Featuring: Slow Poke Studio
“From a young age, I would draw tattoos on myself and my fellow classmates with ballpoint pens. By my freshman year of high school, I progressed to permanent marker. And by the time I walked across my high school graduation stage, I was running a small henna business for spare pocket change. Naturally, a tattoo machine was the next step. I look forward to creating and tattooing unique art pieces for my clients that will grow and live alongside them.”
What an honor it is to introduce you all to Sophia of Slow Poke Studio (@slowpokestudio_ on Instagram). When Soph reached out to me about my “Featuring” series for artists, I could not wait to collab with her. If Soph isn’t sitting in the studio sketching, practicing linework, or creating flash sheets, you’ll find her slinging coffees and yummy drinks at The Joe in downtown Fairmont. You are likely to spot her insanely adorable strawberry frog and strawberry snail stickers on water bottles and laptops everywhere.
She dabbles in many trades, including but not limited to needlepoint, painting, and pen/ink drawings. That wasn’t enough for her artistic drive because she has now began an apprenticeship as a tattoo artist at Sleazy Studios in Bellview, WV (@sleazystudios). Soon she’ll be adding tattooer to her belt—which is a craft I have massive respect for. I won’t lie and say my Inkmaster obsessed self wasn’t having the time of my life being shown the whole process of tattooing in person. I only have 2 tattoos myself, but my love for the art would have me covered if I wasn’t so indecisive.
As soon as I walked into Sleazy Studios, the curated vibe was evident. Psychedelic art filled the walls, an array of plants rested in the windowsill, and comfort shows like Dragonball Z and American Dad! played on the TV. Sophia got right into showing me her personal sketchbooks and designs. To get the tattoo process started, she put her preferred design onto transfer paper which makes the design outline transfer onto the customer’s skin (in this case, fake skin (that looked and felt very much like a thick provolone cheese)) as a guide to follow. Many decisions happen before the needle goes to skin like choosing colors, prepping/cleaning the station, setting the gun speed, etc. It is a tedious process that requires patience and precision. Sophia is currently working under Austin Towns, the owner of the studio and a self-taught artist. They worked together throughout the whole process, answering every question I presented (a lot of them).
After I observed Sophia work for a while, we took a break to take some artsy pictures of her and her eclectic array of tattoos. My favorite had to be her heart tattoo with “myself” in the center that you’ll see below. The black and white tile floors in the studio provided a perfect space for some vintage, warm photos.
If you’re not familiar with the arduous practice of tattooing, I hope this little photography exposition will give you a glimpse into the world of body art. It is a medium that is only for the toughest, most dedicated, and patient people. I told Sophia I’d be back soon to see her grow as an artist. But in the meantime (even if you’re not into tattoos), check out her art Instagram! She is always updating her account with new drawings, crafts, and commissions.
This “Featuring” series is a true passion of mine. I love getting able to meet and support small businesses and local artists. If you would like to work together or know someone who would be interested in working together, please reach out.
Until next time, stay groovy.
