Meet Alex Payne | Tattoo Artist

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

Hi Alex, where are your from? We’d love to hear about how your background has played a role in who you are today?
I’m from Cartersville, a town about 40 miles north of Atlanta. While my town was largely conservative, I grew up around a lot of bikers, so seeing body modifications and tattoos was the norm to me. I even remember being a small child and applying “Tattoo Goo” to my mom’s healing tattoos. Tattoos were never a taboo to me, and I was always artistic and creative, so it was a no-brainer to become a tattoo artist.

Let’s talk shop? Tell us more about your career, what can you share with our community?
I focused my entire academic career on how to become a tattoo artist, because this has been my goal since I was about 12 years old. I took numerous art classes throughout high school and even got an Associate’s degree in fine arts to further my knowledge before taking on an apprenticeship and learning to tattoo. At the age of 23 I began my tattoo apprenticeship, and I’m now 25 tattooing full time and living my dream. My tattoo apprenticeship was the hardest thing I’ve gone through. It is draining, rigorous, mentally exhausting, and the best thing I could ever do for myself. I’ve learned how strong I am and how I can handle almost anything thrown at me. I’ve been tattooing for under two years but have been learning to do more and more complex tattoos through my mentor’s instructions, practice, and the occasional seminar.

If you had a friend visiting you, what are some of the local spots you’d want to take them around to?
In and around Cartersville, there is always plenty to do. We’re just 40 miles from Atlanta, with tons of museums, concert venues, and the largest Aquarium in the United States. My favorite thing to do is go see a concert at the Masquerade in Underground Atlanta. I’ve been going to the Masquerade since I was about 14, starting at their previous location and now at their new one. In Cartersville alone, we have tons of locally owned bars, restaurants, and museums of our own. We also have lots of hiking spots, and walking trails in/around Pine Mountain. We’re also very close to Lakepoint Station, where you can bowl, enjoy the arcade, or play mini golf and laser tag.

Who else deserves some credit and recognition?
The credit to my story belongs to many people. I’m privileged to have had such a strong support system, from my mom not only teaching me the importance of a strong work ethic, but also always praising my art and encouraging me to keep going. My mentor, Steven Hullander, who’s taught me everything I know, and who pushed me to accomplish more than I ever thought possible. My co-workers, who constantly help each other with design questions, techniques, and morale boosting shenanigans. Last but certainly not least, my sister. My sister has been my constant companion and my best friend. She’s helped me practice different styles and let me do crappy tattoo after crappy tattoo on her, without which I would not be where I am in my career.

Instagram: payneful.tattoos