Q and A with Steph Sparrow

Let’s be honest - for many people, the idea of a tattoo conjures up a combination of images related to both pain and badassery.  Some (not all!!) traditional shops seek to reinforce those images, covering their walls in flash art featuring flaming skulls and other types of macabre subjects, keeping waiting rooms dark, and slightly intimidating the walk-in customers by forcing them to wait until being spoken to (“respect the tattoo, man”).

I opened Roses and Rivets in September 2017 and one of my major goals was - and continues to be - to combat such stereotypes of “what getting a tattoo is like.”  My motto is: “Tattoos may hurt, but your experience doesn’t have to be painful.”  I’m 100% dedicated to customer service and keeping my clients happy above all else!  Tattooing is a commercial art form: it’s about what YOU want, not about what I want.  To me, you’re not just a canvas.  You’re a person with integrity deserving of respect, and your tattoo is YOUR THING.  I’m happy to talk to you - kindly! - about what’s possible and what’s impossible in the tattoo medium, about how a tattoo will age over time, and about what lasts and what doesn’t.  But I’ll never talk down to you, and I’ll certainly never intimidate you.  Tattoos are a mode of self-expression, regardless of the “reason” or “meaning,” and it’s not for me or anyone else to judge your tattoo ideas.

The other reason I designed Roses and Rivets in this manner was to provide a safe space specifically for women to get tattooed.  I know far, far, far too many women who have been harassed at shops, and far more who have had a bad experience with “the intimidation factor.”  In fact, I’ve had some of those experiences myself over the years, although most of those were while I was working with other tattooers at shops, not necessarily as a client.  I know - #notallmen - but seriously, this stuff happens, and it does happen a lot.  Ladies, you’ll never have to worry about any crazy shenanigans here!

One of my goals for 2018 is to further demystify the whole process of getting a tattoo.  I try - always - to explain things in detail with my clients about their appointments and about what I’m doing while giving them their tattoo.  However, I want to know what questions the general public has about tattoos.  What are your top concerns?  What are you curious about?

I will be starting an ongoing series of “Q&A” videos early in 2018 addressing YOUR top questions!  Ask me anything!  Let me know your thoughts and concerns via email or social media (facebook and instagram).

Thank you, everyone, for your support here in Santa Paula!  It’s been a great few months, and I’m looking forward to an exciting 2018.  Happy holidays!