Meet Rachael Pawlicki | Tattoo Artist /Owner -R&R Ink

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

Hi Rachael, have there been any changes in how you think about work-life balance?
Having that balance is so important. One of the things I’m most proud of is that I’m finally at a point in my life where I’m able to make that a priority. Switching to working by appointment only was one of the best things I’ve ever done for myself as a tattooer. I felt drained creatively when I was expected to sit at a shop 24/7. I felt my personal time and creativity were both stretched thin. I spent a lot of time pushing myself way too hard and feeling like I always had to say yes. Now, I don’t stress as much about things and I’m able to just focus on my work. I’m more comfortable than I’ve ever been tattooing. Opening the studio really allowed me to achieve that.

Another major factor for me in feeling balanced is having a physical outlet. I sit indoors for a living so having something to offset that really helps. Going to the chiropractor is an essential part of my self care routine, but music festivals , snowboarding and volunteering at wildlife rescues are some of my favorite ways to feel recharged. I make it a point to include time in my schedule for these things or I get burned out.

Being able to work by appointment only was one of the best things I’ve ever done for myself as a tattooer. I felt drained creatively when I was expected to sit at a shop 24/7. Now I’m able to just focus on my work and I’m more comfortable than I’ve ever been tattooing.

Can you open up a bit about your work and career? We’re big fans and we’d love for our community to learn more about your work.
I’m proud of my journey , and how much I’ve grown along the way. Not only as an artist, but as a person and I think that really shows in my work. It’s cool to have people wear your art forever. I enjoy creating images from people’s imagination and love hearing all the different reasons behind them. Mental health is out on the table these days and tattoo therapy is real. It has been so powerful to see how much impact my art can have on the person wearing it. I really believe in being a good person/being kind and I’m sought out for my tattooing as much as I am for my bedside manners. I love being able to provide my clients a positive experience along with their ink and It really has changed the narrative when it comes to what tattooing can be.

Any places to eat or things to do that you can share with our readers? If they have a friend visiting town, what are some spots they could take them to?
The dispensaries of course. It’s hard to believe that other states don’t have them. The mountains are great any time of the year. I prefer scenic hikes over a 14er, so somewhere like St. Mary’s Glacier or Hanging Lake. In the winter, snowboarding and Woodward if they are up for it. The music scene here is incredible, so Red Rocks or Cervante’s to catch a show. Bar hopping in RiNO or South Broadway followed by some late night pizza slices hits the spot for me.

And my studio!! I do end up tattooing most friends that come into town, but I save it for last so we can do everything without worrying about their fresh tattoo in the elements. Mile high sunshine is brutal on a healing tattoo.

Shoutout is all about shouting out others who you feel deserve additional recognition and exposure. Who would you like to shoutout?
My clients are AMAZING. From the very first tattoo I did in Colorado, (whom I still work on regularly), to everyone I work on now. They have literally been there for me in every way possible. I have tattooed their entire families, others have came and changed the locks on my house when I needed it. They have helped me return Uhauls at 2 in the morning , they have seen me cry and been there to wipe my tears. It’s wholesome and I love them so much. My business partner is no longer with me , but I don’t think I would have had the balls to start this on my own. Family and friends for believing it was possible, even though I know deep down some of them thought I was nuts for opening a business during a pandemic.

Website: https://www.etsy.com/shop/artbyrachp

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/artbyrachp/

Twitter: https://twitter.com/artbyrachp

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/rachael.pawlicki

Other: TattoosbyRachaelPawlicki@gmail.com @RRINK on everything for the studio.