Meet Katherine Smith | Tattooer

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

Hi Katherine, how has your perspective on work-life balance evolved over time?
Work life balance as an independent contractor in a service based industry is one of the bigger struggles for me personally in my career. Being a tattooer feels more like a lifestyle than a career much of the time. It is difficult to turn ‘work mode’ off. It’s particularly challenging because I love my job, but at the end of the day, it can get a bit overwhelming always being ‘on.’ My only solution is to be more intentional with my time and make sure t0o set boundaries with myself where I’m sure not to allow myself to do anything work related.

Alright, so let’s move onto what keeps you busy professionally?
I find it pretty difficult to discuss my work without being overly critical (an issue I think most artists struggle with). However, I really love playing with and pushing/pulling within the idea of balance… for example, I often pair darker, macabre themes but focus on making them aesthetically beautiful, or showcasing these thematic elements in an unsuspecting way that even someone who typically has an aversion to darker imagery can still see/find beauty in it. I think that when art pairs unsuspecting things thematically, or aesthetically, there’s a pretty special result that pushes people out of their predisposed definitions or constructs. This to me is the most important reason to create art.

Working towards a professional career as a tattooer has not been easy in the slightest… I’m pretty sure every step of the way has gotten more and more challenging over the years. I think the most beneficial thing I’ve learned in order to overcome these challenges is simply to be kind to myself. It seems I am always doing whatever I can to keep moving and to put my best foot forward, It’s extremely important to be thoughtful, intentional and honest with ourselves. We’re our main source of criticism, however it’s easy to take that overboard… being overly self critical can be just as detrimental as not being critical enough.

If you had a friend visiting you, what are some of the local spots you’d want to take them around to?
I’m a pretty big home body, I mostly spend time watching horror movies and drawing at home with my boyfriend and two cats… however, while I’m relatively new to Denver… I would absolutely make sure to take my friends to The Crypt, an amazing punk/horror/metal themed bar. My favorite restaurant I’ve been to so far, is Tokio, a beautiful, small space, with incredible Ramen and Sushi. Usually if I’m out and about, I’m typically going to a concert. I’m often at The Hi Dive to see a show.

Shoutout is all about shouting out others who you feel deserve additional recognition and exposure. Who would you like to shoutout?
There are countless amounts of people that deserve some recognition here. First and foremost I have to thank Shawn Mcdonald and Curtis Burgess for their mentorship and believing in me and encouraging me to constantly work towards bettering myself personally and professionally. I also want to thank all my friends, family, clients, and co workers who have and continue to support me and my profession. you all mean the world to me.

Website: katherinesmithtattoo.com

Instagram: katherinesmithtattoo

Image Credits
photo of me tattooing: Miranda Thomas.