In December, I had the incredible opportunity to speak with the talented artist, Kelly McLean, during her visit to Montreal. Our conversation delved into her creative process, inspirations, and the stories behind her work. It was a captivating experience that allowed me to ask her a few questions, revealing the passion and dedication that fuel her artistry.Here’s what she had to say about her path to becoming a tattoo artist and the world of tattooing.
I began my journey into tattooing in 2011.
While attending cosmetology school, I was introduced to Rue aka RUethless Irons and the tattoo community through my charcoal drawings.
Just two days after graduating, I embarked on my apprenticeship, it was a fortunate path that I stumbled upon by chance, completely unaware of how significant and meaningful it would become in my life.
I underwent a five-year apprenticeship under Rue, in which we travelled across multiple cities and states. A few years in, I was lucky enough to secure an apprenticeship in permanent makeup, which was hard to come by at that time. Today, I proudly combine both tattooing and cosmetic tattooing in my work.
We kicked off 2016 in Houston, where we still reside, and I’ve been working at Gold Rush Collective since we moved there. The studio primarily focuses on black and grey realism.
From the very start of my apprenticeship, I knew I wanted to channel my energy into portraits. I had been drawing portraits in charcoal and wanted to translate that skill onto skin. While I would like to incorporate a few small, one-shot black and grey flash pieces, my enduring passion will always be for portraits.
Many individuals inspire and influence me in various ways, with Jamie Mahood being a significant influence due to her classic, simple and tattoo-friendly approach to portraits while maintaining realism.
I’ve been part of the tattoo world for just over 13 years, and during this time, it has transformed dramatically. This also applies to the realm of permanent makeup. Some changes have been for the better, while others not so much. The rise of social media stands out as one of the most significant shifts during this period. It’s beneficial for tattooing but can also be extremely toxic. It’s a love-hate relationship, a necessary evil, in a way. I strive to keep my focus on my work and my clients, keeping my head down. I constantly aim to make each tattoo better than the last, ensuring that my work stands the test of time on the skin.
Fresh and healed portrait of Dolly Parton by Kelly Deano
My portrait consultation process is fairly straightforward.
I typically handle everything via email. I request clear, high-quality reference photos of the portrait they wish to have done. The more photos they provide, the better. This way, I have options to choose from and can identify the photo(s) that will translate best into a tattoo. For a portrait tattoo, I believe the reference photo is crucial. I also ask them to send a clear photo of the placement they desire for the tattoo, as well as whether it will be on the left or right side of their body from their perspective.
As our conversation wrapped up, I couldn’t help but reflect on how much fun it was to chat with Kelly. Her vibrant energy and passion for her craft left me inspired. We eagerly hope to see her back in Montreal soon, whether for art shows or conventions. Until then, we’ll be following her journey and rooting for her continued success!
