Danika is a must visit ornamental, black and grey and fine line tattooer working out of a private studio in beautiful and historic New Orleans. Check out her work and give her a follow!

1. How did you first get into both getting tattooed and tattooing? “My earliest memory of being intrigued with tattoos was probably around 12. I grew up being close to my Aunt and her best friend at the time who was a tattooer. They were the coolest, hottest, badass women I knew. I decided from that age onward that I wanted to be heavily tattooed when I grew up. Drawing and creating always came naturally to me early on. In high school I did poorly, failing all my academic classes yet acing my creative ones. Long story short and fast forward to 18 years old. I had just graduated high school by the skin of my teeth. I had no direction or plan and was honestly just floating pretty lost. Maybe 6 months after I graduated I received a facebook message from a stranger. The message was from a tattooer who had seen my portfolio of artwork online. He asked me “if I ever thought about learning to tattoo”. This felt like a divine intervention undoubtedly. He convinced the owner of the shop he was working at to meet with me about an apprenticeship. I went into that shop at 18 years young fresh out of high school and from that day forward never looked back. I had no plan B and was determined to do anything it took to pay my dues and prove my respect to the craft. It was there at Broadway Tattoo in East Los Angeles I would apprentice for the next three years and start my journey into the world of tattoo. Those were some of the absolute most fun, wild yet challenging years. Shout out to my mentor Jesus Perez and my day one co worker Adrian Hart. I would never be where I am without them.”

2. Who are a few artists you’re inspired by, either tattooers or other, living or dead? “Gustav Klimt, Tupac Shakur, Marina Abramovic, Marilyn Monroe.”

3. How did you find your style of tattooing, particularly what drew you to the French and Asian influence that you so uniquely and effortlessly blend into ornamental and natural designs? “My tattoo style has naturally evolved with me as I grow as an artist and individual. When I first started as a walk-in tattooer I was doing a whole lot of color. Color was always a bit stressful for me and unenjoyable. I learned early on that I prefered executing lines over shading and black over color. Around year 3 I transitioned into blackwork only developing my personal style more and more. Once I moved to New Orleans at age 24 the French influence naturally started inspiring a lot of my work. Soon after I began traveling abroad. Both France and Indonesia are two of my favorite places I’ve been to. The lifestyle, aesthetics and architecture especially resonated with me, setting my heart and inspiration on fire. I really enjoy blending these two cultures I love so much and find the natural and architectural elements make for really beautiful tattoos.”

4. What are your thoughts on working in a still largely male dominated field? Any advice for women or non-gender conforming folks looking to get into tattooing? “I honestly don’t spend much time thinking about it as a male dominated field. I strive to create a world of my own where my clients and I can feel safe, inspired and comfortable. For me tattooing is about growing in my craft, professionalism and the relationships I build and foster with my clientele. I’ve been fortunate enough to work alongside many talented artists of all backgrounds and genders and I find what matters most is the quality of the work and overall experience you provide. As far as advice on getting into the industry I just hope people get into tattooing for the right reasons and come with respect. Do not teach yourself how to tattoo on youtube or begin at all if you’re looking for a quick buck. In fact, prepare to be poor for a long time in the beginning if you’re doing it right. It’s not a career or undertaking for just anyone.”

5. Living and working in the south of the US during these turbulent political times, do you find that the tattoo community you’re a part of is a safe haven from all the bigotry and negativity out there? “For me tattooing has been less about politics and more about creating and having fun. I don’t prefer to make any broad statements about an entire community because everyone’s experience is vastly different. I’ve worked hard to create a studio environment where my clients feel safe, heard and respected and this is where I find my safe haven along with my family and friends who have been by my side since day one.”

6. Anything else you would like to add? “Thank you Jon for letting me be a part of the blog and thank you to my clients and tattooing for helping me live out my purpose on earth. I am eternally grateful.”