Get ready to dive into the world of tattoo artistry, where a sophomore’s dreams take shape through ink and creativity! Read on to learn about their journey filled with passion, creativity, and the transformative power of art.

Olivia Brislawn, a sophomore here at Muscatine High School has a very different approach when it comes to her career choice. She plans on being a tattoo artist. 

[She would describe her preferred style in tattoos as being gray scale, and more cartoony although her goals are to stick to realism.  Olivia explains that her art style is similar to her personality in the way that, “It fluctuates all the time, it changes constantly.”

In terms of legally having the title as a tattoo artist you would first need to be of age, which is 18. Along with schooling to learn how to properly use equipment and getting a license to do so. As Brislawn plans to continue this plan, a post-secondary of hers would be to go to school for painting. 

Brislawn’s enthusiasm for being a tattoo artist stems from her ongoing passion for art as a whole. Brislawn opened up about how she started having interest in art in elementary when she describes she was going through a rough patch. “I didn’t know how to fully express that to people, so I would just draw myself and what I wanted to be,” shared Olivia.

Not only was this an activity she used to cope, but overtime she found that this is something she is good at and wants to continue to expand upon.

Growing up, some of Brislawn’s biggest influences were some local art teachers from the Muscatine area. Brislawn stated that she unfortunately can’t remember all of the names of these art teachers but mentions one of the most memorable one. “I really wish I remembered what his name was but, he was this really roughed up dude, had tattoos everywhere. I think he was the one who really pushed me into exploring art.”

At Muscatine High School, Mr. Slattery is an influence of Brislawn’s. Helping Brislawn become a better artist, in the sense of learning how to be responsible over her work. “Slattery definitely opened my gateway and put more of a regimen to it.” 

So while the mystery art teacher of her childhood introduced her to exploring art, Slattery taught her the importance of time management and goals. Mr. Slattery has noted improvement in Olivia’s work.

As Olivia embarks on this artistic path, her ever changing art style reflects her dynamic personality. With determination,dedication, passion, and positive influences, Brislawn is poised to leave her mark on the industry of tattoo artistry.