Addie (she/they) is a co-founder and tattoo artist at For Keeps Tattoos in Brooklyn, NY. They travel often between Chicago, New York, and Austin.

When I moved to Austin, TX as a makeup artist, my main goal was to become a permanent MUA (Make Up Artist). Thankfully soon after I moved, I landed a job as an apprentice learning permanent cosmetics. I was the only MUA in a shop full of artists and it inspired me to start drawing. Honestly, I was horrible, but everyone kept encouraging me to keep practicing. After a year of self-taught drawing and tattooing (my friends and the college girls at UT are real ones for trusting me), I decided to take a different path into tattooing.

After moving shops, I was really given the space to flourish. I built relationships with clients that I wouldn’t trade for the world. It helped me realize that my favorite part of tattooing is the people I meet! Creating and holding spaces for clients that make them feel comfortable is what I do it for. Getting tattooed can already be so scary!  I just want my clients to feel relaxed and heard.

I wanted to grow as an artist, so I moved to NYC.  I learned so much from other artists and immersed myself in a wider culture of art that went beyond what I would see in my every day.  After five years, I feel so much more confident in my art and my skills. I recently moved to Chicago to slow down and focus more on my craft. And honestly play more outside.

Being an artist is constantly evolving. I’m happy to be in a city that gives me the space to do that and also focus on my other passion; COMMUNITY! Through tattooing I have been able to meet and help people in ways that I never thought I could. Not only has it been a great way to meet so many fantastic people but also helps expand my own world view in a way that has made me a better artist and friend.

Outside of tattooing, I love to ride my bike, go to the gym, and hit the town! My recent interest has been cooking, learning, and debating if I’m going to get a pet or just some house plants (I won’t get either). One thing about me is I’m gonna be outside!