were not considered tattoo candidates but one gentleman who was badly burned asked that we at least try to tattoo him as being a badly burned person was difficult – even if it was just running errands or walking through a restaurant, he found people stopped and stared.

We did a test tattoo, it went so great he ended up becoming a heavily tattooed person – which, ironically was more socially acceptable than being a burn victim. With mastectomy and other hidden surgical scars it’s not much different, we are faced with our past battle scar when we dress in the morning and subconsciously know it will be there when we undress at the end of the day, affecting our decisions and thought processes until we find a way to reclaim that part of the body. Whether or not that is getting the nipple and areola reapplied via tattoo or choosing artwork or even skin tone blending if the scar is lighter than skin tone, every choice is different and very personally catered to the individual ready to heal their past and move on in a whole and complete state, able to live their lives to the fullest when they walk out my door.

To better facilitate this exchange, I have opened a discrete and private tattoo space that has more of a spa overtone, classical music playing – none of the aspects we are used to finding when entering a tattoo studio. I add an ancient Mayan healing meditation to all tattoos making mine the first conscious tattoo studio of it’s kind.

Has it been a smooth road?
Currently, these tattoos are being done by medical professionals with no artistic influence and little understanding of professional tattooing leaving the patients with sub-par tattoo results as well as on occasion doing damage to the skin. I am surprised more surgical offices that I’ve talked with do not send patients. I’ve recently realized I need to market better to reach those waiting for this service as my last three clients have waited ten years for quality areolae tattoo.

When you look back, what are you most proud of?
My proudest moments are realizing how profoundly my art has affected people. From the melting expression when they receive their painting of a beloved pet to the ability to take away nightmares (literally – as I’ve had several people with bad dreams of having their scars seen by paramedics or other situations out of their control) when post surgical scars or burns are transformed into skin they love to look at or is done so well they can finally forget the battle they fought. It makes me proud to know I’m contributing to the well-being of others.

Every story has ups and downs. What were some of the downs others might not be aware of?
Getting the word out that there is a different kind of art studio that offers tattooing has not been easy. As soon as you use the word tattoo people tend to have as preconceived notion of what to expect: I play classical music, there is no “tattoo art/flash” on the walls, there are no walk-ins, just a private, personalized one on one peaceful experience. It’s hard to describe to those having any other traditional tattoo experience. I’m still trying to find the words.

Is our city a good place to do what you do?
Atlanta has a wonderful spiritual open minded culture, this is a great location for a transformational healing artwork studio.

Pricing:

• Areolae tattoo fall into the affordable medical procedure bracket, all under $1,000.
• Oil or acrylic paintings of pets are priced by size $250-500
• All other tattooing is priced per piece or hourly at $150-200/hour

Contact Info:

• Website: www.gemmarigold.com
• Phone: 678)250-3743
• Email: info@gemmarigold.com
• Instagram: lauraracheltattoo
• Facebook: Laura Rachel art/Gem Marigold