Meet Nikki Turner | Tattooer

We had the good fortune of connecting with Nikki Turner and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Nikki, why did you decide to pursue a creative path?
Honestly-I didn’t really think that this is where I’d end up. In 2010 I had sidelined my creative pursuits through college as I felt that the prospects of a constructive career were bleak. I’m no teacher, graphic design never really suited me, and I didn’t feel like I had the personality/social skills to become a freelance artist. If you asked the Nikki from 10 years ago where she’d be today it would probably be some retail management position-as I was well on my way there. I had been working retail from the age of 16-26, in many different places but the gist was the same. Stock this, clean that, taking direction from so-and-so…the monotony was numbing.
With all due respect to my current craft; I sort of fell into tattooing. I had always admired tattoos, and with the help of my partner at the time, I just started teaching myself. From that point on the fire was lit! I knew then that I had found something that I was truly passionate about, and it didn’t hurt that it had the potential to provide me with a real career.
I get so much joy from creating tattoos; even when it frustrates me, the end result always feels good. I’m consistently challenged and am NEVER bored. Being able to express myself creatively and have others appreciate it enough to commit it to their skin is a truly gratifying experience-I wouldn’t trade it for anything. I’m so honored to be able to participate in this culture and community, and am eternally grateful to my clients for getting me here.

Let’s talk shop? Tell us more about your career, what can you share with our community?
Something I’ve learned along this journey of becoming a tattooer is that it takes some time to really nail down what your style is. At the beginning there wasn’t much differentiation between what I was creating and other tattooers in the same experience bracket. Learning the technical side came first-then you get to hone in on how you want to present yourself.

Sacrifice, perseverance and dedication was integral to getting me to where I am today. Nothing about it was, or is, easy-nor should it be. I’ve not met a single great tattooer that didn’t completely submerge themselves in the craft. You must be willing to give tattooing your full and undivided attention.

My goal as a tattooer is to create pieces that have longevity, I’m not interested in making tattoos that will degrade and become “muddy” with the passage of time. Bold structure and vibrant colors are definitely a mainstay of my preferred style. As far as content goes: bring on the strange and outlandish, the bright and brilliant, the morose, the nerdy, the fantastic, I want it all!

If you had a friend visiting you, what are some of the local spots you’d want to take them around to?
Weather permitting, I’m a big fan of hiking the Catalina mountains. The outdoor experiences Tucson has to offer makes this place pretty unique, especially since you can usually do it year round. Tucson also has some of the best places to eat, the variety is insane! The city was even rewarded the country’s first title as the Capital of Gastronomy. So to list all the places I would take someone who is visiting would be lengthy to say the least.
I do a bit of bar hopping on my off time, I’m a bit partial to dives. They’re not for everyone, but if you like a quiet place to chat with friends and have a nice drink they really can’t be beat. A few off the top of my head would be The Edge, Tommy’s, Boondocks, and the Player Pub in Catalina.
Primarily tho-I’ve become a homebody. I really do enjoy just sitting in my driveway with a bond fire, my husband, and my dog. Not thrilling I know-but I love it.

Shoutout is all about shouting out others who you feel deserve additional recognition and exposure. Who would you like to shoutout?
My family who have been in unending source of encouragement.. Mac McKay @ Black Rose Tattooers-my friend and mentor
My friends and clients who have all made this possible.

Website: Www.evileyetattootucson.com

Instagram: @nikkitattooer

Twitter: @nikkitattooer

Facebook: Evil Eye Tattoo