Meet Joe Manley | Tattooist

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

Hi Joe, we’d love to hear about how you approach risk and risk-taking.
Risk is intrinsic to life. There is an alchemy to embracing vulnerability so as to accept the potential positives.
When I began Kitchens the overhead was roughly double what I’d budgeted. I recall thinking; I’d rather fail trying, than to fail to try.
Embracing the ability to face risk has prompted a conscientious adaptation, an attempt to recognize and prepare for contingencies, which has been intrinsic to staying in business for the last 20 years.
I’m currently remaking Kitchens again presently, and it’s still very much a risk,
Changing; locations, dynamics, rethinking ways of structuring the business model in ways to foreground the individual artists autonomy and earning capability. “Laissez-faire”
My hope is for both artists and clients to find fulfillment . In the work, and in the workspace. Time will tell. If I fail, I will have to change, again. Nothing ventured nothing gained

Let’s talk shop? Tell us more about your career, what can you share with our community?
I realized in my industry that my only job security would be through creating my own space.

I was a bit too queer for most tattooists, especially in the 90’s; had my cars breaks cut, guns pulled on me, busted noses. Loved the medium, the clientele the artwork, but definitely took my licks coming up.

I knew I wanted to create my own space. I had initially conceived it as an opportunity to work on my own terms, but over time, w/good people, it became more about working on our terms. Where clients and artists are working towards collective goals,
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My tattoos are certainly a huge part of my creative work, but helping develop artists and in turn shaping my little corner of the world has become my primary creative outlet. Synergy is as fulfilling as ink in these cases

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.
Continental divide, many places. And hot springs, few select places. Have had a great many times on first Fridays, when street closed and the rooftops spun vinyl. Most the abandoned buildings have folded with time, but will always cherish the old missile silo parties.

Also red rocks is a solid day hike

Who else deserves some credit and recognition?
Larry Anderson my Chicago tai chi instructor

Website: Https://www.kitchens-ink.com

Instagram: @joekitchensink @kitchensinktattoo