Cristen Brunner #027
In this episode, we speak with tattoo artist Cristen Brunner, co-owner of Uncut Diamond alongside her sister Jenna.
Listen in as Cristen discusses her ongoing journey as a tattoo artist, how long it took for her to graduate from practising on pigskins, why tattoo stores tend to feel uncomfortable or intimidating to be in and what Uncut Diamond does differently, the different styles of her employees and apprentices, and how the tattoo industry as a whole has evolved.
Key Highlights
● [01:56] An introduction to Cristen Brunner and Uncut Diamond
● [03:54] What it actually means to be a skilled tattoo artist
● [05:19] How Cristen got into tattooing
● [09:10] Getting apprenticed by an expert tattoo artist
● [11:14] How Cristen creates a welcoming environment at Uncut Diamond
● [12:18] Being a female in the tattoo industry
● [14:27] How Uncut Diamond evolved over the years
● [16:00] Jenna’s role in the business
● [17:25] Launching a merch line and online store
● [18:29] Cristen’s tattooing style
● [20:41] Discussing designs depicting relatives or pets that have passed away with clients
● [22:29] Cristen’s idea of a “perfect client”
● [23:44] Client horror stories
● [26:29] Why numbing cream is discouraged and dealing with the pain of being tattooed
● [31:41] Cristen’s employees and apprentices at Uncut Diamond
● [37:17] Uncut Diamond’s relationship with the other tattoo shops in Shepparton
● [39:52] The continuing evolution of the tattoo industry
● [42:35] Cristen’s goals in 2021
● [43:37] Who locally inspires Cristen?
Powerful Quotes by Cristen
● If you’re a serious artist, you want to do your own stuff. You want to be able to work with your client and get the best possible outcome for them based on your skillset—not somebody else’s.
● If you can’t put it on paper, you can’t put it on skin. Practice, practice, practice.
● As an industry, the more professional we take it, the more professionally our clients will take it.