Meet Carlie Anne Aka stabdaddi | Tattooist

We had the good fortune of connecting with Carlie Anne Aka stabdaddi and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Carlie Anne, what led you to pursuing a creative path professionally?
I’ve always found with tattooing I’m constantly being challenged to grow. Self-improvement reflects so strongly in art whether it is spiritual or physical simply by watching your craft develop into something greater than it was years previous. I never wanted to pursue something that made me feel stagnant and with so many different genres of art I’m convinced I’ll never have to face that. I also love how art can be appreciated by any walk of life and to share that with the world and to manifest a concept into something that someone gets to Cary with them for the rest of their life is incredibly special to me.

Can you open up a bit about your work and career? We’re big fans and we’d love for our community to learn more about your work.
I full heartedly believe that tattooing is a sacred experience of energy exchange and my goal is to create a space and experience for my clients that they will hold with them for the rest of their life.

Currently I am in my third year of tattooing. Before I started this journey I never thought that I would have been so engulfed in the life of which I am so grateful to be a part of.

Right off the bat I made mistakes choosing the wrong mentor. I was too eager to get into the industry and I looked past red flags. I never think that it is appropriate for an artist to treat their apprentice poorly although for a long time it’s been accepted in the industry. Being a woman in the tattooing industry has also come with challenges from The overwhelming misogyny to having to see so many clients come to me with horror story’s of being taken advantage of. Having “thick skin” is essential because honestly artist are intense. Sometimes that’s beautiful and sometimes it’s painful.

In my business affairs I have had to learn to be very careful who I trust. Not everyone wants to see you do well. And not to be bitter but to be careful is incredibly important. “Life is happening for you not to you” is always a good reminder when things are feeling chaotic.

Ultimately my goal in all of this is to inspire. Not just in the art community but for women everywhere out there to really put themselves into their passion. I think as human beings we are so much more capable of anything we can imagine. And that dedication and consistency will build something great. “we are what we repeatedly do. Excellence, then is not an act but I habit” -will Durant

Let’s say your best friend was visiting the area and you wanted to show them the best time ever. Where would you take them? Give us a little itinerary – say it was a week long trip, where would you eat, drink, visit, hang out, etc.
So I am located in Kelowna BC. (Canada) I am so blown away by the immaculate landscapes that surrounds me. I really enjoy all different kinds of food as well as outdoor activities. I would suggest checking out some waterfalls. Fintry falls is a wicked spot. AllTrails is a great way to find different trails. I have a dog so that’s what I do when I have days off

For food, friends of Dorothy’s is wicked they also have drag shows. So if you enjoy performances that’s the place to see some real queens.

Dunenzies downtown has amazing pizza and an awesome staff.

Subcity donairs are to die for. The customer service is amazing they are really great people.

I recently checked out skinny dukes which is so good they take you right back to the 70’s and the food is awesome.

Social 242 lounge and grill has a great staff I have gotten to know but tattooing some of them. They also have a great dm set up and Friday nights are great there.

The Shoutout series is all about recognizing that our success and where we are in life is at least somewhat thanks to the efforts, support, mentorship, love and encouragement of others. So is there someone that you want to dedicate your shoutout to?
There are so many people that have actively supported me in my journey. From my amazing clients, to my friends that have watched me go through the roller coaster of succession and failure but I really think my mom Catherine deserves significant praise. I think a lot of artists are familiar with the discouragement that is given from family members or teachers growing up. My mother my entire life has supported my artistic talent and has always pushed me to practice. When I first started off and it was slow and nobody knew who I was it was really discouraging and through that entire process my mom was there convincing me that if I just keep going one day I will be able to get the reach that I was trying so hard for. I am so grateful to have a parent who has always held my dreams close to their heart. Thank you momma

Instagram: Stabdaddi