Today we’d like to introduce you to Bobbi Stalnaker
Bobbi, we appreciate you taking the time to share your story with us today. Where does your story begin?
I am a southern california native who started her career as a graphic designer. I earned my BFA in graphic design from one of the best design programs in California. After spending the early years in my career in both large companies, creative agencies and film & tv studios, I took a leap on my own toward my entrepreneurial dream and started my design studio, Gray Area Creative.
I was approaching a point of burnout in 2022 while running my business and working a corporate job in the entertainment industry. I felt disconnected from my art and passion working behind a computer and decided to take a leap and explore the art of tattooing. I had many friends ask for me to design tattoos for them (which i would often remind them that their tattoo artist actually does that) and decided to try out this new medium in the skin. Tattoo and graphic design have many parallels: attention to detail, spell checking, composition, client relationships and collaboration. So, I invested money in some equipment and I got straight to work.
I am a self taught tattoo artist. I did not get an apprenticeship and I heard horror stories about years of not getting paid and I knew i couldn’t go that route. I practiced, practiced, and practiced. I gave many free tattoos and began to work out of a private studio until February of 2024 – I got into a shop. I have been tattooing over two years now and I am in a shop in Ocean Beach called Family Business Tattoo.
Can you talk to us a bit about the challenges and lessons you’ve learned along the way. Looking back would you say it’s been easy or smooth in retrospect?
There were many struggles making the transition into an industry that is incredibly hard to break into. I had to dip into my savings, I had to start over from my 8+ years experience in the design industry that i knew like the back of my hand and become a student again. I went a road less traveled as a tattoo artist – being self taught and skipping the apprenticeship required me to be committed, a self-starter, and a sleuth for resources. It put me at a slight disadvantage with industry connections and structured training, but I do have mentors who I am always turning to. I am still a student, and always will be a sponge for information.
Alright, so let’s switch gears a bit and talk business. What should we know about your work?
As a tattoo artist, I tattoo in mostly black and gray, geometric, blackwork and dot work. Themes I enjoy tattooing are creepy motifs, minimalist tattoos, fine line, eyeballs, flowers, surrealism, and unique ideas. My obsession is with eyeballs and provocative art that makes you think.
I believe my client relationships set me apart from others. As a tattoo artist I make sure to go over and above to make anyone of any gender, ethnicity, skin tone, sexual orientation, or background feel SAFE and SEEN in my chair.
As a designer, I love to work with people who aren’t afraid to be authentic and bold and want to break the mold of the status quo. I dont make safe brands, I make brands that are remembered. I work with visionary clients who want to change the world, do good, and make an impact.
We’d be interested to hear your thoughts on luck and what role, if any, you feel it’s played for you?
I think good luck is created when you look for it. I have been very lucky to have people, mentors, and clients come into my life that have helped me align with the direction I am going in and have in turn made me very lucky. Any bad luck I have received has strangely still led me to where I am looking to go.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.bobbistalnaker.com/ (Tattoo/Personal)
- Instagram: @ohhbobs (@ink.bobs)
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/people/InkBobs/61556009227499/
- Other: https://www.grayareacreative.com/ (Design Business)
Image Credits
Brian Barajas
