Today we’d like to introduce you to Spencer.
Hi Spencer, it’s an honor to have you on the platform. Thanks for taking the time to share your story with us – to start maybe you can share some of your backstory with our readers?
My name is Spencer Kinnard, tattoo artist, piercer and owner of New York Tattoo Collective located in the East Village (Manhattan) area of New York City, NY. A lifelong artist, and graduate of West Virginia Wesleyan College, I began tattooing in Flatbush (Brooklyn), in the mid 2010s. With my background in both art and music, tattooing was always in the peripherals of the communities and subcultures I engaged with; however, I did not find my way to it until I was in my 20s. Once the opportunity presented itself in the form of an apprenticeship I threw myself into the craft whole heartedly and have never looked back..Working nonstop for years, often 12+ hour shifts at least six days a week, I was quickly able to build a clientele and reputation based on quality work, great relationships with my clients, and providing a safe place place for people to just be and be themselves. Working in shops that did not align with my values I decided to leave the previous shop I was working in to create a space that would be a reflection of what tattooing/piercing is, and what it can be.
Would you say it’s been a smooth road, and if not what are some of the biggest challenges you’ve faced along the way?
The road has not been easy. Any small business in a big city will face a myriad of challenges. Most business are operating on the thinest of margins and cost of everything is always going up. Pair that with us being a luxury service, it can make it very hard to just remain open when clients have to be intentional with how they spend their money. This is what makes me so grateful that we have been able to operate and remain in business as long as we have. People show up. Its what makes those rough roads feel a little smoother because so many people believe in us and the space that we have created.
Can you tell our readers more about what you do and what you think sets you apart from others?
I am a tattoo artist and a piercer, who’s work skews on the graphic and illustrative side; however, I am most well know for my versatility and conceptualization as an artist. I have a strong design sense within all of my work and am able to take very vague ideas and synthesize them into the pieces that my clients want. I like incorporating little nods and easter eggs in the pieces, making my clients pieces feel like they just that little more depth they can share with others when talking about the work that I do for them.
Piercing is definitely a different type of creativity but its my ability to create a safe comfortable experience as I help clients navigate what can be a scary thing that is my strong suit.
My attention to detail is what sets me apart. My technical proficiency, experience, but most of all kindness and care is what keeps people coming back.
What am I most proud of for myself? My work ethic. I show up, I put in the time, and I work every day to better myself and the work that I do for other people. I don’t know anyone who grinds like I do and that is what has put me in the position I am in. But I think the thing I’m most proud of is the space and legacy New York Tattoo Collective is creating. Its a space where people from all walks of life can come and be, and be themselves and interact and take their experiences here back into their day to day. I love that.
Are there any important lessons you’ve learned that you can share with us?
Just how despite how limited our time with people is, that brevity it doesn’t diminish the significance of that limited time.
In tattooing you are helping some tell their story. We are a small part of someone else crafting their narrative. Our time in the process is so brief in with a piece that they will wear forever. I think that just reitterates the first thing I said. The times and moments we have matter even if moment they don’t seem to matter at the time.
Pricing:
- We price fairly based on the scope of the project. While we have base rates each artist has a little different ruberick for how they price; however we do so in a fair and honest way.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.newyorktattoocollective.com
- Instagram: @spencerkinnardtattoos @newyorktattoocollective
