Women Leaving Their Mark in the Tattoo Industry: Asami
Meet Asami
Asami, born in Kyoto, Japan, has always been deeply connected to artistic expression. She began her creative journey as a nail artist in her teens, using intricate designs as a form of storytelling. Her passion led her to relocate to Honolulu, Hawaii, in 2010, and later to New York City, where she founded BISOU, a nail atelier in Nolita known for its meticulous and artistic approach. However, after more than a decade in the nail industry, Asami sought a medium that would allow her to create lasting art. Inspired by the permanence and emotional depth of tattoos, she transitioned into the world of tattooing, bringing with her the precision and elegance she honed through Japanese calligraphy. Today, Asami is known for her delicate fine-line tattoos and her dedication to creating meaningful experiences for her clients.
Finding Her Path in Tattooing
For Asami, tattooing is more than just a profession—it’s a deeply personal and artistic journey. Drawn to the unique blend of creativity and self-expression, she pursued a career in tattooing to help others tell their stories through body art. The permanence and significance of tattoos resonated with her, inspiring her to create meaningful designs that clients can cherish forever.
Breaking into the industry wasn’t easy. Unlike many other skilled trades, tattooing lacks formalized training programs, making it a challenging field to enter. Despite this, she was determined to carve her own path. Although she didn’t have a direct mentor, she found inspiration through a female tattoo artist she followed on Instagram. Seeing another woman succeed in the field gave her the confidence to believe that she, too, could make a name for herself.
Navigating a Male-Dominated Industry
As a woman in a historically male-dominated industry, Asami has faced unique challenges. When she first started her career, she only took on male clients if they were friends, a decision she made out of personal comfort and safety. While she recognized the limitations this placed on her business, she wanted to create an environment where she felt secure.
Despite concerns about gender bias in the industry, Asami has been fortunate not to experience direct discrimination. However, she acknowledges that gender dynamics still play a role in tattoo shops. Some clients may feel more comfortable with an artist of a particular gender, especially for tattoos in more private areas, influencing their overall experience.
Creating an Inclusive and Welcoming Space
One of Asami’s priorities as an artist is ensuring that her clients feel safe and comfortable, especially women and individuals from marginalized communities. She understands the importance of privacy and makes accommodations, such as using dividers, when clients request tattoos in areas requiring more exposed skin.
Asami has also witnessed a significant shift in the tattoo industry toward greater inclusivity. Over time, tattoos have shed much of their outdated stigma, allowing for a wider range of artistic expression. Today, tattoos reflect diverse cultural influences, further breaking down barriers and fostering a more accepting environment.
Advice for Aspiring Female Tattoo Artists
For women considering a career in tattooing, Asami offers a simple yet powerful piece of advice: start your own journey now. While the industry was once seen as male-dominated, she has worked alongside many talented female artists who prove that gender is no barrier to success. She encourages aspiring tattooists to start their journey without hesitation, seek out knowledge, and embrace the learning process.
Moments of Pride and Artistic Expression
Asami’s proudest moments as a tattoo artist come from seeing the joy her work brings to her clients. Whether it’s a small meaningful piece or an elaborate design, knowing that her art holds deep significance is the most rewarding part of her job. Her artistic style often leans toward softer, intricate designs that highlight femininity and personal storytelling.
Although she hasn’t yet had the opportunity to collaborate with other female artists, she finds the idea exciting and looks forward to potential partnerships in the future.
Looking Ahead: The Future of Women in Tattooing
From her perspective, the tattoo industry has made great strides in gender representation. Asami believes that, at least in the U.S., the industry has become significantly more inclusive over time. While there is always room for continued progress, she is optimistic about the current direction.
For those balancing the artistic and business aspects of tattooing, Asami emphasizes the importance of discipline and learning to enjoy both sides of the profession. Success in this field requires both technical skill and business acumen.
She hopes to foster an environment of support and inclusivity within the tattoo community, inspire more women to pursue their artistic passions and to feel confident in their ability to succeed. Her goal is to contribute to a diverse and welcoming industry where artists, regardless of gender, can thrive.
One of the most meaningful aspects of her work is creating tattoos that help people honor and remember their loved ones. Whether it’s a signature, lettering, or a symbolic design, Asami has seen how tattoos serve as a form of healing and connection for her clients.
Her presence on Instagram has also helped her connect with clients who specifically seek out a female tattoo artist. By sharing her work online, she has built a welcoming and relatable space for those who feel more comfortable working with a woman in the industry.
Words of Wisdom to Her Younger Self
Reflecting on her journey, Asami has no regrets. She took every opportunity available to learn and grow, whether through research, seeking advice from friends and the community, or pursuing an apprenticeship. The lessons she gained through trial and error have been invaluable in shaping her career.
While she hasn’t yet been involved in specific initiatives supporting women in tattooing, she remains open to opportunities to connect with other women-owned tattoo shops and artists in the future. Her story serves as an inspiration to aspiring artists, proving that dedication, passion, and perseverance can break down barriers and create lasting change in the industry.
Follow Asami on Instagram ----> @madebyasami