Meet Ian Fleming | Tattoo artist

We had the good fortune of connecting with Ian Fleming and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Ian, we’d love to hear about how you approach risk and risk-taking.
I feel as an entrepreneur risk is a major factor for making a successful career. However you do have to be smart with those decisions. I live by a quote that “ if you want something that you never had before, you have to do something that you have never done before.”

Let’s talk shop? Tell us more about your career, what can you share with our community?
I feel what separates me from others would be the drive to learn and improve. I am constantly studying rather it’s watching other artists, seminars or learning new techniques. I also, take my customer service very seriously. While working at other jobs I’ve learned the expectations people have for businesses. So I apply everything I have learnt to ensure my clients get the best possible experience. I’ve overcome a lot of challenges from breaking my wrist and needing a metal plate surgery. Being homeless in Minnesota before I moved to Texas. To figuring out how to survive this over saturated industry. Learning to adapt within new environments. It was hard at times I won’t lie about that. But it what made me want to tattoo even more. I used the hard times as motivation.

Any places to eat or things to do that you can share with our readers? If they have a friend visiting town, what are some spots they could take them to?
Currently, I am living in Houston Texas. This is a beautiful city that I have never seen before. Rather it’s a fast past city or a cowboy/cowgirl lifestyle. The music and art scene is everywhere. Which made me fall in love with the environment. It’s so diverse with many cultures that there’s endless amounts of things to do. The food is amazing in all sorts. Great parks to walk around and explore. People are so friendly and welcoming. I would read a book then go for a walk at Buffalo bayou to enjoy a peaceful day. Then I would go to a local coffee shop study and do some drawings. Staying productive is key while living in a major city such as Houston.

Who else deserves some credit and recognition?
First, I would love to give a shout out all my clients for trusting me with their ideas and tattoos on their skin. Without them i wouldn’t have been able to move across the country and fulfill my dream job. They’ve built the person who I am today. I don’t think clients really realize how much they affect us in our lives while our art effects their lives. The beauty of tattooing is that it helps your mental state of mind. Gives you a boost of confidence and dopamine that can make you a whole new person. Seeing my clients smile after a tattoo is what i thrive for the most.

Instagram: Inkbyianfleming