Meet Stephanie Russak of Stoney in North

Today we’d like to introduce you to Stephanie Russak.

Stephanie, before we jump into specific questions about your art, why don’t you give us some details about you and your story.
It’s super hard to talk about yourself, let alone talk about your journey in life. My name is Stevie, I go by Stoney in my artist alternate life-form away from my work life. You see I sort of live a split life. I was born and raised in Lafayette, Colorado, a town right outside of Boulder. I’ve always loved drawing since I was a young pup, and my mom was one of those rare parents in the world that actually pushed art when she saw my potential and creativity. I ended up taking a super long break from my artistic side when I went to college though. I played college basketball and finished my career with a nursing degree from Iowa Wesleyan University, but at that point, most of my friends had graduated from school and moved away, so essentially I was alone, by myself, in Iowa.

All I did outside of school was a draw. It was one of the best years of my life. It stemmed from my finding my style for tattooing and wanting to learn every art medium that existed. I moved back to Denver and started my full-time nursing career, which I still do full time. The apprenticing world for female tattooers proved to be an interesting thing; I had a scary experience with this. I won’t go into much detail but, I learned what I learned, and I moved forward. Now, three years later after a slow start, I feel like all I can do is get better and love and appreciate every step of the way. I also make sure I appreciate each individual I am blessed to come in contact with, share life stories with, and forever remember every face who trusts me enough to stab some ink into their skin. Forever.

Has it been a smooth road?
My apprenticeship was with a man who quickly thought he would be benefiting inappropriately within our dynamic. He was wrong. When I was young, my mother ironically pushed art a little too hard. Doubting I would be one of the few fortunate girls that made it to play college basketball, she pushed me to pursue art instead. I naturally wanted to prove her wrong, so I did. She was my biggest fan; don’t get me wrong! But this lady isn’t athletic at all, so she didn’t get it. When I finally made it back to being passionate about art, my mom was actually very nervous about me starting to tattoo. Now she is the happy owner of a raven on her left shoulder.

We’d love to hear more about your art.
I’ve been tattooing for three years. I work out of a private studio in Denver. I am known for my blackwork, fine line, stippling style of tattoo. I receive most positive feedback from my women figure drawings, floral work, bugs and my witchy weird hands. I am an appointment only and stick to only tattooing my original designs. I’m also open to collaborating if our minds connect the right way.

Do you look back particularly fondly on any memories from childhood?
I was consistently moving. If I wasn’t in the gym I was with my friends. I was a sponge to different situations and people. I spent a lot of time outside the house with different friend’s families, experiencing new things. I find myself still always need to shift and change my surroundings.

Contact Info:

• Email: s.russak@hotmail.com
• Instagram: Stoneycoldstevieaustin

Image Credit:
Lauren Cecilia Mims

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