alana perez (THEy/THEM)
I’m a self-taught artist from California who joined Aion Tattoo in 2022.
Art has always been my creative outlet, a form of expression, and a way to challenge myself with new techniques. Tattooing is all of these things, and more. At age eight, I told my camp counselor I wanted to be a tattoo artist because I liked drawing on myself and others.
I graduated with a degree in Political Science at Denison University, and I moved to Columbus permanently in 2018 with a job in the nonprofit sector. It was here I learned about the apprenticeship at Aion Tattoo which was a chance to seriously pursue my artistic passion.
In 2020, I started my apprenticeship under Iggy Sweeney. During the lockdown, I focused my time on developing a strong art foundation, researching the history of tattoos as well as the tattoo industry, understanding health and safety protocols, and building a portfolio of tattoo designs. With restrictions lifted, I was able to practice on fruits, fake skin, and myself. After a break in 2021, I rejoined the Aion Team in April 2022. I continued my apprenticeship by shadowing fellow artists, developing flash designs, and learning the ins and outs of how a tattoo shop operates.
For me, tattoo design is an exercise in problem-solving that blends personal expression and professional collaboration; I’m drawn to the shifting parameters of these projects. I love tackling any idea, big or small, and creating a unique piece of art with a client. I work to make every client feel welcome and listened to, and as a queer artist, I hope to foster a space of inclusivity, acceptance, and expression.
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