Dylan Bellerose shared their story and experiences with us recently and you can find our conversation below.
Good morning Dylan, we’re so happy to have you here with us and we’d love to explore your story and how you think about life and legacy and so much more. So let’s start with a question we often ask: Have any recent moments made you laugh or feel proud?
Recently I’ve had a few clients make me gifts in appreciation for their tattoos. For someone to take the time to craft a uniquely personal item for a sentimental sap like myself means the world. It’s validation that not only do my clients appreciate what I provide, but that I’m doing exactly what I’m supposed to. It’s a reminder that it’s the little things that make it all worth while.
Can you briefly introduce yourself and share what makes you or your brand unique?
My name is Dylan Bellerose. I am a custom tattoo artist currently tattooing out of Black Altar Tattoo in Golden, CO. I like to think I don’t just provide tattoos, I provide experiences. For most tattoo enthusiasts the memory of getting a tattoo is just as important as the quality of the art their receiving. I strive to make sure my clients are relaxed and comfortable, just as much as I strive to create a beautiful artwork they can cherish forever. The art and the experience go hand in hand. I accomplish this with an inviting work environment and treating each client/tattoo as a collaboration, not just another “paycheck”. I believe working in tandem with my clients is the ultimate way to bring their unique ideas into reality. When we work together the end result is something that’s hard to describe as anything other than pure joy and satisfaction.
Thanks for sharing that. Would love to go back in time and hear about how your past might have impacted who you are today. Who saw you clearly before you could see yourself?
It’s sounds cliche but this would definitely be my mother. I remember when I was four, I decided to draw some disney characters from a blanket I loved at the time. When I showed her the drawing she was in disbelief. She was convinced that I had somehow traced the characters and not drawn them. When I explained that wasn’t the case I remember being overwhelmed with this feeling of fullness and joy, like I was capable or enough as a person. It was a strange sensation and I craved more of it. That was the moment I fell in love with being an artist, and have pursued that love ever since.
All the while my mom has been on the side line cheering me along, picking me up when I was down, giving me the hard advice especially when I didn’t want it, and even getting tattooed by me when I was learning. She has always seen the best in me and encourages me to live up to that every day. I would not be where I am today without her,
Was there ever a time you almost gave up?
Yes. It was during my apprenticeship to learn how to tattoo. The shop I was working at was hosting an art show where we would be drawing live models in costumes. We were doing a rehearsal so the models could try on their outfits and the artists could practice some live drawing and get prepared for the event. Sounds fun right? Well for me it wasn’t.
Being I was the apprentice, I was at the bottom of the proverbial totem pole and therefore was ridiculed pretty heavily by the other artists anytime I was at the shop; the rehearsal night was no exception. I won’t get into specifics but I’ll just say that by the end of the night I was completely demoralized. I felt similar to the days when I was in school and kids would bully me in the hallways. I wanted to just run away from it all, from that feeling, and just quit.
Luckily for me (thanks to some inspiring words from my mom), I decided to push through. Ultimately I gained a lot of the artists respect for doing do and learned so many valuable things for my career from them in the long run. That was when I learned the importance of perseverance. Although I didn’t like the circumstances, I had to remain vigilant to reach my goal. Sometimes the path isn’t always going to be clear, but if you believe in yourself you will get to the end.
So a lot of these questions go deep, but if you are open to it, we’ve got a few more questions that we’d love to get your take on. What are the biggest lies your industry tells itself?
With the rise of social media there are some artists posting work that conveys unrealistic expectations when it comes to what’s possible in the realm of tattooing. When looking online you have to be wary of artists that edit their pictures or tattoo something that will look good in a photo, but won’t look the same in real life when it finally heals. The unfortunate fact is some of these pictures get a lot of attention and therefore get notoriety from other reputable sources. That’s not to say the limits can’t be pushed, but remember online doesn’t equal real life. I think the best approach is to seek out examples of healed work that’s had time to settle. That’s the best way to guarantee you will get something you will be proud of forever.
Thank you so much for all of your openness so far. Maybe we can close with a future oriented question. What is the story you hope people tell about you when you’re gone?
I hope people simply say that I was kind, passionate, loving, and an artist through and through. I want people to see my life as one giant art project that will hopefully inspire others to pursue the things they love to no end. To me that’s all that matters.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.bellerosedtattoo.com
- Instagram: @bellerosedtattoo
- Facebook: bellerosedtattoo
Image Credits
@amberjackphotos
