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

Hi Christine, what’s your definition for success?
Success is an inward look at oneself. Success is being aware. Success is being able to look at your own set of values and morals and ask yourself if you’ve met them. Success is judging yourself deeply and trying eternally to better yourself. Success is not giving up. So just don’t give up.

Let’s talk shop? Tell us more about your career, what can you share with our community?
After college, I started the challenge of finding a career in art, like many of my peers. The term “starving artist” came to mind frequently. I was continuously looking for a tattoo apprenticeship as I was working many odd jobs and selling art on the side. There were definitely many struggles with what I wanted to do, especially since the search for an apprenticeship seemed futile. However, I persisted and got lucky. Dave at Good Clean Fun Tattoo took me under his wing and I have been loving being there since. Keep looking because one day you will find it.

If you had a friend visiting you, what are some of the local spots you’d want to take them around to?
Atlanta is a great city. It’s full of diverse culture, style, love, and food. There’s always Buford Highway for some great Asian food… East Atlanta for good bars (go before it’s all gentrified)… Boulevard for some MLK history and beautiful sites… There are so many areas that cater to so many different needs, it’s difficult to pick out certain places, Anthony Bourdain did say Clermont Lounge should be a national landmark. I second that.

Shoutout is all about shouting out others who you feel deserve additional recognition and exposure. Who would you like to shoutout?
Jason, my husband, has been there for me through thick and thin. Without him, I definitely would not be the person I am today! Also Dave, my teacher and tattoo mentor, thanks for keeping me around.

Website: Www.eyetomicart.com
Instagram: @eyetomic_art

Image Credits
Kristie Pursley, Ashley Curry

Nominate Someone: ShoutoutAtlana is built on recommendations and shoutouts from the community; it’s how we uncover hidden gems, so if you or someone you know deserves recognition please let us know here.