Jinxi's Interview With Tattoo Collector & Baking Beauty Tasha Reeder

Monday

Feb082010

I was lucky enough to meet the beautiful Tasha Reeder many years ago online, and though we live thousands of miles apart, I feel like she's been a longtime friend. If you keep up on gorgeous tattooed beauties who are smart as a whip too boot, then you probably know who Tasha is too.

Not only is she well-known and respected in the tattoo world, she's also a myspace legend; being one of the first people to ever sign up on the site. I mean, like, the 16,000th user (or somewhere around there). I have always loved how her pretty face pops into a missing spot on my top friends list if someone disappears, because she's just so OG in myspace-land.

Tasha and JasonI have long admired Tasha's keen awareness of the industry and her careful discernment when choosing which artists will add artwork to her skin. The vivid and colorful pieces that decorate her epidermis fit her personality and vivaciousness so perfectly. Her collection is just FULL of outstanding art, from some of the most sought-after tattooists in the world. Ink masterpieces that are definitely to be envied and admired.

Tasha is not only dedicated to tattoos, but also to her husband Jason, and to her family. She is loyal to the core and one of the smartest (and sweetest) women I know. She also cares deeply about the tattoo industry and seeing to it that positive aspects and education are constantly instilled into those she comes in contact with.

It was fun talking to Tasha for this Inkerview and I hope you can catch a glimpse of her fantastic-ness in this feature, while also soaking up her magnificent ink collection.

Tattoo by Sean Herman

Oh, and did I mention that she is an amazing baker too?

Come on now...how great does it get?

How old were you when you got your first tattoo? What intrigued you about owning that first piece of ink?

Well, I was 19 when I got my first tattoo, which was my chest piece. My father has a heart with my mother's name in it on one arm, and on the other he has hearts to represent my siblings and I. I just thought that it was really awesome that my dad had done that, and how he was going to have that on him forever.

So I started to think about what I really wanted, what really meant a lot to me, and checked out local artists until I found someone's work I really loved. Which I did, and I'm really proud of that first tattoo. It's an absolute reflection of my view on life, love, and of myself. I have always worn my heart on my sleeve. And I am not afraid to let you know how I really am feeling. It's just the perfect tattoo. I love it.

Tattoo by Michelle Gallo

What do you do for a living and how do your co-workers feel about your tattoos?

I take care of my husband of course, and help with anything he needs: his appointments, you name it. And a few days a week I work at Books A Million. I am the most tattooed person at work, but no one treats me any different. Everyone has been really great about it. Asking all sorts of questions, which I like. I've gotten very few negative looks, comments, etc. Which doesn't phase me at all when that does happen. So it's all good!

Tattoo by Chris Vennekamp

Can you give us a brief rundown of your amazing tattoo collection?

Chest piece by Michelle Gallo.

My arms by Brandon Bond, Sean Herman, Marcus Lund, and Michelle Gallo.

Tattoo by Brandon Bond

My face done by Short.

My hand by Bryan Reynolds.

Tattoo by Bryan Reynolds

My knuckles by Bird.

My feet my Thomas Kenney.

Tattoos by Thomas Kenney

Various pieces on my legs by Jason Reeder, Sean Herman, Chris Vennekamp, Taylor Cort, Thomas Kersnowski, Dave Tedder, CJ Harper, Bryan Reynolds, Short, Bird, Marcus Lund, and Billy Toler.

All of the ink you wear fits you so well. How do you go about choosing your pieces and designs?

I usually have little random ideas, just like everyone else; as well as the ones that I really want, that mean something to me. Either way, I usually talk with my husband (who is a tattoo artist) and we fine tune the ideas, talk with whomever is doing the tattoo, get their input, and just go from there.

I am very lucky to have such great people in my life who are also such amazing artists and who want to tattoo me, resulting in some beautiful work. Woo hoo!

Tattoo by Taylor Cort

You are quickly running out of room (skin-wise). Do you find yourself becoming more discerning nowadays before starting a new piece?

Not at all, I actually want to get tattooed more and more as I'm running out of room. I want to see the finished product already!

What are some projects that you have planned for the future, and with which artists will those be with?

I'm really stoked on Jeff Ensminger doing my entire neck/throat/chin sometime this Spring. I'm also getting Les Collier to do a mixer on my thigh. And who knows what else the future holds!

Hopefully some more work from Jason Reeder, Sean Herman, Bryan Reynolds, and many more amazing artists.

