Today we’d like to introduce you to Chanel Teffeteller.
Hi Chanel, so excited to have you with us today. What can you tell us about your story?
When I was about seven years old, my mom (who had a handful of tattoos) brought me to a tattoo convention that she was working a retail booth at, and I was enamored by the entire experience. I explored the convention hall and admired all the art, I went back to my mom’s booth and attempted to draw some 90’s flash that was popular at the time. She noticed something spark in me that day and encouraged me to cultivate better drawing and painting skills. One year when I was way too young, my mom gifted me a tattoo machine that she ordered online and her boyfriend at the time taught me what he knew from prison tattooing. I did some really sh*tty tattoos on people (including my mom) back then, but I felt the spark in me ignite. I went to college in San Francisco and studied art, and unfortunately shortly after I graduated, my mom passed away suddenly. She was my biggest cheerleader, especially when it came to my artistic practices, and I was crushed when she died. After a while and a lot of healing, I realized that she helped me pave this path into the tattoo world, and it was something that I deeply felt I needed to see through in her honor. I was able to find an apprenticeship shortly after that thanks to Jorel Gabinay, who heard my story and saw that spark that was lit so long ago. Fast forward to today, and I can’t imagine doing anything else.
I’m sure you wouldn’t say it’s been obstacle free, but so far would you say the journey have been a fairly smooth road?
Losing my mother was the biggest struggle of my life so far, and moving forward without her encouragement, advice and guidance has been extremely difficult. Even knowing deep down that she would wholeheartedly support my tattoo career, I still wish she was here to see my progress along the way. I remember working for a shop for a few months with the promise of an apprenticeship that ultimately lead to a dead end and wishing I could call her for support. Being a woman in the industry has also been one of my biggest struggles. People walking into the shop and mistaking me for shop help is commonplace, along with people questioning my ability as a tattooer simply because I’m a woman.
As you know, we’re big fans of you and your work. For our readers who might not be as familiar what can you tell them about what you do?
I pride myself in being a well-rounded tattooer, but I prefer anything American Traditional. My own take on any classic design tends to have a feminine touch (even if the imagery itself isn’t feminine in nature). I believe that being bold and being feminine can be synonymous, and I attempt to show that in my work. I gravitate toward imagery that’s inspired by or derived from old folk art and am interested in artwork made before references were widely accessible, either by book or the internet. There’s something intriguing to me about that time when people learned to make art through word of mouth and through their own unfiltered observation. I’m also very inspired by flora and fauna and anything organic because of my deep love for the outdoors. I most pride myself in providing a safe space for all people and all bodies to feel comfortable getting tattooed, regardless of race, gender, sexual orientation, etc.
Alright so before we go can you talk to us a bit about how people can work with you, collaborate with you or support you?
My online portfolio is essentially my Instagram (@chateff), and I do all of my bookings through email (chaneltattoos@gmail.com)
Contact Info:
- Email: chaneltattoos@gmail.com
- Website: https://www.outdoortraditions.ink/
- Instagram: @chateff
