Today we’d like to introduce you to Angharad Wilmer-Chappell.
Hi Angharad, thanks for sharing your story with us. To start, maybe you can tell our readers some of your backstory.
I have been drawing and painting from a very young age, I was always found with a colouring book, sketch pad or making a mess with pens and paint. At the age of seven, I went to Disney World for the first time and I was instantly captivated by the sketch artists, drawing in front of me in the animation attractions. Watching them, I knew I wanted to pursue a career in art, and my dream was to become a Disney animator. Fast forward some years, I graduated from University in England, with a BA Hons degree in Visual Communication. I tried animation but I wasn’t too good at it and did not enjoy it either so I specialised in Illustration which suited me far better.
After graduating, I had no notion of what to do with my degree and I had little desire to go and compete for high calibre jobs in the Capital London, like so many did. I left feeling lost, with no direction or hope that I could ever find a job in the arts.
I spent the rest of my twenties, in different careers and finally after years being a flight attendant and managing coffee shops I took an interest in tattooing, immediately after getting my first tattoo at the age of 27. It sounds like a cliche but, it was my ‘lightbulb’ moment and felt so excited by the notion of following a career in tattooing.
At the age of 30, I finally found an apprenticeship in the city of Birmingham. I was older than most starting out in the industry but I was hyper focused, determined and disciplined. I really wanted to succeed and make a career in tattooing, this was my thing!
My conscientious personality, coupled with my keen interest in Disney and the support of a great mentor, meant I was able to focus on this niche and I quickly built a following on social media and some very loyal and supportive clients.
My desire to move to America never wavered over the years and when I felt confident enough, both professionally and personally, I hired ‘Tattoo Visa’ – immigration attorney Katia and her team, who specialise in Imigration law for tattoo artists. Just after the pandemic, we began the process to obtain my visa and in March 2023, I received the wonderful news, I had been granted my visa. I could move to California, and a dream was truly becoming reality.
I have now been working and living in San Diego for a year and despite the economy being tough, my husband not permitted to work and the stress of being self-employed, it has been the best thing I have ever done. I have steadily built a client base with my tattooing and I really feel there are so many exciting opportunities for me with my art off of skin too!
Right now, I continue to work toward obtaining my green card, so we can be here in the USA permanently. I have further industry based criteria to meet and I have to save the $18000 required for the legal process.
I feel that the future looks bright, and my dreams for the future include being a licensed artist for Disney, mentoring and motivating others and maybe owning my tattoo/coffee boutique in Palm Springs. As long as I feel aligned and excited by the opportunities that may come my way, I know I am on the right path.
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?
There have been many struggles along the way. The visa type I have require you to be exceptional in your industry and the criteria you have to meet are extremely high calibre. I have learnt over the process to speak confidently of myself, even at the times I don’t feel it, to ask for opportunity when I felt like an imposter and to keep focused and conscientious.
The main challenge I face is financial as my husband is not permitted to work so that puts a large amount of pressure to ensure I have work and I can sustain it. It can cause a lot of stress health wise also. As part of my green card application I have to show I am earning a high salary and while the economic climate is tough, the cost of living is high here in San Diego and have little left to save, it is tough.
However it is entirely worth it, we adore San Diego, my career is going from strength to strength and I will always fight for the feeling of belonging and happiness that I have here. As I was once told, ‘tough times don’t last but tough people do!’
Appreciate you sharing that. What else should we know about what you do?
I am. a tattoo artist who specialises in animation and pop culture tattoos. I work with my friends at ‘The Hideaway Tattoo’ in Mission Valley. I am also a freelance artist and love creating both digital and hand rendered art. I have created pieces for small businesses, editorials and art for personal projects. Projects include fashion illustration, wedding art and pet portraits. I am always open to exhibitions, projects and collaborations.
How do you think about luck?
So I feel that luck does not exist alone. I think that luck only happens when preparation meets opportunity. You have to apply yourself to the goal, stay focused and accept knock backs are sometimes a detour in the right direction and an opportunity to learn.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://linktr.ee/houseofladychappelle
- Instagram: @houseofladychappelle @theartofladychappelle
Image Credits
First image – me back to camera wearing hat and the first profile picture of me tattooing are by Ally Shipway
