Meet Av | Singer, Model, Tattoo Artist

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

Hi AV, what led you to pursuing a creative path professionally?
I feel like, for me, art has always been a fixture in my life. I guess a better way to put it would be to say that self-expression is a fixture in my life. From a very young age, ation is one thing that has brought me consistent joy. Like, even creations that are born from difficult experiences bring me joy. I guess it’s like alchemy, in a sense? No, it’s literally alchemy. I honestly decided to pursue a creative career because I can’t see myself doing anything else. Nothing else feels the way creating does. I don’t shine as bright when I’m not creating, and I always strive to shine bright. I always thought music would be the sole focus of my pursuits, however, life, And the community surrounding me have catapulted me into so many directions. Sometimes I feel like, what do they call that.? Imposter syndrome? Maybe it’s that. I think I’m just a bit harder on myself than I should be. Even with this question, the use of the word career really solidifies what I’m trying to do and I’m still trying to get to a place where I feel worthy of calling it a career. I’m closer than I think.

Can you open up a bit about your work and career? We’re big fans and we’d love for our community to learn more about your work.
My art spans over 3 fields and I love each of them entirely. Music has always been my biggest outlet. I don’t think there’s ever been a person place or thing that’s affected me that I haven’t written songs or poems about. I feel like my sense of self, my lust for life and my creative expression are fused into one. Without experience there is no creation, without creation there is no evolving or fulfillment for me and without evolution or fulfillment well….I don’t even wanna think about that version of me. You know, I’m not sure how to put into words what sets me apart. I haven’t really given it much thought. Comparison is the thief of joy, after all. I try to stay away from that. I am proud, though. 2024 will forever be remembered as the year I found myself as an artist again. I’ve released 3 singles, 2 music videos, with so much more in the vault that I can’t wait to share. My writing has improved, my fear to go outside what I know has disappeared, and my audience has been a huge support this year. I’m by no means where I want to be, but I’m not too far from it. To everyone who has ever listened to me, from my high school days on Soundcloud to now; I love you and thank you for sticking around. I got more before the year is up, trust!

With my other pursuits in modeling and tattooing, those are less innate and more “love-at-first-sight” crafts for me. A huge aspect of both that I love is that I can show who I am without saying a single word. It taught me I don’t have to be the loudest to be seen or heard. Modeling gives me a space to play with my inner child. Some of my favorite shoots this year have been with Arya Ink (@aryaaink), Eternal Echoes (@3ternal3choes) and any shoot with Pure (@pixbypure) behind the lens. Climbing the sides of buildings purely for the shot, getting to transform into a colorful zebra anime girl complete with the perfect hair, action shots of me sneaking pizza into the bar in my bag LOL, new core memories and I’m so thankful for them.

Tattooing started as a hobby and an outlet. Looking back, tattooing has saved my life twice and for that alone I will always love it. I started it as a hobby in 2020. I was living in a new state, in a toxic relationship, with crippling mental health and an even worse addiction. I remember I was 15 and my therapist at the time had told me this and I’ll never ever forget : “tattooing is society’s only acceptable form of self harm”. That statement has been a recurring statement for me and the statement that drives my passion for ink to this day. It’s what drove me to buy my first machine and do my first leg piece in that apartment in South Florida and it’s what drove me to start 888 Ink Studio in February of this year. My mental health was in shambles, I was craving human connection but afraid to leave my house, it got pretty bad. I couldn’t get a job because my last one had me so traumatized and untrusting of others. Tattooing was my way of meeting people in a comfortable setting for me and connecting with them through art. I think of it as assisted alchemy. I’m guiding them through a painful process to birth a new creation. Something they love, something they show proudly. It gave me the confidence and fulfillment I needed to step back into the world and take up the space I was supposed to. I’m really thankful for the people it brought to me and the relationships I’ve formed. To all my clients, AV loves you! Now and Forever!

The takeaway I want my brand and my story to leave with everyone is best summed up in a mantra my sister Bella (@v3nusruledbaby) always ALWAYS tells me : “FEEL THE FEAR AND DO IT ANYWAY”

If you had a friend visiting you, what are some of the local spots you’d want to take them around to?
Ooo I like this question.
I’d take them to Old Fourth Skate Park with a quick beer and snacks run at Savi. I thank god for my bestfriend Morgan and putting me onto the skate park. You really never know what’s gonna happen. I went one time and it was a whole EDM fest in the field next to it. Crazy but so fun. You’ll never be bored here.
We would have to catch a Friday night set at The Waiting Room. Dominic is a fire dj and always brings the vibes.
A chill night on the Clermont Hotel Rooftop is a must and if we’re feeling adventurous a trip down to the Clermont Lounge. You haven’t seen a strip club like this, trust.
El Malo, Palo Santo or Jojo’s for dancing and drinks.
A picnic in Piedmont Park with the homies or a movie night at Plaza Theatre! I went for Halloween and a couple times for Rocky Horror Picture Show and it was honestly so much fun.

It’s so much to do in this city if you look for it. I don’t wanna give away too too much haha.

Shoutout is all about shouting out others who you feel deserve additional recognition and exposure. Who would you like to shoutout?
Of course! This year has definitely had a huge focus on community and navigating friendships and relationships for me. To the beacons of light that guided me back to myself :

to my beautiful sister Bella, you are my lifeline. you believe in me, trust me, support me, love me, and stand by me with full conviction every single time. We always say every time we are together, it’s not just us but also the little versions of us playing, laughing, dancing, modeling, pouring into each other. You saved my life. I love you. She’s modeling in New York now. I’m so proud of her. Everyone needs a Bella I’m their life…not mine though, but find you one!

to my momma, for always reminding me I am made from love and of love. For my sense of humor and stubbornness, for letting me sing as loud as I wanted as a kid in a carseat and as a 23 year old woman. I love you.

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/av888ry

Youtube: https://youtube.com/@av888ry?si=HaXzSz_GUNuoxEQJ

Other: https://music.apple.com/us/artist/av/1746733438

Image Credits
Pure @pixbypure
Ethan Ith @ap0calypse.brand
Baylee Vidal @bayleevidalco
Raeion @lionnhearts
Zen @zenyah