Meet Lark Stilson | Tattooer

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

Hi Lark, why did you pursue a creative career?
Like everyone else, when I’m old and grey I want to look back and have a deep sense of fulfillment. I want to know that I overcame circumstances and lived my life fully and wholly doing the things that bring me joy. A life without creativity is not a life filled with love and joy. Although tattooing and drawing is my creative outlet of choice, using my hands to create is what makes me feel fulfilled.

I’m a strong advocate that we should work to live; not live to work. However, if I had the opportunity to work a job that allows me to do something that doesn’t feel like work..why wouldn’t I peruse it? I get to come into “work” surrounded by creative like minded people and create tattoos for clients who resinate with my art. What a beautiful thing! To create something bigger than yourself that others can enjoy.

I perused tattooing as a career so I could do all the things that are most important to me. I want to create, give back to the community, and connect with other creatives. Tattooing is so much more than art, it is confidence and a cultivated self identity. Although I’m still early on in my career and I can’t tattoo full time to support myself; it’s 100% worth loosing out on the days off. Skipping going out that night with friends. Staying up late drawing. I see a light at the end of the tunnel. A day not so far where everyday I get to create and give the gift of tattoos to others. Thats why without a doubt I know this is the correct career for me. It’s worth every second of hard work. I wouldn’t have it any other way.

Alright, so let’s move onto what keeps you busy professionally?
I started my tattooing journey in 2021 back home in New York. I was lucky enough to enter and apprenticeship close to end the of lock down which means I could spend a full work week diving into the world of tattooing without having to worry about the financial burden of not working (thank you unemployment!). I’m so thankful for my start and getting my foot in the door, but i was no longer happy living in NYC. Deciding to move so San Diego was both exciting and terrifying. How was I going to continue tattooing when my tattoos were less than mediocre..at best.

However Lifetime took me on as an apprentice and tuned me up! Although the tattooing part of my life seemed to be going well, the other half of it that just moved across the country wasn’t. Moving to a new city having no community of family to rely on is hard, logistically. I took on a full time job because although moving onto my second apprenticeship was rewarding, it didn’t pay the bills. Between my job and my days at the shop I would end up working 7 days a week for more than a year. It was really really tough, and the burnout was unimaginable. However, it was all worth it when i finally graduated up from apprentice and was able to monetize off the skills I was developing. How crazy is it to do something you love and get paid for it?! it feels unreal! So no, this has not been an easy journey by any stretch of the imagination. Lots of literal blood sweat and tears has gone into getting to where I am now, and a lot more is going to need to be shed before I’m where I want to be.

My art is for the creepy, cute, and kinky! If Anime, Vintage pinup, and horror had a baby, that would be me! My nickname as a child was Tuesday (like Wednesday from the Adams Family) because I was such a morbid kid. I’ve always been drawn to things that were macabre or unusual. On the flip side of the coin, i’m a huge anime fan. I love all things cutesy or kawaii and have a huge collection of anime figures, body pillows and wall scrolls. I wan’t to emulate my love for all these things through tattooing and give people who love the same things as me a unique blend of interests that suit their style! I’ll continue to become a better tattooer and cultivate my style but deep down this is who I am and who I always will be. When you are your most authentic self people recognize that and will resonate with your unique perspective.

I’m so excited for this upcoming year and what it will hold for me and my career. I’m ready to take that next step and fully commit myself into become a full time tattooer. Just like the past 3 years I don’t think it will be easy, but when your working towards the thing you love it never feels like a chore.

If you had a friend visiting you, what are some of the local spots you’d want to take them around to?
Being relatively new to living in San Diego i’m still exploring myself, but i think I’ve learned enough to show them a good time!
We would defiantly start the day by going to Provecho! for coffee. San Diego continues to blow me away with its natural beauty. I’d take them on a hike after. Mother Miguel, Iron Mountain, and Torrey Pines have been my favorites so far! After that we’d have to get lunch in convoy for some yummy asian food. Shan’xi Magic kitchen has been my number one pick for food in that area so far. Depending on the day we would picnic and watch the sunset at Kate Sessions Park or grab a drink and dinner and Wonderland Ocean Pub in OB. Wednesday night market in OB has always been a hit with friends when they come to visit. Of course we would need to speakeasy at either Convoy Music Bar or Yungblood, both have amazing coctails and immaculate vibes. My favorite venues to catch a show has been SOMA or Brick by Brick so far. There is so much offered in SD that caters to people of every interest. I love how rich in art, culture, and history this city is.

Who else deserves some credit and recognition?
I want to shout out all my homies at Lifetime Tattoo San Diego! Thank you all for taking a chance on me and taking the time out of your day to teach me a craft that not only means so much to me, but so many others. Tt’s an honor to become apart of something so much larger than ourselves. Thank you Rob, Beau, Jay, and Ariel for being patient with me and being Tattooers I could look up too. Tyler, Jess, and Sam, thank you for inspiring me to think outside the box and push myself to do better every time I come into the shop. Lifetime has become my chosen family and my cup feels so full full when I’m with ya’ll. Can’t wait to see what the future holds for us, I always wish the most love and success for you guys.

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