Meet the Artist Support Team - Ali

Ali - Artist Solutions Lead 

Brief Introduction

I’m located in Colorado just outside of Denver. My background is multifaceted–from working previously in the nonprofit sector to thriving as an entrepreneur in building two businesses from the ground up. Over the last few years I’ve freelanced as an admin assistant for tattoo Artists. I was introduced to CO:CREATE through one of the Artists that I work with who is a Curator here (shoutout Landon Morgan). As an Artists assistant, I use CO:CREATE myself and I was instantly drawn to how CO:CREATE prioritizes Artists needs and makes booking clients simple. The values I hold true in working independently with Artists align with our values here at CO:CREATE, so I knew I had to be a part of the team. 

What’s your role at CO:CREATE?

How did you end up working with tattoo Artists, and what made you fall in love with this industry? 

I’ve been connected to the tattoo industry through friends and family for over a decade, but it was actually through my custom art framing business that I ended up working with Artists. The first Artist I worked with commissioned me to frame her flash sheets so that she could gift them to her clients as a thank you for collecting patchwork sleeves. We developed a great working relationship and I started helping her out with flash events, redefining her booking process, and managing all client communications for her. At one point I realized it was my favorite job I’d ever had and started to offer admin assistance to more Artists. Three years later I’m here, supporting Artists in even greater ways.

It’s hard to pinpoint one thing that I love about the tattoo industry, but I’m in constant awe of the diversity and talent that Artists possess. I know how much intention goes into creating designs for people to wear forever, and how it’s equally an expression of the Artist and the Client. I also love the spectrum of meaning that is present in tattooing–from silly little gap fillers to body suits that flow with the body.

Working with Artists across different studios and cities, what patterns have you noticed about what makes them successful? 

Through my work with tattoo Artists, I’ve noticed two main areas of success: creating work-life-balance, and maintaining consistent, timely communication with clients. When you set boundaries with your time, style preferences, and client expectations you’re able to streamline your process and focus on what you do best.

What's your favorite part about helping Artists succeed?

My favorite part about working with Artists is when they reach a point of relief in taking back control of their booking process. Think: a big exhale. It can feel chaotic when you’re communicating back and forth with clients through multiple platforms, or feeling like you never have time to fully embrace your artistic flow. I’ve learned how to help make the admin side of tattooing simple, and when Artists get to see their process cultivate more bookings and positive client interactions, I can’t help but feel joy for them.

If you could give every tattoo Artist one superpower for running their business, what would it be and why?

One superpower I’d equip every Artist with is a “No Bad Clients” aura. You deserve clients that don’t ghost, ask you for a million design iterations, or question your rates. Luckily, CO:CREATE gives you the ability to set policies and FAQs before a Client books with you so that you can start to weed out those less-than-ideal Clients.

When you’re not working with Artists, what are you up to?

Outside of my role here at CO:CREATE, and freelance admin work with tattoo Artists, you can find me making custom frames for art (often times collaborating with tattoo Artists!) and searching thrift and antique stores for conversation pieces to add to my home or wardrobe.

Drop us a line at support@cocreate.ink when you need us.