Today we’d like to introduce you to Nadia Deering.
Hi Nadia, thanks for sharing your story with us. To start, maybe you can tell our readers some of your backstory.
I have always been a deeply artistic person. My education is in fashion merchandising and have spent the past seven years working as an interior decorator. About a year and a half ago, the itch to expand my artistic skillset was stronger than ever. I had the opportunity to mentor under an amazing fine line tattoo artist in Grover Beach, KI Fineline. What really pushed me to pursue tattooing is observing a hole in the tiny tattoo market on the Central Coast. I personally love delicate, quirky, tiny tattoos and I had a feeling other folks in the area would too. Not to mention, I knew I wanted to build an intimate studio that was a fun, approachable, and a safe space.
After I took KI’s tattoo course, I was completely hooked. I tattooed every family member and friend that would let me. This helped me build my portfolio and my confidence as an artist. I spent all my free time drawing, practicing, and learning fine line techniques. I opened my private studio in Arroyo Grande about six months ago. I run my business by appointment only booking flash designs and custom designs.
Alright, so let’s dig a little deeper into the story – has it been an easy path overall and if not, what were the challenges you’ve had to overcome?
I am a child of entrepreneurial parents. My wife’s parents have also owned countless businesses. When it came to starting a business, I think I had a realistic expectation that it wouldn’t all be easy but the hard work would be worth it.
That being said, breaking into the tattoo industry in a small town was harder than I expected. I knew I didn’t want to go the traditional route of apprenticing at a larger studio. I recognize the value of tattoo apprenticeships but they are difficult to come by in a small area. Not to mention, I couldn’t afford to quit my other full-time job to do an unpaid (or best case scenario minimum wage) apprenticeship. I am thankful for other artists who have come before me and have started changing the industry. Local artists and other artists I’ve connected with online have graciously shared their knowledge and experience with me making it possible for me to skip to opening my own studio. Being mostly self-taught and opening my own studio as quickly as I did is not common in the industry. It took months of relentless searching for the right space to lease. There were several landlords that refused me as a tenant because of my profession. There is still a lot of negative stigma in real estate and local business policy around tattooing.
After about six months of searching, a late night Craigslist scroll led to opening my studio in Central Coast Spa. I am so grateful to the owner Victoria for taking a chance on my new business and leasing to me.
Can you tell our readers more about what you do and what you think sets you apart from others?
I am a tattoo artist that specializes in small, delicate, quirky, fine line tattoos. My tattoos have personality, they tell a story. I love tattooing special objects, handwriting/micro fonts, animals, and tiny ornamental florals. I believe building custom tattoos with my clients is as much my style as it is yours; meaning it’s a collaboration between both of us to create something truly unique and special. I’m also really proud to be a queer, woman artist in an industry historically dominated by men. I strive to make everyone feel welcome and comfortable to voice their opinions, ask questions, and share an intimate experience with me.
I have given many repeat clients their first tattoos. To be the person that others trust with decorating their bodies permanently is such an honor.
Any big plans?
My future plans include continuing to grow as an artist. I believe I will always be a student, always sponging up new techniques, new trends, new ways to evolve as an artist.
I would love to branch into the event space offering flash designs for pop up events and parties. Down the road, I hope to mentor other new artists and open a larger studio I can share with others.
Contact Info:
- Instagram: pepper.tats
