Body Art by Cami

Hello, my name is Cami and I am a Colorado native. I grew up in the Lakewood area. I’ve been doing art as long as I can remember. A pencil was my medium of choice. It was always more of a hobby or an outlet. Not really something I feel like I submerged myself into. I didn’t usually like sharing my art. I was always my own worst critic.  I first became familiar with The Blue Door when I was 17. My mom and I were looking for a place to get our first tattoos. My best friend suggested Sister Bear and The Blue Door crew. So, that was the first place we decided to check out. We fell in love as soon as we walked in. Sis did our first tattoos (I got an arrowhead and Mom, got a little sleeping moon). Little did Sis know, that this was just the beginning of my journey with the shop.  Getting tattooed or pierced was the way I bonded with friends. If I brought you there to get something with me, you were special. Not that I would keep The Blue Door a secret, I just wouldn’t go with just anyone. Lol.  Fast forward a few years: Through working in an emergency room as a transporter, having a brief (but incredibly amazing) career in radio (something I had actually wanted to do since I was 15 but sometimes life has a way of changing your path), going to school for phlebotomy, and then not being able to even get started in phlebotomy because of some technicalities, I felt defeated. Working barely above minimum wage jobs, not sure where to go at this point, I was lost.  My husband at the time (now ex) was in search of someone to do some cover-up on his arm. Naturally, I brought him to The Blue Door. While we were there he had decided to inquire about me becoming a piercer there. Before he could finish the question Sis quickly said “no” and that was the end of the conversation. I decided to try and find an apprenticeship at another shop, get my foot in the door somewhere. Maybe one day that path would lead me to work at The Blue Door. I was extremely displeased with how I was treated before and during the interview at the other shop. Though I got the apprenticeship I decided not to apprentice there, or anywhere. It felt like this was going to be a dead end like my other “plans for life.”  A few months later, my mom called saying I needed to call The Blue Door immediately. Apparently, one of the artists had been trying to get a hold of me. So, I reached out. A couple of the artists there had talked Sis into having a piercer at the shop. They invited me in for an interview. This one went much better. And guess what? She said yes this time! I was finally going to learn how to pierce. My phlebotomy schooling had finally paid off (though it might have been more of my love for needles). After being there for about a year, I was offered a tattoo apprenticeship. I couldn’t believe I was going to learn how to tattoo now. Something I had thought of a few times but never actually thought I’d get to do. It’s funny, my mom has always pushed me to become a tattoo artist.  Since I’ve been at the shop, I’ve really branched out as an artist. I have started dabbling in sculpting, painting and a bit of charcoal (which I’d actually like to do more of), and I still play with a pencil as often as I can.  Overall, has it been relatively smooth? If not, what were some of the struggles along the way? It definitely hasn’t been the smoothest road. Life always likes to throw in a few obstacles, but I feel like I have been very fortunate to have a little circle of people supporting me no matter what. I know I wouldn’t be here without them and I am forever thankful.  It can be a lot of work. I can’t tell you how many “other jobs” I’ve had since I’ve been at the shop. Some even becoming second full-time jobs. It can be a sacrifice… of time and sleep and energy and sanity. It can be blood, sweat, and tears sometimes, but it’s worth it.  The Blue Door Tattoo – what should we know? What do you do best? What sets you apart from the competition? The Blue Door Tattoo is not my company, but it is my home away from home. It is a place I am lucky enough to work at. I am a tattoo artist, body piercer, and henna artist. I wouldn’t say I specialize in anything specific. I like when I get pieces that push me. I feel like it helps me grow as an artist all around. I’d say my favorite style is probably black and shade work, old school style, cartoons, and anything skulls.  I may or may not be known for being a little rough around the edges… cute, little, and feisty (hehe) I am proud to say we’re about to celebrate 20 years of being open. I’m proud to say I’ve been there for 10 of those years. I’m proud to have worked with and learned from the people that make up this little ecosystem/family. Even though we’ve all had our ups and downs, we are a little dysfunctional family. I feel like that’s one of the biggest things that sets us apart but also adds diversity to our art.  What is “success” or “successful” for you? I, personally, don’t think money and status necessarily define success. I feel like success is taking chances, not being scared to stumble and getting back up no matter how many times you fall. Success is pushing yourself to learn new things and allowing yourself to grow. It’s giving your all in everything you do.  I try and look for people who are always trying to better themselves. Who has a positive outlook on life. I truly feel like positivity draws more positivity and vise versa.

 "Cam Ink is a quaint little tattoo shop located in the 5th avenue salon suits, littleton Colorado. Normally we have one or two artists that are excited to meet you and help you to realize what your next piece of body art is going to be. Cami was formerly an artist ar The Blue Door Tattoo shop. She has over 12 years of experience doing tattoo work with hundreds of happy customers who keep coming back for more. We offer many styles of body art including henna, as well as scar cover-ups, a those from surgical sites and injuries."