Check Out Everett Elder’s Story

Today we’d like to introduce you to Everett Elder.

Hi Everett, we’re thrilled to have a chance to learn your story today. So, before we get into specifics, maybe you can briefly walk us through how you got to where you are today?
I initially studied studio art and psychology in college, but after my junior year I decided to pursue a tattoo apprenticeship—in the middle of COVID, ironically. I completed my apprenticeship while juggling a few different jobs, slowly building experience by creating small tattoos for family and friends.

Over the past five years, I’ve gradually taken on larger and more advanced pieces, narrowed my artistic focus, and learned the practical business skills needed to build systems that support my growth. I’ve always sought out opportunities to expand my knowledge—whether by moving to new studios, taking courses from other artists, or studying different techniques and drawing styles.

Looking back, I can see that showing up consistently, staying curious, and doing the personal work to understand myself have all been key contributors to my progress. I’ve also taken many risks along the way. I’m a big believer that when something scares me—whether it’s a new opportunity, a relocation, or a change in how I show up—it usually means it’s the next step I’m meant to take.

I’m sure it wasn’t obstacle-free, but would you say the journey has been fairly smooth so far?
It definitely hasn’t been a smooth road. I started tattooing shortly after COVID, so I didn’t experience a traditional studio environment right away. Even with an art background, I quickly realized tattooing was an entirely different medium—skin types, irregular surfaces, aging ink, and working within time constraints all introduced new challenges. And then there was the business side. social media and taxes! I had to learn the technical side of the machine and the many stages of the tattoo process, from sketching to stenciling to application. It required me to adapt my existing design and composition skills to a completely new form of art.

Appreciate you sharing that. What else should we know about what you do?
I’m a tattoo artist specializing in fine-line floral and botanical work, and I often incorporate animals, geometric elements, and architectural motifs. My style is known for being natural, delicate, and flowy, with designs that are intentionally shaped to each client’s unique anatomy.

A big part of my process is freehanding—I often draw most of the stencil directly onto the client’s skin to make sure the placement, movement, and scale feel organic to their body. I love working with texture, contrast, and a sense of motion in my designs, and I’m passionate about collaborating one-on-one with clients to create custom pieces of permanent art that feel deeply personal.

What would you say have been one of the most important lessons you’ve learned?
For me, this career has been deeply intertwined with my own personal growth. As I’ve developed as a tattoo artist, I’ve also learned so much about myself. Becoming an entrepreneur required me to build a wide range of skills, and doing work that is so personal and often healing for clients naturally encouraged my own inner work as well.

I’ve realized that the state of my own well-being directly influences my work—my presence, my energy, and my mindset all play into the experience I create for clients.
The biggest lesson I’ve learned is to stay committed to learning and taking care of myself. When I do that, it elevates my practice and allows me to show up more fully for the people who trust me with their skin and their stories.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://everetttattooing.com
• Instagram: @TheArtofEverett
• Other: https://linktr.ee/theartofeverett

Image Credits
Lisa Spangler