Twenty years into my tattoo career, I can finally say I've built a business doing exactly what I love—and it happened because I stopped trying to please everyone else and started being a "Missi Blue pleaser."

This episode is my origin story, from a scrappy 19-year-old apprentice working double shifts to opening Blue Bird Tattoo Studio and becoming known for pet portraits that capture each animal's soul.

I'm sharing the messy middle, the moments of doubt, the role spite played in my success, and the practical steps that allowed me to go all-in on specialization without losing myself in the process.

If you've been struggling to find your niche, build authentic client relationships, or figure out what makes your work uniquely yours, this conversation will give you a roadmap—and permission to trust yourself.

Download my free worksheet to discover YOUR unique style

What You'll Learn in This Episode:

• How to identify your authentic artistic style by analyzing your influences from childhood to present, rather than mimicking what's trending on Instagram

• The difference between trying every tattoo style as part of your education versus staying stuck doing everything forever, and why both extremes limit your growth

• Practical strategies for specializing in a niche (like pet portraits) while maintaining the flexibility to evolve when your interests change

• How to have honest conversations with clients about design changes without making them feel stupid, using excitement about your vision to guide them toward better outcomes

• Why attracting your ideal clients starts with putting your authentic self out there, creating a natural filter that fills your chair with people you'd actually want to hang out with

• The power of proving yourself through consistent work in your chosen specialty, and how trust builds when clients see you can deliver on what you're passionate about

• How to navigate burnout and creative shifts by being transparent with your audience, inviting them to grow alongside you rather than forcing yourself to stay in one box

• Why building a sustainable tattoo career means learning to be your own biggest supporter first, even when that means your journey takes longer than you hoped

Links:

boundbyart.com

bluebirdtattoos.com

instagram.com/tattoosbymissiblue

instagram.com/boundbyartproject

instagram.com/bluebirdtattoostudio

Music: Unknown Road - The Harp Project