Today we’d like to introduce you to Taylor McCoy.
Hi Taylor, 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’ve been an artist since I was 2; in high school, I found a new love for art after meeting pop artist and icon Peter Max. After witnessing him sell several paintings my sophomore year at his gallery show in Charlotte, I just knew art was the only way I needed to make money. I was still unsure of my vocational pursuit after changing career goals my senior year from being a game artist to being a tattoo artist. I was inspired by Pin Up girls’ flash art, Kat Von D, and Megan Massacre. Easily persuaded by their bold fashion statements and works in the the tattoo industry I begin to chase my dreams which lead me to NYC at the age of 19. I worked for Red Robin Yuuuummmm which transferred me from SC to The Bronx, Red Robin had asked me key questions when I was hired as they said they were in the business of following the aspirations of their employees, out the gate they told me when an opportunity arises I could transfer somewhere closer to my dreams and taught me character development as well as commitment and other traits that lead me to be leader when I got to NY. I had brought my small portfolio with me and proceeded to work in Pelham Bay parkway not too far from where I had a roommate in the south bronx. My roommate was in between teaching me the native ropes and had admitted that she had glanced over my portfolio which I left on the kitchen table before heading to work one day; while helping me unpack my things, she told me I should go Black Ink on 113th and Lennox in Harlem. She said I had talent and that she bet I get hired. I was very curious as I had heard of Black Ink Crew from the TV show and I thought to myself that it was far too big and high profile for me, they’d never hire someone with little to no experience. I got up the courage to at least go on one of my days off with her, we got close enough for me to see inside, and I thought to myself it was too early and a big mistake, but she pushed me to go inside urging me with positive reinforcement telling me the worst they could do is turn me away. It was just my luck that they were looking for an apprentice to learn tattooing. When I got inside, Walter greeted me, I sat down, and 3-4 hrs went by before CEASAR would arrive he walked in and straight to the desk took a look at my portfolio it was at that moment that I looked up to see him glancing through it slowly making slight expressions with his eyebrows when he looked up at me; I confess I looked down at the floor. He then headed straight to the back to begin a tattoo session told a few other applicants to leave and told me to stay seated. I was called to the back shortly after where he asked me a few questions about my experience and where I was from which I told him Baltimore MD and South Carolina. He then told me to come back tomorrow or the soonest day I could. This was probably the happiest moment I ever had at BIC it was a moment out a movie for me. The girl that comes far from out of state and gets her dream position not even 2 weeks into being into New York. I hurried out as I just wanted to scream and laugh and cry at the same time, and I didn’t want to seem unprofessional. Fast forward through my apprenticeship, it only took me 5 months to get licensed in that time, I had been tattooed by Oh Sh*t and DUTCHESS, I experienced a lot complicated things during my apprenticeship, it was a love-hate relationship as being Caesar’s direct apprentice I had pressures of the world on my shoulders that I never could’ve been ready for with any amount of experience let alone none. Working for Black Ink Crew was different as they were celebrities in their own right and the job came with its perks and quirks. 113th was a one-of-a-kind studio, and there will never be another one like it, it was black history in INK. After getting licensed by New York health and hygiene, I parted ways with the crew and quit before filming picked back up. I was there for season three behind the ink, and I was there for season one of Chicago during their premier. I left New York after my apprenticeship to gain back momentum for myself for my health mindset and well-being. It would be a duration of three years before I returned to New York, and during that time, I had gotten married and had my two beautiful children returning to New York with the family I would leave my mark. I returned to the Bronx and tattooed in a series of studios and shops throughout Various neighborhoods I would also tattoo in New Jersey, and all five boroughs is a local artist. Making trips back to South Carolina in between to old tattoo friends. From 2018 till present, I tattoo all 5 boroughs, Garnishing clients from all over New York, New Jersey, and even as far as Italy across the sea. I currently guest spot for Pumas at Art2ink tattoo studios Not too far from where 113th would’ve been present day. I’ve been tattooing for nine years, and it took nine years to get somewhere as upscale Puma’s studio I’m so blessed.
Alright, so let’s dig a little deeper into the story – has it been an easy path overall, and if not, what were the challenges you’ve had to overcome?
The road was long, windy, bumpy, and stagnant at times, there’s been many hiccups along the way. I had to maintain 9 restaurant jobs serving and bartending while going through two pregnancies, a marriage, I had 5 vehicles, a townhouse, 2 apartments, and even experienced homelessness in pursuit of my goals. I lost everything I had over and over and over again in the conquest of happiness to get to where I am today. Months without sleep or rest, days dehydrated and depressed, I had to battle the system back-to-back and starved myself sometimes just to get by. I had to learn the difference between material and necessities in my life letting go of luxuries to live humbly confined on many occasions. I experienced racism and judgment time and time again even in the tattoo industry. These setbacks and roadblocks, however, only encouraged me to keeping moving forward. I believe in walking by faith and not by sight; to endure is to survive. Teaching this resilience to my children and learning to work side by side with my husband and family in tow. To build a legacy is to Protect the foundations and values I was raised with. Success comes at a price and without failure there can be no pursuit of happiness.
Thanks – so, what else should our readers know about your work and what you’re currently focused on?
I’m a tattoo artist, I specialize in every style which sets me apart from the rest, I’m known for being a versatile artist without limitations or confines. I’m most proud of the growth in my work and loyal clientele that will follow me anywhere around the world or wait for me for their inky needs. I’m known for being the printer and not using one, my muscle memory is unmatched, there is no artist that can replicate like I can. I am the replicator, and I’m not easy to follow. My biggest project right now is my BIC Coloring book, it is a anthology of coloring books that tell the story of Black Ink Crew from my unique perspective. The coloring book will be available this spring for those that seek a challenge. It is designed to host a spread of art supplies from prismacolor pencils, fabercastell, to Coptic markers. It’s designed to host the best of the best AP color pencils and marker sets.
Any advice for finding a mentor or networking in general?
Be prepared a prestigious portfolio will do all the work for you there is no need to oversell yourself, I had a traditional apprenticeship which is still possible if you have what it takes, the “it factor” and your work ethic will define your reality in the tattoo industry. Being frail will not get you far. Know that you are always learning and adapting, changing, being advance with mediums should be your top priority. Mastering all art forms and using light boxes to trace as early as possible is a necessity. You should want to be the printer, draw till your wrist fall off put them back on, and do it all over again. Investing in a tattoo artist and building trust, as well as a friendship is another route to getting an apprenticeship there is no guarantee that they will agree to teach/mentor you but building a portfolio and bringing it in for each session to show your development and being persistently loyal to a tattoo studio can build a relationship that may develop into a apprenticeship. There are tattoo schools available as well these days for someone that’s looking for a different experience. Every studio/shop/parlor is unique and you will find everyone’s path is not the same.
Pricing:
- 100 an hour
- 50-150 deposit required
Contact Info:
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Image Credits
Damouseofink
