Most of us have career dreams and aspirations we are working toward and achieving. Simultaneously, we engage in hobbies and practices that pass the time outside of work which brings joy and fun to everyday life. However, the reality for many means that our hobbies remain side-lines and we are unable to pursue them as a full-time career. Reece Spencer (Sleep Well), a visual artist from Newcastle, has utilised the spare time he gained from the 2020 lockdown and engaged his talent and love for art, teaching himself the skills necessary to become a tattoo artist.
Art has always been an integral and ongoing part of Reece’s life. However, when the initial Covid19 lockdown began in 2020 Reece explained that he had an immeasurable amount of free time to continue practising and improving his talent. Living alone enabled Reece to continuously draw, but it also allowed him to contemplate the idea and logistical reality of transforming this skill.
As a completely self-taught tattoo artist, Reece has faced many criticisms and difficulties throughout his journey. He states that the biggest hurdle for a self-starter “is that there is no information anywhere… it’s a real grey area”, particularly material regarding the health and safety of the practice. Reece explains that he went through a lengthy process of trial and error, and he often questioned himself about whether he was getting things ‘right’. However, once his confidence grew the process became undoubtedly easier.
“There is nothing online which tells you; this is how you do things hygienically; this is how you do things sterile; you have to just speak to people as much as you can and just learn and read things” – Reece
Time is unequivocally important for the process of tattooing, and it is only after a year of experimenting and understanding the practice that Reece was able to feel certainty in his methods. After following his work and progression Reece has been successfully tattooing his art on people all over the Northeast.
Reece has been lucky enough to pursue his love of art, develop a style and spread his creativity through the skill of tattooing through his own persistence and personal endeavour. Although Reece is completely self-taught, he modestly credits other people for the information and advice they have given him. For those who are in a similar position and have a talent or interest they wish to pursue more seriously, Reece believes that listening to others is imperative. He offers guidance for those on the fence; “just bring your style, don’t feel like you should take anything off of Pinterest and create a certain type of tattoo, just do whatever the hell you want to do”. Speaking to other artists, being a nice person and going to get tattooed is the easiest way to start. The hygiene issues and physical implications of tattooing can be taught, and people are often more willing to help than many assume.
Most importantly, Reece encourages younger artists to visually do what they want. It is the only way to allow the field to grow, become more interesting and ensure that originality in the creative profession of tattooing flourishes.
Take some time to check out Reece's Instagram which showcases his artwork and tattoos @sleep____well
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