Tattoo by Sean Herman

What are your feelings about the tattoo industry nowadays and where do you see it heading next?

I absolutely love this industry. It has been great seeing people evolve into amazing tattoo artists, style changes, new and better products, color theory being taken to the next level. People these days are blown away by how far tattooing has advanced; tattoos that look like stickers on your skin, or as real as a picture, or even better than the real thing. It really is awesome.

I can't wait to see how tattooing changes in the next few years. I must say that Jason and I eat, sleep, and breathe this industry. It is our life, and it is something that means a lot not only to us, but A LOT of people. It is our livelihood and it's sad to see that basically anywhere you go, there are tons of people who THINK they are tattoo artists, and are actually performing tattoos on people. All without the proper knowledge.

Tattoo by Bird

The general public has no idea how hard this industry is, how tough it is to keep your head above water. All they see is it being glamorized on television. It really pisses me off to hear that people are offering classes on learning how to tattoo in 10 weeks, or 15 year-olds being able to buy tattoo machines from the internet. All of them with this rock star/douche bag attitude; thinking they're going to make tons of money and get laid 24/7.

Tattoo by Marcus Lund

Whatever happened to the good old-fashioned working your ass off and earning your right to a tattoo apprenticeship? These people are doing nothing but making it harder on the people who actually pour their heart and soul into tattooing, and who gives a shit about what goes on and how this industry is perceived.

I am all about people following their dreams as long as they do it the right way.

Tattoo by Bryan Reynolds

I know you love to bake. What other things do you enjoy doing in your spare time?

My most favorite thing EVER is to be with my love, Jason. He is such a great man, and just makes me feel like the most loved person in the world. Aside from that, I love to read, watch movies, and anytime we can travel is awesome, especially when we are able to see family and friends.

As strange as it may sound, I really like to clean as well. And of course BAKE! It really is my passion! I recently started a baking blog. It is extremely new, and in the beginning stages. So please check it out, and bake some good stuff!

FlourMayhem.Blogspot.com

Tattoo by Jason Reeder

What one word best describes you?

Loyal.

What's your favorite sweet treat?

Cheesecake! Not only can I bake a mean one, I also like to indulge in a slice (or two). Hey, who doesn't?!

Tattoo by Sean Herman

*Be sure to visit Tasha's blog and bake lots of yummy stuff.

**All Inkerviews will be cataloged in the Inkerviews section of the site. Just click on the link at the top of the site.

Tattoo by Marcus Lund

Tattoo by CJ Harper

Tattoo by Sean HermanTattoo by Thomas KersnowskyTattoo by Marcus Lund

Monday, February 8, 2010 at 9:07AM | |

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Reader Comments (6)

Tasha has some really beautiful pieces :)-what an awesome collection! Thanks so much for the Inkerview! You're the best, Jinxi!

February 8, 2010 |

Cass

hell yeah :) tasha and jason are some of my favorite ppl ive had to pleasure to meet while traveling around the country tattooing. they are both so so passionate and awesome hosts as well :) its been fun watching to see what great piece she pops up with next as well as watching Jason accelerate the level of his work. i honestly cant say that ive ever seen any one become so skilled at his craft so quickly as Jason has. kids got talent, very glad to see them together and always look forward to seeing them down the road :)

timm
www.myspace.com/timm95create

February 8, 2010 |

timm

Love Tasha's outlook and passion for the tattoo industry...she couldn't be more right about busting your ass and earning an apprenticeship. i see so many shops opening and these guys have never put in any blood and sweat learning the things they need to know. I love her collection of art wow so beautiful and the artists she has gotten them done by, just awesome, like a dream team collection. i'm so going to be checking out her baking page and makin some yummy treats =)

February 8, 2010 |

tammi

I'm very proud of Tasha & what she has become as a young woman, and she deserves the respect & happiness in her life that she has looked for, So with her tattoos and Jason, along with baking of course, She has it all.I only wish her the best of luck with whatever the road may lead too for her & Jason. Her blog is so interesting & I see she just knows the right words to say & she's so funny.Anyone should be proud to know her & just be around her as a person, Jason knows what a really good woman he got when he found her.Looks & a great cook to boot,plus all those amazing tattoos..Are all one Great package together!! Love you girl! Love Mom

February 14, 2010 |

Tashas Mama

Such remarkable inkwork. Beauty definitely comes in a variety fo shades, textures and preferences, but it takes a true artist to bring that to the people.

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