Today we’d like to introduce you to Samantha Porter.
Hi Samantha, so excited to have you on the platform. So before we get into questions about your work-life, maybe you can bring our readers up to speed on your story and how you got to where you are today?
I was born and raised in Los Angeles, California, and I’ve been an artist for as long as I can remember. As a kid, I was rarely, if ever, without a coloring book and a box of crayons. Every Christmas I’d get those little art sets with the dried out markers and cheap paints, and I loved every one of them. I was always told I had a natural talent for art, but for a long time, I never really knew what I was supposed to do with it.
Life took me down some pretty rough roads from my preteen years into adulthood, I was lost for a very long time, and I completely put my art aside. I worked all kinds of jobs, from retail, warehouse work, a donut shop, to promoting nightclubs. I was just doing what I needed to do to get through the hard times.
Eventually, my life led me to West Tennessee- to the little town of Henderson.
I met my husband, who had just opened shop here. They call him “Mad Mike”, he was well known in the area and surrounding for his tattoo work, and artwork in general.
He needed a manager, so that’s where I started. I had no intention of becoming a tattoo artist. In fact, the thought of putting a tattoo machine in my hand and permanently putting my artwork on someone’s skin terrified me. But I was so happy to be in a space surrounded by art and likeminded people!
Mike encouraged me to give tattooing a chance. He taught me how to build a coil machine, and then threw me in the deep end to swim.
I was scared and nervous, but he was incredibly supportive and never stopped pushing me to do bigger and better.
Five years later, here we are.
We run a small, family-owned and operated tattoo shop that is easy to miss if you blink. We’re tucked inside an old former sewing factory that has since been divided into several small businesses. It may not look like much from the outside, but inside, it’s a one of a kind shop filled with motorcycles, our art and antiques- instead of flash covered walls. People say the shop is their favorite place to just hang out, it’s like a museum!
We take a lot of pride in keeping the work personal and hands-on. We do a lot of freehand work and custom drawn designs, but we also offer flash to those who prefer. My husband also does pin striping and airbrushing, so there’s a lot of traditional automotive and artistic influence mixed into what we do.
Looking back, I think I spent a lot of my life wondering what I was supposed to do with my artistic ability. I never would have guessed that the answer would eventually be tattooing, and that I’d build a little family business around it.
It took me a long time to find my way back to art, but I think I finally found exactly where I was supposed to be.
Would you say it’s been a smooth road, and if not what are some of the biggest challenges you’ve faced along the way?
It definitely hasn’t been a smooth road. Some of my biggest challenges have been personal and family related. Moving across the country obviously meant I had to navigate some pretty difficult seasons without the support system I had back home. I wasn’t as prepared for that as I thought I was. But after networking and meeting some amazing people, I have an incredible group of friends who I now consider family.
When it comes to tattooing though, my biggest obstacle has honestly just been myself. I’ve struggled with that little voice in my head telling me I’m not good enough. Even when other people were complimenting my work, I could still be incredibly hard on myself. It’s taken a long time to stop comparing myself to other artists, and appreciate myself for who I am and what I do.
Something that has really helped my negative self thoughts has been stepping into the world of pinup! After entering competitions and doing photo shoots, I have gained so much more self confidence. I am so glad to be a part of such an awesome pinup community here in TN!
Thanks for sharing that. So, maybe next you can tell us a bit more about your work?
“Multipotentialite“
When I’m not tattooing, I’m riding my Harley, raising two little girls, doing pinup competitions and photo shoots. I’m known for my versatility, being an all-rounder.
I don’t have a specific tattoo style, we cater to so many different kinds of people that I’ve had to learn to do a whole lot of everything. My preference? I love doing portraits and any horror theme- color is my absolute favorite.
What sets me apart from the others would have to be my wide range of skills. I’m a jack of all trades, that goes for tattooing as well. I use both coil and rotary machines, I do all sorts of styles, I just do a little bit of everything and I can get along with just about anyone.
Is there anyone you’d like to thank or give credit to?
My husband, Mike Porter a.k.a “Mad Mike” has been my biggest supporter, cheerleader, and advocate since day 1. I genuinely couldn’t do this without him!
I also have a friend, Alexandra Grace, who is an amazing artist here in West Tennessee as well. She has given me some great advice and mentoring. I have learned a lot from her, and I appreciate every bit of information, support and encouragement she’s given me.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://venue.ink/@eightsandacestattoo
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/sam.porter.tattoos
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/share/1DX2YYD1dX/?mibextid=wwXIfr
