Natasha Erickson

📍 La Luz Tattoo, Arroyo Grande, CA @laluztattoo

It's so awesome to introduce you to Natasha Erickson, an artist whose journey into tattooing was a beautiful surprise. Natasha was always passionate about art, but she never imagined it would lead to a career in tattooing. When she was just 14, she had a feeling she was destined to be very tattooed one day, and that quiet curiosity eventually led her to a career she absolutely loves.

Today, Natasha is an incredibly talented artist at La Luz Tattoo in Arroyo Grande, California. We're excited to share her story and the moments that have shaped her as an artist.

What made you realize you wanted to be a tattoo artist?

I never would have thought I’d be a tattoo artist when I was growing up. Art was my passion, and I really wanted a career as an artist, but had no idea what it would be. Tattoos weren’t ever talked about in my home but, when I was about 14, I knew I would be very tattooed when I grew up. Didn’t know where that idea came from, just that it would happen.

Skip forward to college, and my boyfriend (now husband) had me draw up what I thought I wanted and introduced me to Freddy, who, after we talked for close to an hour, asked me if I’d ever considered tattooing. There were a lot of ups and downs since that moment, but that’s where it started.

Most meaningful tattoo story you've helped create?

I’ve had the honor of doing a lot of incredibly meaningful tattoos for a lot of clients. It’s hard to pick only one, as they’re all special and it means a lot to me that I was trusted with them. One that does stand out does so because it was just a little piece, and her first tattoo. The whole thing could almost be covered with a quarter. My client had been assaulted years before, and her attacker had a knife. She had a small scar from the weapon on her chest, and never wore  any tops that might show it. Every time she saw it, she was reminded of that night. We decided on a simple piece that incorporated her faith, and it covered that scar completely. Afterwards, it was no longer a bad memory, but a reminder of her faith. Her tattoo helped her heal, and it shows that even the smallest tattoos can mean so much to the people who get them.

One challenge you've had to overcome in the industry and how it has impacted you?

There have been a lot, for sure, but I think dealing with social media has been my biggest hurdle. I really feel like an old dog trying to learn new tricks there. Every time I think I’m getting a little traction it seems something changes. I also feel awkward in front of a camera, so selfies or talking in a video are hard for me. I can’t say social media is a challenge I’ve overcome yet, but I’m working on it. I’ve been able to reach a lot of new clients, found a lot of inspirations, and follow a lot of artists whose work I may have not seen as much of otherwise, which is all worth it.

I love this industry. It’s given me a lot, and I’ve never worked harder at any job. I’ve seen a lot of changes. When I started in 2001, there weren’t a lot of women tattooing, and now there are so many talented ladies out there! Some of the equipment has changed, tattoo styles have evolved, and yet so much is still the same. I hope to be tattooing for a long time to come.