Today we’d like to introduce you to Robia Fleming.
Every artist has a unique story. Can you briefly walk us through yours?
I am a piercer, permanent make up artist, tattoo artist, mother, wife, and for almost 10 years now I have owned and operated Two Faced Tattoo in Fallbrook California,
To start from the beginning, in 1993 (when I was 13 years old), I met Gill Monties daughter Shila I spent a lot of time at Tattoo Mainia, on the sunset strip and I had the luxury of being around great artists like Gill, Mark Mahoney, Freddie Negretti and Frank ball. I was a kid then and didn’t realize what an influence they would have on me years later.
I got my first tattoo when I was 15 at a shop that will remain nameless and I didn’t know it then but that was the beginning of what would turn out to be a lifelong commitment and career. After many years of corporate sales. and a few years of stripping in 2001 at 21 years old. Kathy Montie, the owner of Absolute tattoo In San Diego asked me if I would be interested in learning to pierce. I took on a 2-year apprenticeship at her shop working 12 hours a day 6 day a week. Taking additional courses through the APP and joining CAPSBA (The California Alliance For the Promotion of Safe Body Art). After completing my apprenticeship there I worked at a few shops picking up permanent make up along the way.
In 2006 I got the news that I would be having a baby girl. I decided that I wanted to raise her in a good and mellow environment and that’s when I found Fallbrook, A small town in North San Diego county right at the back gate of Camp Pendelten Military base. I decided this is where I would grow roots. I did a lot of freelance make up for day spas, during which my conservative permanent makes up clients (who were intimidated to go in to a tattoo shop) stared asking me to do small tattoos on them. In 2008 In a very down economy I braved opening my first shop Benjamin Rose in Fallbrook. After a series of unfortunate events (divorce and all that goes with it) I decided to close that shop and in 2009 I opened my shop Two faced Tattoo which I have now owned and operated for the past 9 years. I take great pride in how I conduct my business, with great costumer service, in all that I offer my clients. My focus is on complete integrity. Creating an environment that any and all walks of life can feel comfortable walking into. And providing the most accurate information for my clients to get great work that will last a lifetime.
Please tell us about your art.
I love a lot of different art. So, I play with a lot of different styles. I don’t know that I could ever pick just one thing to focus on. I just love to many things.
I started as a color artist only. It just made more sense in my brain. In the beginning, I focused on simple stuff. taking traditional style tattooing and making them finer lined and adding in more color blending but not getting in over my head. I guess it’s always been important to push myself but not use peoples skin as a practice board. I’m not sure that I could really put a label to my style. After I had been tattooing for a few years, I started doing black and grey tattoos as well and they are definitely fun.
I do color tattoos that have a “painted” look to them. I like watercolorist tattooing, splatter and a lot of color blending but I also like doing a pseudo realistic tattoos in black and grey. I like soft approach and heavy contrasts. I guess in a way I’m all over the board but my favorites are, floral, feathery things, birds, faces and things with smooth textures. I’m also really big on cover up work. One of my favorite things to do, is to take a tattoo that someone is miserable with and turn into something that they love. I find that to be even MORE rewarding then laying down a good original piece.
I think at the end of the day, my goal as a tattoo artist is to find a way to take a person’s original idea and using my resources, create the best tattoo for that person. I do turn down a fair amount of work. If I feel that I cannot execute it well or that it does not fit into my style boundaries. I would rather turn down a piece than have a client leave, permanently unhappy.
As far as what I would like to have people take away from their experience with me is, they were able to be heard in their ideas for design and the possible emotion that they were trying to convey. That I was able to exceed their expectations and that they are proud to wear the piece of art I created for them, forever.
We often hear from artists that being an artist can be lonely. Any advice for those looking to connect with other artists?
lol, I am a total social butterfly, so I’m not really sure. This has not personally been my experience but my door is always open to any and all. I guess if I had to give advice on this subject, it would be to reach out and talk to people. I know that artist can be a little closed off feeling at times but I also know a lot who are really open to talking to another artist.
How or where can people see your work? How can people support your work?
Of cores people can always stop by the shop in Fallbrook but my work is also available to view on Instagram @robiatattoos, and @twofaced tattoo on Facebook at www.facebook.com/twofacedtattoo on my website at www.twofacedtattoo.com and on google.
Contact Info:
- Address: 931 S. Mission Rd Fallbrook Ca. 92028
- Website: www.twofacedtattoo.com
- Phone: 7604519200
- Email: twofacedtattoo@yahoo.com
- Instagram: @robiatattoos
- Facebook: facebook.com/twofacedtattoo
Image Credit:
Robia Fleming
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