Malia Reynolds has been tattooing for nearly 10 years. Her impressive portfolio bursts with beautiful, bold colors, intricate designs with feminine details, and a level of talent that looks as innate as it does carefully honed. Six years ago, the Hawaii-born and California-bred artist landed in Georgia, and began working with Russ Abott at Ink & Dagger Tattoo Parlour in Decatur. She’s since posted up (along with her feisty Chihuahua) at Memorial Tattoo on Moreland Avenue, and currently resides in Grant Park.
Here, she talks with CommonCreativ about her first tattoo, working in a male-dominated field and what she loves about the art scene in ATL.
CommonCreativ: When did you realize you wanted to have a career in the arts?
Malia Reynolds: When I was in third grade, I worked on the yearbook committee and loved the graphic design aspect. That’s when I realized I could make money as an artist. I have been an artist for as long as I can remember.
CC: What drew you to tattooing?
MR: I’ve always been attracted to tattooing. When I was about 10, I started a small ‘business’ of drawing tattoo designs for my friends. I was always drawing on friends and myself. But it really wasn’t until I completed my graphic design degree that I realized I should be a tattoo artist.
CC: Who are some of your favorite tattoo artists?
MR: Nikko Hurtado, Mr. Cartoon, Jose Lopez and Dave Kruseman, to name a few.
CC: What was your first tattoo?
MR: A tiny star on my butt! My boyfriend was getting a half-sleeve from Fip Buchanan, I was bored and there you go. Star on my butt.
CC: What are you favorite and least favorite tattoos/styles to do?
MR: My favorite is anything occurring in nature, and my least favorite is portraits. I don’t do portraits because they stress me out too much.
CC: Do you think working in a male-dominated environment has provided you with extra challenges?
MR: Definitely! I’ve had to prove myself from the minute I started. People that see tattoos I’ve done are always shocked—”a girl did that!?”—which always makes me chuckle. I think you’re either a good artist or you’re not—it shouldn’t matter what gender you are.
CC: Who are some of your favorite Atlanta creatives?
MR: [Tattoo artists] Phil Colvin, Russ Abbott and Jason Kelly.
CC: What do you think about the current arts scene in Atlanta?
MR: I think it’s amazing! There’s always an art show, parade or music event to go to—I think we have an amazing array of talented people in this city.
Find out more about Malia and check out her portfolio at maliareynoldstattoo.com.
