Today we’d like to introduce you to Gia Reed
Hi Gia, please kick things off for us with an introduction to yourself and your story.
I’ve always been creative and loved to draw. Growing up, I wasn’t the best at making friends so you could find me curled up somewhere drawing or reading.
I never knew that tattooing was the craft/career that it is. That was until I went to get my first tattoo. From the smell of the green soap, the artist freehanding the design on me, to the buzz of the machine! I was hooked immediately! I knew it was what I had to do for the rest of my life.
I started my apprenticeship in Lenoir city, a year after that. Unfortunately, It was a pretty rough start, but I wouldn’t be here now if I hadn’t pushed myself through it. I stayed at that shop for four years and as soon as I felt ready to leave, I was packed up and gone overnight.
Now I’m at I Love You Tattoo in Maryville and I know I’m meant to be here. Everyone I work with inspires me so much. It’s a huge difference from where I started. They are so willing to teach me and give me advice about anything. I am incredibly blessed to work and travel to conventions alongside them.
We all face challenges, but looking back would you describe it as a relatively smooth road?
I always say that tattooing is the hardest yet most rewarding thing I do and have ever done.
My apprenticeship was incredibly tough. Unfortunately, my mentor was inappropriate with myself and some of his other apprentices. I put my head down and ignored everything until I could get out of there. I have some regrets about staying as long as I did and for ignoring it like I did, but I know that stuff happens for a reason.
During my apprenticeship, I was at the shop anytime someone was there and working a second job on my two days off. I missed countless birthdays and holidays. But it taught me that tattooing always comes first. Which may not sound right, but to me tattooing is everything.
I was broke and living off of change. There were days I had to decide between getting ramen noodles or putting gas in my car. On top of everything, the world went through a historical change right in the middle of my apprenticeship. Covid shut the shop down for two months, so as soon as it opened back up I pushed myself to start tattooing clients.
Can you tell our readers more about what you do and what you think sets you apart from others?
I love doing traditional style tattoos! I’ve always had a love for the style but being at the shop now has given me a different outlook on them. I also love tattooing anything animal/bug related or doing floral tattoos!
I’m most proud of the chest tattoo I did on my fiancée, it’s a traditional style caracal with roses. It’s the second ever chest piece I’ve ever done and I won first place for it at the Birmingham tattoo convention last year.
I think what sets me apart from other tattooers would be my patience and willingness to work for my clients. I know that getting tattooed can be pretty intimidating so I try to be as friendly as possible. I want my clients to feel comfortable enough to speak up about wanting to change a design or move the stencil etc.
Alright, so to wrap up, is there anything else you’d like to share with us?
I’ve met some pretty great people along the way. I owe everything to all the people who have gotten tattooed by me, especially earlier on in my career. I wouldn’t be anything if it wasn’t for them. Lots of clients have turned into great friends, whose company I’ve grown to love.
My family has supported me in such great ways too. My sisters were my first clients and my mom trusted me to do her second, and third and fourth tattoos.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.iloveyou.tattoo/gia
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/gia.tattoos?igsh=Zm8wZHQ1dHQ0NGt1&utm_source=qr
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/gia.reed.3?mibextid=LQQJ4d
