Get ready to meet Michelle Stecker, an artist whose journey into tattooing began with a twist of fate! Unlike many who "fall into" the industry, Michelle's path started with a school personality test that suggested she become an accountant. Thankfully, her sister had a much better idea, and from that moment on, tattooing was the only thing Michelle ever wanted to do. Now, a talented artist in Naugatuck, CT, Michelle has turned her childhood dream into a rewarding career. One of her most meaningful experiences was tattooing her very first pet portrait—a memorial piece for a client's beloved dog. This pivotal moment set her on a new path, leading her to become the shop's go-to artist for pet portraits, a specialization she absolutely loves. Her immense love and devotion to her craft shine through in every piece, making her journey from a childhood dream to a fulfilling career an inspiring one.
What made you realize you wanted to be a tattoo artist?
When I was 11 or 12 I had to take a personality test in school where you find out your "ideal career" at the end (mine was like accounting or something haha so don’t trust those tests). I hated the idea of having a normal job and I’ve been into art as long as I can remember, so my sister was helping me brainstorm some better options and suggested tattooing. It’s been the only thing I’ve wanted to do ever since then!
Most meaningful tattoo story you've helped create?
That’s such a hard question! If I had to pick just one it would probably be the first pet portrait I ever did. I was about 5 months into tattooing at the time, and my client knew it was going to be a first but still decided to trust me with a memorial portrait of her dog. I was so nervous, I remember massively over preparing for the appointment (even made a color coded version of the line drawing where each color was a different line weight - luckily I don’t do it like that anymore!). It came out alright all things considered, and my client was really happy with it which felt rewarding because I knew it meant a lot to her. I didn’t know it at the time but that tattoo was a big step for me, I never set out to have a "thing" but I’m the pet portrait person at the shop now, and I’m a huge animal lover so I’m pretty happy about that!
One challenge you've had to overcome in the industry and how it has impacted you?
I’m an introvert, so it’s always been sort of hard for me to put myself out there and talk to people or post on social media. I wouldn’t say it’s something that I’ve overcome but it’s definitely gotten easier over time. I’m more used to talking to people since tattooing is such a one on one thing, I have some clients who feel more like friends at this point. And I feel very at home at the shop where I work so that helps a lot too!
