Today we’d like to introduce you to Mercedes Wright.
Mercedes, let’s start with your story. We’d love to hear how you got started and how the journey has been so far.
Basically, I’ve always wanted to be a tattoo artist since I was a kid. Throughout my childhood, I considered myself to be a decent artist, so I was always drawing anything and everything I could. My main focus was to replicate whatever I thought could be a challenge, whether it was people, animals or cartoons. Knowing I could easily replicate and was a natural artist, I figured tattooing would be a great fit for me. In high school, I went to shops to watch other artists work just to get a feel for what I could be getting myself into. Once I knew I was sure, I attempted to get an apprenticeship. Unfortunately, no shops at the time were offering apprenticeships in my area where I was currently living (Flint, MI). I wanted to take on tattooing no matter what so I started doing as much research as I could, for a few years, while working a job as a Graphic Designer and production specialist at a sign and vinyl shop. That job helped me grow into a better artist immensely. I moved to Chicago, IL with my boyfriend at the age of 22. After living here for a couple years I was finally able to find an apprenticeship through Fifth Sun Graphix. I apprenticed for a year, starting with building up my drawing to building my own custom coil machine. I’ve been tattooing at the shop now full time since May 2017. I am constantly growing as an artist and cannot wait to see where my tattooing takes me. I want to be able to specialize in anything from black and grey realism to full color. There are no limits to my work as an artist so I hope to build my tattooing up to that standard as well.
Has it been a smooth road?
It has always been a challenge. Timing never seemed right. It was hard to find shops offering apprenticeship, especially at a decent price. I ended up paying for my apprenticeship with the help of my boyfriend Irvin. He always supported me 100% and knew that I had potential so he did anything and everything he could for me. I have him to thank for where I am now in my career.
So let’s switch gears a bit and go into the Fifth Sun Graphix story. Tell us more about the business.
As an artist there’s nothing specific I specialize in. I love to make anything and everything. The shop I’m at is great for me because we really enjoy making custom art and tattoos for clients. I love to make clients’ ideas come to life on paper and I really take pride in making them a wonderful tattoo they will cherish forever. I feel we are set apart from others because we really take the time to personally invest ourselves in what the client wants and we really give them a sense of comfort at the shop. It’s always a great experience.
How do you think the industry will change over the next decade?
I see the tattoo industry still growing for sure. Many people get tattoos now-in-days and its becoming more accepted in society. There’s always trends as far as what style people get, certain designs become popular that everyone starts to get for a while. Then you’ll see a new style surface that everyone does for a bit. It’s fun to see the changes in tattooing and how it evolves. Equipment is becoming more advanced as well. Artists are starting to use more rotary machines, even pen style ones, as opposed to traditional coil machines. All artists have their own style and liking to certain machines, everyone’s different. It’s just what they feel most comfortable using when giving someone a great tattoo.
Contact Info:
- Address: 5718 w. Grand Ave. Chicago, IL 60639
- Website: Fifthsungraphix.com
- Phone: 7736226598
- Email: mercyink773@gmail.com
- Instagram: @tattoomercy
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