Meet Maddam Bre | Tattoo Artist

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

Hi Maddam, what do you think makes you most happy? Why?
I am at a point in my life where I am discovering what makes me fully happy. With a lot of self reflection, I’ve realized that happiness is something that is constant yet also temporary in certain factors. To be continuously happy is being able to be a full time mom, and being hands on as needed in the early stages of my daughter Yoko’s life. As an independent artist I am able to have full control over my work schedule, where I want to travel to and creative freedom. In my profession, I feel like we fight a great war mentally where at times everything can be stable and constant, but your happiness fleets. This is why we turn to art as an outlet to ground us. I am thankful that I have a solid support system and village that allows me to take this chance on myself and it has paid off thus far.

Alright, so let’s move onto what keeps you busy professionally?
I specialize in minimal/sticker/nicknack style tattoos and I am known for my clean lines and bold packing. I started my career in 2019 by purchasing all my supplies and self teaching myself with YouTube videos and reaching out to other local artists. These artists would become good friends of mine to this very day. In 2020 I began my apprenticeship to help expand my knowledge of the craft outside of what I already taught myself. At that point, I realized that fundamentals are all someone can teach you, the rest is up to you as an artist. While working in the shop, I was also able to learn how to pierce and add that skill to my repertoire. Now in 2023 I am an independent artist with two private studios in both NJ and CA. I would consider myself a traveling artist as I love to travel to different cities and states to reach some of my clients who are unable to come to either of my locations. I also do guest stops at various different tattoo shops or at other artists’ private studios. What sets me aside from other artists is my clean lines, placement, and attention to detail. I personally believe that with every interaction we exchange energy and I strive to have peaceful zen sessions. For me, tattooing is a form of therapy in a way. I am currently working on merchandise that will allow you to bring that energy home with you.

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?
Well the first stop is going to pick up some trees, we are in CALIFORNIA it’s only right. Breakfast would have to be at a spot called Woody’s, they have an amazing breakfast menu and a fully stocked bar so mimosas will be ordered. I really enjoy going to Huntington Beach, the water is always calm and they have a great selection of restaurants on Main St. My go to stop is BJ’s, they have great weekly deals. I am a big fan of Korean BBQ so I always make sure to go down to Garden Grove to try a new spot out. My daughter loves to get frozen ice & dairy free ice cream from Happy Ice in LA on Melrose Ave, so a stop there is mandatory. My friends and I are big thrifters so we would definitely make a few stops at any local thrift stores.

Who else deserves some credit and recognition?
Of course! I would like to thank my mother Susan Barr and My sister Brittney Briggs, they have both been my biggest inspirations in life. As a single mother she raised 4 children and was able to still live out her dreams as an entertainment manager. She always listened to what we wanted and supported us to the end. I remember when I told her I wanted to be a tattoo artist she nodded her head and said, “okay well show me a business plan”. I knew that I did not want to go to college, so I created an entire business plan that was thoroughly detailed. When I showed her, I believe she saw how passionate I was about my journey. I have never seen my mum work for anyone but herself my entire life and that was my first glimpse into being an entrepreneur. I know I wasn’t the only sibling to pick that up, my sister Brittney also created her own business after graduating from college becoming a film director. Her work ethic and drive for her passion always illuminated me. It was like you could see the love in any project she did, and I always tell her “Yo Britt, you know you’re a goat right?”. The people who know who she is, know exactly what I’m saying. As I expanded our family in 2021 they have both helped me balance being a new mom and work, I don’t know where I would be if I didn’t have them both.

Instagram: @Maddambre