Art & Life with Kayla Gibson

Today we’d like to introduce you to Kayla Gibson.

Kayla, please kick things off for us by telling us about yourself and your journey so far.
I’ve lived in Arizona for the majority of my life and have been a tattoo artist for the last nine years. It’s been quite the ride. As a child, I grew up with the need and want to do anything that allowed me to be creative. Pencil drawings, painting, designing etc. When I was 17/18 years old, I was introduced into the world of tattooing. And it’s stuck with me ever since. I started my apprenticeship young and also, during my parent’s divorce. Due to complications on both ends, the artist I apprenticed with and myself, my apprenticeship was uncompleted. But I was, again, young but determined and possibly stubborn. So, I continued teaching myself and picking other artist’s brains. To anyone trying to become a tattoo artist, DO NOT do this haha. But here I am. I progressed slowly in the beginning, but steadily because I worked really hard. There were times that I was living out of my car, staying with friends and relatives when I first started because the events of my life then weren’t the easiest. But I still showed up and made it work. Currently, I’m in Gilbert working at Dark Horse Tattoo Company.

Can you give our readers some background on your art?
Before I became a tattoo artist, my favorite medium since I was a kid was simply pencil on paper. I mostly have time for my tattooing only, but if given a spare moment or two I try to spend it drawing on coquille paper, painting, and sometimes refinishing the occasional piece of furniture. Honestly, I like any hands-on project. Back to tattoos. I specialize and enjoy doing Neo Traditional. The weirder the subject matter, the better. Most of the artwork I create, tattoos or other mediums, is purely derived from nostalgia or just something that I think would be cool to do some weird rendition of.

How do you think about success, as an artist, and what do quality do you feel is most helpful?
For me, success isn’t just about the monetary aspect that can come with it. I grew up with a similar mindset about most things. Honestly, if I can just make cool tattoos/art all day, and people actually love it and want more, that’s enough for me.

The best advice I can give about what it takes to become successful in this industry, is try to develop a good work ethic early on. Believe in yourself and what you do because no one else will until you do. Be open to criticism and grow from it. You are your own brand essentially, build it up to its fullest potential!

What’s the best way for someone to check out your work and provide support?
The best places to check out more of my work would be my website KGTATTOO.COM or Instagram @kgibsontattoos.

Contact Info:

• Address: Dark Horse Tattoo Company 1111 N. Gilbert Rd Suite 108 Gilbert, AZ 85234
• Website: KGTATTOO.COM
• Phone: 4802194885
• Email: kgibson2466@gmail.com
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/kgibsontattoos/
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/k.la.gibson

Image Credit:
Kayla Gibson

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