Kelly

Hi, my name is Kel. I, along with the wonderful support and encouragement of my close friends and family, started Redback !nk Tattoo Studio several years ago – from a very small studio to the wonderful modern set-up we have now. I would not be where I am today without them. Thanks guys, you know who you are.

My clients always ask why I got into tattooing. I guess you could say I’ve always been “artsy”.

I used to live near the beach. I grew up in Mackay and as a young girl I would make jewellery from the shells I’d find or draw in my spare time. When I was about 12 years old, Lion King came out in cinemas. I fell in love. I would collect everything and draw any characters from mostly this or a few other Disney films. I dabbled in many mediums, but drawing remained my go-to.

However, as much as I loved art, it was always pushed back as a leisure activity – not something to pursue as a career option. My other passion was for animals and I did well at Biology and Chemistry in school which lead me into university to continue my Biology. I had dreams of chasing a career in the police force and perhaps going into forensics. However, after getting married and beginning a family, that was all put on permanent hold.

I WAS KIND OF NUDGED INTO TATTOOING BY AN EX WHO LOVED MY ART AND LOVED TATTOOS

My family rarely had ink, and I hadn’t even thought about getting one, let alone doing them. So, for that, thanks heaps! I didn’t get my first until I was 21. But I was intrigued right from the beginning. So here we are nearly 15 years later and going strong.

Personally, my favourite things to tattoo are realism, (greywash and colour), watercolour, new school, geometric and almost anything nature related. I do also get asked a lot to do cover-ups and reworks of older tattoos. I wouldn’t say it’s my favourite thing to do, however I do love a challenge and the proud feeling I get from helping people. I live for the moment when a client is almost (or sometimes are) in tears because they are so happy with the work we do for them. Changing their lives, so they feel more confident and comfortable in their own skin.

I don’t know where life will take me, one day I hope to travel. But for now, you can find me 95% of the time hanging out, doing my thing, surrounded by the wonderful Redback !nk crew (or more like family) we’ve grown to be.

Peace