Christa Wagner shared their story and experiences with us recently and you can find our conversation below.
Good morning Christa, it’s such a great way to kick off the day – I think our readers will love hearing your stories, experiences and about how you think about life and work. Let’s jump right in? What is something outside of work that is bringing you joy lately?
Lately something that’s been bringing me a lot of joy is getting back into reading fantasy romance novels. I actually stopped reading fiction for ten years, but picked it up again when some of my clients started coming in for tattoos inspired by the popular A Court of Thorns and Roses series by Sarah J. Mass. That curiosity pulled me back into the genre, and it’s been an obsession ever since. It’s really helped reignite my creativity, and connect on a deeper level with clients who also share the love for these books.
Can you briefly introduce yourself and share what makes you or your brand unique?
I’m a St Louis based tattoo artist with a love for bold meaningful designs and the stories behind them. I’d say my style is blackwork illustrative that gives a dark powerful yet feminine feel, but I also do a lot of dainty fine line work because I enjoy the challenge of clean line work. . My brand is all about mixing art, conversation, and connection. I draw a lot of inspiration from mythology, fantasy, and nature, so my days are equal parts tattooing, geeking out over books, and swapping stories with my clients. My goal is to provide a safe space where clients feel like old friends by the time they leave. So basically if it has mood, meaning, and a touch of whimsy, it’s my jam.
Great, so let’s dive into your journey a bit more. What’s a moment that really shaped how you see the world?
In 2021, my life completely unraveled in the span of weeks. A car accident left me with a broken back and PTSD. I was in the middle of a high conflict divorce, I couldn’t work due to my injuries, I had no car, no money, and I was on the verge of losing my home. I remember lying there, wondering how I was going to keep going – and realizing just how fragile everything really is. That moment cracked me wide open. It made me see that tomorrow isn’t promised, and I’d been limiting myself when I should have been living as big as possible. Now, I chase the things that scare me, pour my heart into my art, and try to live in a way that, if I had to walk away tomorrow, I’d know I gave it everything.
What fear has held you back the most in your life?
For a long time my biggest fear was failing – not just failing publicly, but failing the people who depended on me, like my kids. That fear kept me playing it safe, second guessing my own talent, and saying no to opportunities. But I’ve learned that real failure is holding back. The moment I started betting on myself, even when I was terrified, my life and my work completely transformed.
Alright, so if you are open to it, let’s explore some philosophical questions that touch on your values and worldview. Is the public version of you the real you?
Yes and no – the public version of me is definitely me, but it’s a more extroverted version. I’m naturally an introvert and pretty private, so I choose carefully what to share, putting myself in the spotlight is way outside of my comfort zone so I’m working on it. What you see is real – the humor, passion, and way I connect with my clients, but behind the scenes I’m usually recharging in sweatpants, talking to my cats, and happily hiding from world for a bit before I come back out again.
Before we go, we’d love to hear your thoughts on some longer-run, legacy type questions. What is the story you hope people tell about you when you’re gone?
I hope the story people tell is that I lived wide open, that I took the hits life threw at me and turned them into something beautiful. That I loved people and my children fiercely, chased what lit me up, and made others feel like they mattered.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://alchemytattoocollective.com/tattoo-artists/christa-wagner-st-louis-blackwork-gothic-dark-art-neo-traditional
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/christa.tattoos?igsh=MTdqcnZoN3J5NTZpdQ%3D%3D&utm_source=qr
Image Credits
Virginia Harold Photography
