Meet Element Zhang | Tattoo Artist

We had the good fortune of connecting with Element Zhang and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Element, how has your perspective on work-life balance evolved over time?
As a tattoo artist, the evolution of my work-life balance over time has trended towards equilibrium, though it took me a long time to find this balance. In the early stages of my career, I was completely immersed in refining my skills, often spending extended hours at the studio. This period was heavily skewed towards work, with little time for personal pursuits or rest, which also led to some health issues—like pain in my cervical spine and back.

However, as time passed and I established my reputation and solidified my client base, I gradually gained better control over my schedule. This allowed me to allocate time for personal interests, family, and rest alongside my professional commitments. Technology and social media have also changed how tattoo artists interact with their work and clients, potentially offering more flexibility but also blurring the lines between work and personal life.

What should our readers know about your business?
As a tattoo artist, I most proud of the deep connections I’ve established with my clients, turning their visions and stories into art that lasts a lifetime. What excites me is the continuous journey of growth and learning in the art of tattooing, exploring new techniques, and pushing the boundaries of creativity.

Getting to where I am today wasn’t easy. The tattoo industry is competitive and demanding, requiring not just artistic talent but also business acumen, people skills, and a relentless work ethic. I started small, building my portfolio, and taking every opportunity to learn from more experienced artists. I faced challenges such as finding my unique voice in the industry, managing the physical demands of tattooing, and navigating the complexities of running a business.

Overcoming these challenges required persistence, resilience, and a willingness to learn from both successes and failures. I dedicated myself to perfecting my craft, understanding my clients’ needs, and continuously improving the client experience. Networking with other artists and engaging in the tattoo community also provided invaluable support and opportunities for collaboration.

The lessons I’ve learned along the way are numerous, but a few key takeaways stand out:

Patience and Persistence: Success in tattooing doesn’t come overnight. It takes time to develop your skills and build a reputation.
Continuous Learning: The tattoo industry evolves, and staying informed about the latest trends, techniques, and health standards is crucial.
Listening to Clients: Understanding and translating a client’s vision into art not only requires artistic skill but also empathy and effective communication.
Health and Balance: Taking care of my physical and mental health is essential, as the demands of tattooing can be taxing.

I want the world to know that my brand and story are about more than just ink on skin. It’s about creating meaningful art that represents the stories, emotions, and dreams of my clients. My goal is to continue to evolve as an artist and individual, contributing positively to the tattoo community and beyond.

Any places to eat or things to do that you can share with our readers? If they have a friend visiting town, what are some spots they could take them to?
If my best friend were visiting, I’d take them to the Getty Center, maybe Hollywood, and then spend the remaining 5 days at America’s first national park—Yellowstone National Park.

The art at the Getty is something I believe everyone should experience, regardless of age or gender. Yellowstone, in my opinion, boasts some of the most beautiful natural scenery, and it never fails to amaze me every time I visit!

The Shoutout series is all about recognizing that our success and where we are in life is at least somewhat thanks to the efforts, support, mentorship, love and encouragement of others. So is there someone that you want to dedicate your shoutout to?

I want to give a special shoutout to my partner, Chris X. It was because of her that I got into the tattoo industry. Without her support and encouragement, I wouldn’t have been able to come this far in my tattooing journey. Another significant mention in my story is Dyno, the dog I adopted six years ago. During the lowest points of my life, it was his companionship and love that healed me!

Website: www.inkxtremetattoo.com

Instagram: @element_inker

Other: Email: elementtattooha@gmail.com