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

Hi Taylor, what’s the most important lesson your business/career has taught you?
Everyone starts as a beginner and everyone grows at a different pace. When you look around and see amazing work it’s easy to feel like you’re out of your league. Just because someone creates something mind-blowing doesn’t mean you suck. Keep learning, work hard and you’ll progress.

Let’s talk shop? Tell us more about your career, what can you share with our community?
I feel like I’ve been learning a lot lately so my art is kind of evolving at the moment. When I look back at where I started I’m definitely proud of where I’m at now. There’s always room for improvement, but I feel like there are things I do now that I look at and think “hey that’s actually pretty cool, definitely couldn’t have done that last year.” In addition to my mentor and other artists I’ve worked with, online art courses have been super helpful. Being in the industry and the people I’ve met have also taught me a lot about trusting myself and being confident. Positive self-talk is a big deal with everyone at my shop.

Let’s say your best friend was visiting the area and you wanted to show them the best time ever. Where would you take them? Give us a little itinerary – say it was a week long trip, where would you eat, drink, visit, hang out, etc.
Right now a few of my favorite places to eat are Mama’s Hawaiian Bar-B-Cue, Ponchos Mexican Food, and ATL Wings, but Tucson is full of great spots. Anyone who visits town definitely has to see the Arizona-Sonora Desert Museum. Tucson is also home to plenty other museums focusing on everything from art to history to neon signs. Depending on time of year, seeing the bats come out of one of the local bat bridges is also a must. My sister and my coworker are both pretty outdoorsy and have taken me on some cool hikes in the more mountainous areas.

Who else deserves some credit and recognition?
I met Sarah Wakefield and she introduced me to Gee Ellis. Despite bringing in a pretty questionable “portfolio,” Gee believed in me and took me on as an apprentice. Gee and the Tattoo Avenue crew (Josh Muzzy, Wes Owens, Erika Jo Smith, Cailin Castro) are always down to share what they know. I also couldn’t have started this career without the encouragement and continued support of my partner and personal circle.

Website: https://tattooavenue.com/

Instagram: @traashmaan

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/traashmaan.taylor

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