Cristen Brunner - Uncut Diamond #027
In this episode, we speak with tattoo artist Cristen Brunner, co-owner of Uncut Diamond alongside her sister Jenna.
\nListen 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.
\nKey Highlights
\n\u25cf [01:56] An introduction to Cristen Brunner and Uncut Diamond
\n\u25cf [03:54] What it actually means to be a skilled tattoo artist
\n\u25cf [05:19] How Cristen got into tattooing
\n\u25cf [09:10] Getting apprenticed by an expert tattoo artist
\n\u25cf [11:14] How Cristen creates a welcoming environment at Uncut Diamond
\n\u25cf [12:18] Being a female in the tattoo industry
\n\u25cf [14:27] How Uncut Diamond evolved over the years
\n\u25cf [16:00] Jenna\u2019s role in the business
\n\u25cf [17:25] Launching a merch line and online store
\n\u25cf [18:29] Cristen\u2019s tattooing style
\n\u25cf [20:41] Discussing designs depicting relatives or pets that have passed away with clients
\n\u25cf [22:29] Cristen\u2019s idea of a \u201cperfect client\u201d
\n\u25cf [23:44] Client horror stories
\n\u25cf [26:29] Why numbing cream is discouraged and dealing with the pain of being tattooed
\n\u25cf [31:41] Cristen\u2019s employees and apprentices at Uncut Diamond
\n\u25cf [37:17] Uncut Diamond\u2019s relationship with the other tattoo shops in Shepparton
\n\u25cf [39:52] The continuing evolution of the tattoo industry
\n\u25cf [42:35] Cristen\u2019s goals in 2021
\n\u25cf [43:37] Who locally inspires Cristen?
\nPowerful Quotes by Cristen
\n\u25cf If you\u2019re 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\u2014not somebody else\u2019s.
\n\u25cf If you can\u2019t put it on paper, you can\u2019t put it on skin. Practice, practice, practice.
\n\u25cf As an industry, the more professional we take it, the more professionally our clients will take it.