I'm at the stage of my life where I want to be known for being more that just a tattoo artist....I want to show the world ALL of my vision...from books, paintings, fashion, and FILMS...the reason I'm in DC right now is to work on my film project... I hooked up with my homeboy, AJ who did my Vimby video interview because I'm a big fan of his camera work... I drew out some story boards and he can see my vision so it feels like a perfect team...this film is about the struggles and lifestyle of black tattoo artists in america.... They are not a lot of TRAINED professional tattoo artists who stay in own community to serve own people... A lot of them move on because the money is wayyy better when your dealing with a clientele that has a respect and knowledge of this art form we call "Tattooing" I want to show all sides of tattooing... How we never see our children, how our relationships suffers because we don't see our mates....how we don't have a social life outside of the tattoo shop.... When we get off work everyone is sleep so it's always lonely nights... How our own people will still go to tattoo parties, tattooist who dont even understand black skin (lie and say you can't get colors) and scratchers with no professional training to get tattooed because they are CHEAPER when we spend YEARS training to serve the people....these days of filming were VERY emotional... Lots of tears and pain.... The people HAVE to know what tattoo artists go through and how important it really is to support TRAINED black artists in this industry...these tattoo parties, home call scratchers, and the leak of respect for tattooing just for money is really hurting our industry... "Understanding" will be born... And after you see this film I PROMISE...you it will understand why I have to retire and help my fellow tattoo artists teach the people about this ART we call
"tattooing" after this film I will see where I will stand in the tattoo business...if the people don't care about the struggles I see my fellow artists go through daily.. I will forever put down the needle... And won't return to tattooing...and the scratchers can have it...
Posted from my iPhone
10 comments:
Man that shit sooo true! Scratchers around here ruin the peoples outlook on tattooing, and the business as a whole. People think they can come in here and get a $15 tattoo! Without a film like this, it really makes u wonder where te tattoo industry will be in a few years?? Ppl take us for a joke when we say $40 is our minimum..and thats a shame! I hope this film saves us all Miya!
-Henry
Man it really angers me that scratchers and whoever tha fuck can order machines off ebay, are ruining the business! People think our $40 minimum is a joke whenever they can go get it for 15 at their homies trailer or sumthin. I really hope this film is successful! Just imagine where we're gonna be in a few years?? Save us all Miya!
-Henry
Man I excited and disappointed at the sametime about your new endeavours...I greatly anticipate ya book ( I know I bug you about that all the time, I should stop lol), ya fashion sense goes dumb hard, so I know whether it be just shoes or shoes, clothes and accessories, I gonna support you, now this movie you're doing; it's deeply needed, I've seen too many people with dope ass phones that they will have for a year or two tops if they are lucky but their tatts be on some walmart discount shit; when they see my Art that you've done they love the work and always say "put me on with your guy" up until they find out what I paid and how much I'm gonna pay for my next piece, they be like "I'm not gonna pay that for no tattoo" and I always say "neither am I, I'm paying this for Forever Art"; but I digress, now onto the disappointing part your pending RETIREMENT, damnit man!!! But I guess I'm just being selfish, we all deserve FREEDOM; and I wish that for you fam...Thanks for all that you've done thus far and those to come....Peace and Blessing
Bambino21
I'm not a tattoo artist but I am an art and tattoo lover and I discovered you on twitter towards the end of last year and absolutely fell in love with City of Ink. In fact, I'm finally getting the chance to visit your shop this week to experience true art via Tuki. I've gone to professional tattoist out here in OKC and have had them tell me I can't get color and it would frustrate me. I can't wait to experience City of Ink and much respect to you and all of the talented artists there.- Essence
don't give in miya... we need you... cornyness is easy innovation, creativity, basic caring is hard... I carry ur work like the badge of a warrior standing against ignorance and copycatting and hate... in the name of the arts and all that is right with permanently marking yourself under another hands and trusting that person with conveying all that is inside of the both of you... you must continue...
rant done...
i dont know how many people you want to care but know you have one...
jessica
I honestly don't want to retire on a bad note but without the PEOPLES support in spreading the word about REAL professionally trained artists and teaching people what the difference is... This industry will be doomed for other black artists...City of Ink is rare and we are in our OWN lane so our company will be fine because COI supporters are different from the "masses" but I want to see other black owned professional artists get the business and support like City of Ink do....i'm starting to feel like the "Token Black Artist" when I know other very talented black artists....I have a vision and I want to see this art form grow with or without me....I gave tattooing 17 long years of my life and it feels like a kick in the face when I see my fellows with years of training have to fight to make a lifing because people don't know about the lifestyle and just thinks a tattoo is a tattoo... And if I can get it cheaper over there then why should I spend more and make an appointment? People want an instant tattoo and don't think about if an artist has a waiting list or only take appointments that they are BETTER than any scratcher... This film is one of my dreams... My book is one of my dreams... Fashion is one of my passions... Interior design... The list goes on... But I don't want to leave tattooing without opting the door for other artists... I want to see more black artists create a SIGNATURE style so they cab stand out like COI did.... It's time to inspire and teach the people about this art form and the struggles of this lifestyle
Brother, I hope you don't retire but if it means you helping more black tattoo artist find there way, do what ya gotta do. I just need to get my back piece before you do...lol.
Onelove
Evan aka Copasetic Soul.
Aww, they love you Miya. Your artwork is truly one of a kind. Although I know that you will be missed, I'm happy for you being able to finally get to follow your dreams with your film, book, etc. and not be stuck in the tattoo shop allday. I love you, Mrs. Bailey
As a tat lover and an avid reader of your blog, I must say I will be pushing this hardcore via NYC. I have also been told that "color won't work well on my skin color." WTF is that? I always tell you via twitter that I wish I woulda met or heard ab you 10 yrs ago when I started getting inked, bc some of the ones I have I coulda done without - you 'll get to see them when I come dwn in Aug.
But yea - I'm pointing ppl in your direction for the knowledge and education that ppl desperately need as far as tats.
www.soliloquiesofathespian.blogspot.com
I'm glad you are coming out with this movie. I'll admit I was ignorant to the whole tattoo scene. I thought you were supposed to go and just pick something off the wall, as opposed to drawing it on the skin which makes a whole lot more sense. When I turned 17 I went to a tattoo shop and got a tattoo of a tiger head from a stencil off the wall because I was pressed for a tattoo (thanks for covering it for me) I'm glad I saw you on myspace because your work made me appreciate the art of tattooing and art in general. Keep up the excellent work and I'm looking forward to the movie.
Gio
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