Meet Kaia Holbrook | Tattoo Artist

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

Hi Kaia, why did you decide to pursue a creative path?
As far back as I can remember art has been the one thing that felt as if it came naturally to me. No matter how many interests came and went as I grew up drawing and later tattooing was the one to stick and stay. Art has always been what I feel most comfortable and confident in and enjoy no matter what state of mind I am in.

I think that I pursued an artistic career because there really wasn’t ever another options for me because I don’t think I would be happy if I wasn’t creating daily.

Alright, so let’s move onto what keeps you busy professionally?
I would like the world to know how lucky I feel and thankful I am that this is a place where my art is not only appreciated but wanted. It still blows my mind that there are people who want to live the rest of their lives with my work in their skin. The fact that I am trusted to do this is a very big deal to me. I have tattooed memorial pieces from a beloved old pet to a lost baby or grandparent. I have covered self harm scars that have helped turn bad memories into something beautiful. I have tattooed inside jokes, bad choices, delicious food, recovery dates, photos, poems and songs. Many handwritten notes from loved ones. Favorite critters and creatures, characters and colors. Pretty plants, oceans, stars and moons. I have put whole worlds into skin. I have tattooed pieces that are reminders of where someone has been and where they hope to go. I have also just tattooed many pieces that have no significant meaning other than being a pretty picture that someone likes, which has always been my very favorite thing to tattoo.

I also want the world to know that I don’t take this lightly whatsoever. Every single piece I do is a humbling experience. And that is something I will never take for granted.

Who else deserves some credit and recognition?
I would like to thank the artists who have taught me to tattoo and make it in this industry. A big shoutout to Story of My Life Tattoo who took me on as an apprentice in 2013. Especially to my mentor Clint Fiske who very patiently taught me when I knew nothing and dealt with me for many many years. And to all the other guys I worked with at that shop who became a second family to me. I would not be doing what I love without them taking that chance on me and supporting me the whole way through.

I would also like to give a massive, wholehearted thank you to Meredith and HH Littlesky at Terrarium Tattoo who have taken me into their sweet little studio. They have been nothing but supportive and kind since that very first day I started working with them. Their art gives me inspiration daily and they as individuals also inspire me to be a better human. That shop has filled me with nothing but joy.

Instagram: @kaiaelise

Image Credits
Frances Kurucz Hlavacek Meredith Littlesky