Interview with Emma Beech - Sponsored Artist of the Month

Magnum Tattoo Supplies' Sponsored Artist of the Month for April 2022 is the wonderful Emma Beech! 

What drew you to Magnum Tattoo Supplies?

I had used Magnum Tattoo Supplies for a number of years prior to them offering me a sponsorship. Their prices are unbeatable, their delivery is fast, and their customer service is impeccable. I was so happy to receive the sponsorship offer and I was already 100% sure that it was the right company for me.

How long have you been tattooing and how did you get started?

I have recently hit the 5 year milestone tattooing! It would probably anger a few to know that I actually kind of fell into it as a career. I had studied both fine art and 3D Design at GCSE and A-level before then deciding to do a degree in Fine Art at Aberystwyth University.

Once I had my degree, I had no idea where I wanted to go in life. I was 23 and had been getting tattoos since I was 18 from Sammie Jones. I went for another tattoo one day and she mentioned that her studio were looking for an apprentice and that she had seen my artwork and thought I had potential. I applied, the studio bosses liked what they saw, and the rest is history! I had been to the same school and university as Sammie without ever really getting to know her. I then ended up training in the same shop as her, and now we own our own shop together. I always think it was destiny.

What is your favourite thing about your job as a tattoo artist?

Besides the fact that I get to do what I love every day and earn money in doing so—my favourite thing about tattooing is always the customer's reaction once they check their finished tattoo in the mirror. The look of excitement and happiness across their face. I love playing a part in that.

What is something you wish you knew before you became a tattoo artist?

That not every tattoo artist is going to be nice to you. Not every tattoo artist is going to be stoked for you, or welcome you into this community—but that is okay. You will learn who those people are and how to handle/avoid them! They are not representative of the whole community, which is full of lovely, caring people who are constantly advancing and moving with the times around them, not cursing every 'new' artist that comes to light.

What is your proudest moment so far professionally?

Having FINALLY opened my own shop Jaded Fox Collective alongside fellow Magnum Sponsored Artist Sammie Jones. It was something we had talked about for years prior and seemed like it would never happen. She left the shop we both trained at for Chester, and I left 18 months or so later to a back room in a hairdressers. 6 months later, everything came together at once and suddenly we were signing the documents for our place together last October! We opened in November and our work lives have been 1000% better than ever before.

What do you love to tattoo and what would you like to do more of?

I am mostly known for doing my ladies, but I love tattooing anything as long as it is within my style!

What are your hobbies and passions outside of tattooing?

I have a 3 year old daughter who I raise together with her dad. She is our absolute world. We try, as much as possible, to use our free time making the best memories we can for her. We love taking her on days out, little holidays away, spending lots of time with family and friends. We want her childhood to be as happy as possible. We want to give her a solid family unit, something we never fully had as children, so it is super important to us. There is nothing better than seeing her smile.

What are your ambitions for the future?

Having only just opened Jaded Fox Collective, once we are completely done decorating the extra rooms we have, we would like to find some full time artists to join us on our journey. Plus, start getting some guest artists in that we admire too. We recently took on our first apprentice, who we are mega excited about having join us. We want to be a happy, positive part of the tattoo community, where both artists and clients want to come and see us, and enjoy their time with us. I strongly believe that a happy workplace is the key to a happy life, or at least a very strong step into one!

Take a closer look at Emma's fantastic work by heading over to her Instagram! 

Remember if you were inspired by Emma's story, you can also get your tattoo equipment from Magnum Tattoo Supplies!