Today we’d like to introduce you to Kara Munro.
Every artist has a unique story. Can you briefly walk us through yours?
I was raised by artistic parents and was always surrounded by creatives growing up. I always assumed I would end up at art school so when I picked Maine College of Art to attended there was little surprise. However, while I was in school I found a completely different form of art that interested me more than any other, tattooing. It was something I had little knowledge of before going to college but something that totally consumed my attention. I began getting a good number of tattoos and realized I wanted to be part of that world. I worked very hard in school, change majors to better suit tattooing and after lots of work I got an apprenticeship right after I graduated. I ended school with a degree in illustration, which is still a passion of mine on the side, with that degree and a long hard apprenticeship I am now a full-time tattoo artist and I create living artwork every day.
Please tell us about your art.
I work both in tattoos and illustrations, I use digital art and traditional mediums like watercolor and liquid acrylics. For tattoos I tend to stay in the neotraditional style, although that is such a broad spectrum now. I focus on botanicals, animal, literary, comical themed designs in all my work. Tattooing and illustration have become so intertwined for me that almost all my work could be either.
I create because that is what beings me joy and connections me to other people. I love the feeling of making a beautiful design and seeing my clients joy when it is complete. I also love just sitting for hours painting completely for myself. I hope that my work both tattoos and illustrations reach the heart of my clients. I want the color and love that I put into my work come through to everyone it reaches.
What do you think is the biggest challenge facing artists today?
I think understanding the value of art is the biggest struggle. I think everyone can appreciate art and creative work but unfortunately not many people understand what goes into work and what the work funds for us full time working artist. People don’t see the studio rent, quality supply costs, the health insurance or all the out of pocket cost working artist have. Which makes it hard on artist and customers alike, price tag shock is a real thing. I wish that everything was very visible and open so people knew why the price can seem high to none working artist. Artwork is worth so much in our world today along with in the past and it would be so lovely if it wasn’t seen as a side line thing sometimes.
How or where can people see your work? How can people support your work?
I have a website that is frequently updated karamunrotattoo.com but the best way to find my most recent work in on social media mainly Instagram @karamunrotattoo. You can email kmunrotattoo@gmail.com for commission illustration work or to make a tattoo consult/appointment. I am available for tattoos or to purchase prints in Northampton MA.
Contact Info:
- Address: 159 elm st Apt 2
Northampton MA 01060 - Website: Karamunrotattoo.com
- Phone: 8024614821
- Email: kmunrotattoo@gmial.com
- Instagram: @karamunrotattoo
Image Credit:
Portrait , Kaitlin Callender
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