Meet Talia Hunter: Tattoo Artist

We had the good fortune of connecting with Talia Hunter and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Talia, we’d love to hear about how you approach risk and risk-taking
I see “calculated risk taking” as an essential part of achieving any goal or dream. You can have a dream or goal in mind, but how bad you actually want it will show in your drive and how far you are will to go to transform that dream into your reality! I accredit a great deal of my success to the risks that I have taken to achieve by any means. So many sleepless nights, so many times where I was unsure of if next move but I knew what I wanted and always followed my first instinct which has never steered me wrong. I think the first risk one must ultimately take is simply believing in themselves and dismissing any ideas of failure because two things are always true. 1 is that everything happens for a reason so if something doesn’t work out today, just try again tomorrow! And 2. If you know genuinely in your heart that you deserve what you’re asking for, God will always get it to you, and it’s usually even more than you imagined!

Alright, so let’s move onto what keeps you busy professionally?
I am a Multidisciplinary Artist, specializing in Painting and Tattoo Artistry. Although I’ve only been in tattoo industry for about 3 years, the risks I have taken to bet on myself have propelled my career further than I could’ve ever imagined already! The first major risk I took was believing in myself and deciding to pursue Art as my full time career. I decided “Yes, I can do this” in 2016, changed my major from Education to Fine Art in college, started my Tattoo Apprenticeship in 2018, became a licensed Artist in 2019, and here we are today! It definitely has not been an easy journey dealing with heavy racism and sexism in the industry but through it all I’m coming out victorious. Determination, discipline, and my dedication to becoming My Highest & Greatest Self in this life is what fuels me everyday to go harder and achieve greatness. I’ve learned that not everyone will understand or accept what you have to offer and that’s okay, but when your heart is full of pure intention and you move with the confidence of knowing that God and your angels are right there to guide you and catch you if you fall, you will be unstoppable!

Any places to eat or things to do that you can share with our readers? If they have a friend visiting town, what are some spots they could take them to?
First things first we’re definitely planning the trip around Mardi Gras season which is usually around February/March. Mobile actually is where Mardi Gras started in 1703. We always do it big with the parties, the floats, parades, food, and music. Growing up one of my favorite parts was just admiring the dope artwork on the floats. They really are huge kinetic sculptures when you think about it. I also loved watching all the different high school bands and dance girls perform every year… and the funnel cakes lol. We’re definitely going to K&D Seafood for some of the best seafood on the coast, Rodger’s if we’re feeling barbecue, or Fountain Of Youth (FOY) if we’re feeling fresh and in the mood for some rejuvenation. And we’re definitely going Downtown to see all the local artwork! There’s an event called the ArtWalk that happens every second Friday downtown and local visual and musical artists come together to display their work and perform. Lots of art, lots of food, lots of fun.

Shoutout is all about shouting out others who you feel deserve additional recognition and exposure. Who would you like to shoutout?
First and foremost I have to thank The Creator for bestowing upon me the gifts of creativity, for all of my talents, and for guiding my though all that I’ve had for to endure to reach this point and higher! Shoutout to my beautiful Mom & all my wonderful Sisters and Brothers. They’ve all always been there to support me and remind of why I go hard for dreams the way that I do! A huge Thankyou to Miya Bailey for believing in my skill and potential, and for giving me an opportunity to spread my wings in this next chapter of my life as a VIP Artist apart of City of Ink Social Club where we provide a Luxury Tattoo & Art Experience, located inside Peters Street Station Art & Design Center! And finally, a huuuge thank you to all my supporters in my hometown Mobile, Alabama and to all of my supporters abroad! I love and appreciate all you guys!!!

Instagram: @_taztheartist

Twitter: @taztheartist_

Facebook: Taz Hunter

Image Credits
Photographs of myself were taken by @stellashots_