Meet Donny Lobisomem: Tattoo Artist.

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

Hi Donny, do you have some perspective or insight you can share with us on the question of when someone should give up versus when they should keep going?
…The thing is, giving up isn’t an option… As an artist its been a journey full of highs and lows. As a human being a lot of my career I’ve gotten in my head. And when I did, I wanted to give up.. I wanted to give up a lot. In times where we get down and out, that’s when we HAVE to keep going. But how? You’re going broke, you have doubts about your talent, you feel you have nobody to go to that will genuinely listen; or maybe your pride won’t allow you to ask people for help. How do you go on?? After all of these years, it all narrowed down to two things: “Family/Friends.” “Why did I start in the first place?” Every time I ever broke down.. I had someone appear out of nowhere to pick me up. MY FRIENDS/FAMILY.. they are he ones that till this very moment, have continued to support me and remind me what I’m after, and how over qualified I am to make it happen. Even genuine actions of kindness and support from my clients kept me on track. Giving up is too easy.. and in my opinion a tragedy. Especially when you’ve come so far. 

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 work is heavily inspired by African, Japanese, and Abstract Influences. Anime, and life like portraits as well with a hint of Graffiti. I started my tattoo career in pursuit of expressing myself using these styles through tattooing, painting and illustration through comic book art, and concept art. It’s thanks to King Tat at Studio 219 Ink for giving me that opportunity. It’s now been 9 years working for myself and I wouldn’t have it any other way. But with this much freedom, it has to be understood that it isn’t easy TO MAINTAIN. There is a test every step of the way. Unforgiving test, especially in 2020. When COVID hit it was a tough time for us all. Especially business owners. The shop shut down and I was forced to work a as an employee all over again. A humbling im actually grateful for I admit. But as time passed there was a huge discouragement. Thanks to m family and mentors I pushed on, I conquered.. and bounced back. In this time i’ve learned that patience is always key, and was reminded that where there is a will there is always a way. And most importantly, if someone shows you who they are, believe them. I want it to be known that through the darkest of times, LOVE is the law. The strongest weapon we have. Thats what my brand is about. Warriors, that take action through love alone. That teach, that give back, through all forms of art. Thats what Ink|ELBOW LLC. is about. Help who you can, make yourself hard to kill.. and create something. BUILD.. build something that will make you live forever.

If you had a friend visiting you, what are some of the local spots you’d want to take them around to?
OF COURSE THEY ARE COMING TO STUDIO 219 INK to get tattoos!!! Atlanta has so many things to see I honestly dont know where to start. I suppose i’d start with the city. Show them around the west side near cascade for some culture, then up through 5 points and show him the artistic side of little 5 points. Food is a must, and personally my favorite brunch spot is R Thomas. Hit the museum in Atlantic Station, shop around a Perimeter and finally have some food at my home where I will personally cook or my lady will. (You all may want to check her out btw IG: @TasteWithTay1).

Shoutout is all about shouting out others who you feel deserve additional recognition and exposure. Who would you like to shoutout?
I thank my family, friends, and my clients for their amazing support. My Mentors: Michael Wyche Jr., King Tat, CAP, C.J., and last but not least Anton A.J. Johnson, be at Peace. My Guardian Angels: Liz “Mimi” Richardson, and my amazing sister Xyonna. ….and the loves of my existence, Tay and Quinn Braden. You all have witnessed me at my lowest and still loved me; believed in me. And I will always be grateful for that.

Website: thewolvezden.com
Instagram: instagram.com/donnylobisomem
Twitter: twitter.com/donnylobisomem
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/donny.lobisomem

Image Credits
Photo by Mino. (IG: @lifeofimagery)