Lucid Mirage is a tattoo artist whose work embraces the darker side of human expression. Originally from California, Lucid moved to the Pacific Northwest in 2017, finding inspiration in the moody landscape and gothic subculture. Known for her striking black-and-grey designs and boundary-pushing tattoos, she has built a following through her unique style and dedication to her craft. In this interview, Lucid opens up about her journey, the connection between her art and personal aesthetic, and how her love for photography and travel fuels her creativity.
Many reasons?
I think since I was young I was always most drawn to/fascinated by art that explores expressionism.
Things that make you think, catch your eye and make you take a second look. Things that give the viewer some sort of emotional reaction whether it be awe, curiosity, disgust, lust, a sense of understanding.
When I first started drawing, like really drawing as a relief from daily life stresses I think is when I realized the easiest way for me to convey the emotions I was feeling was through sharp edges, heavy shadows, and shocking imagery. I’m always so grateful I had that outlet through the angsty teen days.
As time went on and I learned to step out of my feels when necessary I started having more fun with exploring making these kinds of sketches/drawings more aesthetically pleasing.
So, I guess in a way a lot of the things I make are empathizing with the “darker” and “more taboo” things we see and experience as humans. Things that we all see and understand but maybe don’t have the words to or don’t want to talk about and I have fun exploring that through imagery!
Moving to WA was one of the best decisions I ever made for myself.
Starting fresh and moving from my hometown getting to make art in some cloudy magic forest is definitely the vibe.
Being able to just isolate even from everyone I love back in CA and just focus on my personal development as a human and artist has definitely paid off and I can’t wait to continue to grow. WA is home now.
I feel like black and grey art/tattoos there is more of a heavy focus on the use of light/shadows/proportions/and details which I enjoy. And it just looks nice to me. Bold/high contrast tattoos. Black ink ages well in the skin and doesn’t usually need many if any touch ups.
It’s nice to have all sorts of different outlets and ways to express yourself!
I’m able to use photography and what I learned from visual arts classes as a tool in displaying my work.
Getting to tattoo my parents was pretty crazy/meaningful. I got to do both of their first tattoos. Never would I have ever thought that they would get tattoos growing up haha.
I’m passionate about the tattoos I make and feel welcome and at home in the goth/alt community. I’m so grateful to have had the trust I did from the very beginning to give people permanent art on their bodies. It inspires me to be the best I can be for my clients.
I have music on all day every day. It helps keep me focused. I love when I find a song that makes me want to draw in that moment.
Traveling and getting out of my normal routine definitely keeps me inspired and fosters new ideas. I’ve made flash sheets from things I’ve seen on vacations.
I like have to draw or I don’t feel like myself. I thankfully don’t feel like I struggle with inspiration. I’m always excited to draw my next tattoo design. I’ve been tattooing professionally almost 3 years now and I think seeing the growth in each new tattoo I do excites me the most.
I feel like I’ve always been open to being adaptable. That’s part of the fun of tattooing. Every day is different, every project is different, different placements, different skin types. You’re always going to find a more efficient way to adapt the way you work.
Just get what you like! As long as it’s not like racist or hateful go crazy.
It’s weird when people try to make rules on what other people wanna put on their bodies. If you want a decaying baby on your arm go for it 🤷🏻♀️ Might get some mixed reactions but hey maybe that’s someone’s way of memorializing or expressing themselves.
I was fortunate enough to have my portfolio on Instagram recognized by a local tattoo shop and that was the opportunity that lead me to where I am now. So digital platforms play a huge role in the tattoo industry.
Most tattoo artists rely on Instagram or Tik Tok or both for clients and bookings. It seems like things will continue to go in that direction regardless of if artists stay on Instagram and Tik Tok or not.
That’s another one of those constantly evolving and changing things. How and where we market ourselves from hashtags to reels to promoting in person events.
