Check Out Ryan Corley’s Story

Today we’d like to introduce you to Ryan Corley.

Hi Ryan, thanks for sharing your story with us. To start, maybe you can tell our readers some of your backstory.
I am a Fort Collins native. My father started his tattoo career in 1990 when I was 7 years old. I grew up as a “tattoo shop brat,” and traveled the world with my parents going to tattoo conventions.

My stepmom started tattooing in 1994, and together my parents opened Millennium Gallery of Living Art in 1995. I began working there in 1999 as a piercing apprentice and then started tattooing in 2003.

Would you say it’s been a smooth road, and if not, what are some of the biggest challenges you’ve faced along the way?
Pursuing anything you are passionate about is never a smooth road. The more your heart is in something, the harder the journey can be. Working with and for my family has been one of the greatest gifts imaginable.

However, it has not come without struggles – like not being able to all go on a family vacation together for years! Also, family dinner could get intense when we talked about work! Most of the people I’ve worked with over the last 24 years became my friends, so it felt like a double loss when they would eventually leave.

Thanks for sharing that. So, maybe next you can tell us a bit more about your work?
I am a tattoo artist and body piercer. I specialize in SAFE, CLEAN, and PRECISE work, and giving my customers a great experience. Unlike many tattoo artists, I do not box myself into one “style” of artwork. I was taught to be a solid all-around tattoo artist, and that it was about what my CUSTOMERS want, not what I want. Of course, with 20 years of experience under my belt, I have things I like to do better than others and things that I’ve become known for.

I am most proud of the large amount of repeat customers I have, some who have been with me for my whole career, and those who bring all of their family and friends to me! My attention to detail sets me apart. I’ve been able to use my OCD productively and channel it into doing good work! Also, my extensive knowledge and education in safety and disease transmission prevention sets me apart as well.

Is there any advice you’d like to share with our readers who might just be starting?
If you think you want to be a tattoo artist, leave your ego at the door. Be prepared to work hard and eat/sleep/breathe tattooing. It’s a lifestyle choice, not just a job. Find an artist you admire, and GET TATTOOED BY THEM, A LOT! Don’t expect someone to give you an apprenticeship without having any tattoos from them. Show respect to the history of the craft and those who paved the way.

Never accept an apprenticeship from someone who hasn’t been tattooing for at least 10 years. Don’t buy tattoo supplies off of the internet and tattoo at home, don’t stick and poke your college roommates- these things are unsafe and unprofessional. Remember that you are permanently changing other people’s lives, and take that responsibility seriously.

I wish I had known when I started how mainstream and oversaturated tattooing was going to become. I would have tried to stay ahead of the curve.

Contact Info:

• Instagram: @Misskittytat2
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/misskittymgla?mibextid=ZbWKwL