Creator Spotlight: Tattoo Artist Calypso G.

To kick off the My Creative Studios creator spotlight series, we interviewed the award-winning artist Calypso G. to learn about how she began her journey as a tattoo artist.

With specialties in watercolor, blackwork, geometric, floral, neo-traditional, and coverup tattoos, Calypso has been able to explore different styles and determine which techniques suit her best.

Art always had a special place in her heart. Calypso describes herself as a multimedia artist, and she has dipped her toes in a number of media, including fine arts painting, ceramics, oil painting, and more.

After she graduated college with a Bachelor’s Degree in Fine Arts and a concentration in painting, she fell into face painting.

While working as a face painting artist at Disney World, Calypso was able to combine her passions of fantasy artistry and painting. It was at Disney that she met her future mentor.

After seeing her face painting skills, the mentor offered her an apprenticeship as a tattoo artist. In October of 2018, Calypso gave her first ever tattoo to her husband.

“In college, my intentions were to pursue an art therapy degree,” Calypso says. “Obviously, the universe had other plans for me, but having that knowledge has really helped me in my tattoo career.”

Now, with four and a half years of professional experience under her belt, Calypso says that memorial tattoos are one of her favorite requests to work with. She also says that her favorite tattoo she has given is her award winning Medusa tattoo.

“When I create art for myself,” says Calypso, “I lean more into nature, spiritual, and fantasy type pieces.”

When asked about the challenges she faces as a tattoo artist, Calypso says that coverups are her biggest, yet most rewarding challenge.

“I am a big believer in art therapy,” she says. “I feel that a lot of people express themselves both physically and mentally through the use of art in tattoos. Collaborating with my clients’ ideas and my style is a fun way for me to stay inspired.”

Calypso emphasizes how having a relaxed and enjoyable tattoo studio is important to making her clients feel comfortable.

“I want the environment to be calm, clean, and welcoming,” Calypso says.

Her customized studio, located at My Creative Studios in Orlando, is oasis themed to coincide with her whimsical artistry.

Since Calypso has gained a significant following on platforms like Instagram and TikTok, she finds most of her clients through social media and attending music festivals.

Finally, to conclude our interview, Calypso wanted to share some advice for those considering a career in the tattoo industry.

“Practice makes perfect,” she says. “Most apprenticeships aren’t easy to come by, so the best way to get one is to have a strong portfolio that showcases your artistic skill and understanding of tattoo styles and history.”

Now, Calypso is the owner of The Mermaids Muse tattoo shop. Check out more of her work on her social media!

@calypso_tattoos  @themermaidsmuse  The Mermaid Tattooer  themermaidtattooer