Rising Stars: Meet Ashley Victoria

Today we’d like to introduce you to Ashley Victoria.

Hi Ashley, can you start by introducing yourself? We’d love to learn more about how you got to where you are today?
I have always loved being creative and making art since I can remember. Although it is satisfying to see the end result, the whole process of creating is meditative for me. I could get lost in art for hours.

Growing up my dad was very traditional, in the way that he was always telling me I needed to go to college and get a degree for a career that would make me a lot of money. “You can’t make a living doing art” was something I heard early on, and for the first 26 years of my life, I listened to that. I kind of stumbled through life trying to figure out a career that would satisfy me and help me to provide for myself and my family.

I even stopped painting and drawing for years just because I didn’t have the time or energy with everything I had going on. Eventually in 2012 I picked up a brush and started painting for fun. Christmas ornaments, cell phone cases, paintings for friends/family as presents, just little things but I had my art outlet back and I was loving it.

In 2016, a mutual friend and owner of another tattoo shop in Colorado Springs offered me an apprenticeship after seeing my artwork. I was shocked. Tattooing wasn’t even on my radar of possible career choices, I had absolutely no confidence in myself and didn’t think that was something I could ever do. But I also knew I couldn’t waste an opportunity like what was just given to me. My apprenticeship started in June 2016, and I never looked back!

I consider myself super blessed and lucky that someone saw something in me that I couldn’t even see in myself. Thank you to Fred for giving me a chance and changing my life.

Once I had my foot in the door I had to put in the work. It wasn’t easy at all, I paid my dues, There was a lot of time, devotion and sacrifice made in order to get to where I am. A ton of long hours and family dinners missed, and a lot of stressful and tense moments. It is crazy to look back and see what all happened and to see where I’m at today. It is cool but I’m still not satisfied haha.

I am pretty critical of myself and my work which means I can always see something that I could have done better, or changed, but this is also what helps me to grow as an artist and a tattooist. I never want to stop learning! I still get tattooed by artists that are more talented than I am (shoutout to Danny Elliott at Rebel Muse Denver) to get advice, ask questions, and watch them work. I also purchase online seminars for professional tattooers, I have attended in-person seminars, pretty much anything I can do to better my craft.

Six years later and I am currently working out of New Moon Tattoo Co. a private studio that I own with another awesome female artist, @sabrinadennistattoos. We are located in the heart of Old Colorado City on the west side of Colorado Springs.

I wanted to have a nice, quiet, relaxing space for people to get tattooed in and be comfortable. My clients really enjoy the space and love the experience of getting tattooed in a private studio. I absolutely love what I do. I love meeting new people and getting to create a custom pieces of art that they can wear and cherish forever. It is so fulfilling to see the happiness on my client’s faces when our session comes to an end.

Can you talk to us a bit about the challenges and lessons you’ve learned along the way. Looking back would you say it’s been easy or smooth in retrospect?
It has not been the smoothest road. As I said before there were lots of sacrifices made in order to get to the point where I’m at today. The biggest struggle I have faced is the balance between my home/personal and work life. There have been a lot of family events, dinners, and days that I missed out on with my son due to work. Now that I own my own studio, my schedule is a lot more flexible, and I don’t run into that as much. I do still deal with guilt about missing out and often wonder if I have disappointed my son. I think that is something every working parent can relate to on some level though.

Thanks – so what else should our readers know about your work and what you’re currently focused on?
I have been tattooing since June 2016 and I absolutely love it. I love color tattoos, whether it’s realistic florals, pet portraits, pop culture stuff, or neo-traditional tattoos. I tattoo a pretty wide variety of subject matter, but my color work is what people seek me out for.

What would you say have been one of the most important lessons you’ve learned?
I think the most important thing I have learned is that I am a lot stronger and more capable than I give myself credit for. I have overcome a lot to get to the point I am at today and I need to stop and remind myself every now and then about how far I have come.

It’s really nice to sit back sometimes and appreciate the fact that sixteen-year-old me would think that I am pretty badass!

Also, another lesson I have learned is it’s always good to have someone who is positive and uplifting in your corner. Make sure you have someone to help you point out all the good things going on and to help show you doors to even better things along the way!

Contact Info:

• Website: https://ashleyvictoria.tattoo/
• Instagram: @ashleyvictoriatattoo @newmoontattooco