Ashley Dahl, co-owner of Black Sheep Tattoo and Art Collective in St. Paul, Minnesota, isn’t just a tattoo artist; she’s a testament to passion, resilience, and the power of community within the tattoo world. A Minnesota native through and through, Ashley’s journey into tattooing is as unique and compelling as her art itself. From early aspirations fueled by a youthful, albeit misguided, Amazon tattoo kit purchase, to co-owning a thriving studio, her story is one of overcoming obstacles and embracing individuality – a true embodiment of the “black sheep” spirit.
From Amazon Kits to Black Sheep Tattoo Ownership: A Tattoo Artist’s Journey
Ashley’s fascination with tattooing began in her youth. Driven by an innate desire to create art on skin, she recalls her early, unconventional start. “When I was 15 years old my father, being a supporter of me and my dreams, bought me a ‘tattoo kit’ off of Amazon,” she admits. While acknowledging the initial misstep, she emphasizes the crucial turning point: “Once I found out that I wasn’t going about it the right way, I tossed all of my ‘tattooing equipment,’ worked on building up my portfolio, and waited until I was 18 to start harassing shops.”
This marked the beginning of a challenging apprenticeship hunt. Ashley faced repeated rejections and disheartening experiences over four years. “People not taking me seriously, new shops promising me apprenticeships and then changing their minds, working at a shop just to be sexualized and treated like shit (the basics of becoming an apprentice, right?).” These hurdles, unfortunately common for aspiring artists, tested her resolve.
However, her perseverance paid off. At 22, a Facebook message from an old friend led to an apprenticeship opportunity. Her strong portfolio secured her the position, marking a significant turning point in her career. This apprenticeship wasn’t just a job; it was a mentorship that would shape her future. Seven years later, that apprenticeship has come full circle, with Ashley now co-owning Black Sheep Tattoo and Art Collective alongside her former mentor and partner.
Overcoming Obstacles: Tattooing with One Hand
One of the most significant barriers Ashley faced was skepticism due to being born with one hand. Numerous shops dismissed her outright, believing she couldn’t properly stretch skin – a fundamental aspect of tattooing. “Damn near everyone told me that there was no way I could properly stretch the skin to tattoo therefore there was no way I could tattoo,” she recounts.
Even the shop that eventually hired her initially harbored doubts. It was the unwavering belief and advocacy of another artist that changed the course. This artist championed Ashley, arguing for her talent and adaptability. He even famously demonstrated setting up a tattoo station with one hand behind his back to prove her potential. This pivotal moment not only secured Ashley her apprenticeship but also highlighted the importance of open-mindedness and recognizing talent beyond perceived limitations within the tattoo industry.
Ashley Dahl
While Ashley acknowledges that some areas of the body present unique challenges due to her physical difference, she doesn’t view it as a hindrance but rather as a part of her unique approach. After years of experience at Black Sheep Tattoo, she has honed her skills and understands her strengths, even creating a guide on their website outlining areas she confidently tattoos and those she avoids to ensure the best possible artwork. This self-awareness and dedication to quality are hallmarks of her professionalism.
Defining the Black Sheep Tattoo Style: Dark Imagery and Neo-Traditional Flair
Ashley’s artistic style, prevalent in her work at Black Sheep Tattoo, leans towards the captivatingly dark and beautifully feminine. “I love dark imagery and pretty lady faces,” she states. Her ideal subjects include “lady faces, skulls, and flowers,” revealing a preference for motifs that blend beauty with an edge.
While she primarily works in “black and opaque grays,” Ashley also enjoys “monochromatic color fades,” adding subtle depth and dimension to her pieces. Describing her style is a challenge she embraces. “I think the style that my art closest resembles would be neo-traditional, but at the same time it’s not, lol.” This nuanced description hints at her unique interpretation of neo-traditional elements, characterized by bold lines and a distinctive personal touch. She emphasizes the use of “thick black lines around my designs,” a signature element that provides structure and visual impact to her tattoos.
Ashley Dahl
Inspirations: From Client Connections to Community Spirit at Black Sheep Tattoo
Ashley’s inspiration sources have evolved throughout her career, reflecting her growth as an artist and individual. Early on, she was deeply moved by the personal stories behind tattoos. “Early on in my career I was very interested in the ‘story’ behind the person’s tattoo,” she explains. She valued the opportunity to create meaningful art for clients, initially believing every tattoo needed profound significance. While she still appreciates these connections, her perspective has broadened. “Of course I now know that tattoos don’t have to have any meaning other than, ‘I liked it so I got it.’ And that’s rad, too.”
One particularly impactful early experience involved tattooing a client who gained newfound body confidence through her thigh tattoos. This emotional exchange, where her art directly impacted someone’s self-perception, deeply resonated with Ashley. “That was the first time a client made me cry, it was beautiful and so heartwarming knowing that I got to do that for her.”
Another pivotal moment was tattooing her grandmother, a steadfast supporter of her artistic journey. This personal experience underscored the trust and validation she received from loved ones, fueling her passion and commitment to her craft at Black Sheep Tattoo. “She has helped me out so much in my life and in my career and for her to trust me enough to get tattooed by me speaks volumes in how much she supports me and my dream.”
Ashley Dahl with Pet Sematary Tattoo
Currently, Ashley’s primary inspiration stems from her daughters. “My biggest inspiration now definitely comes from my daughters, hands down. Without even knowing it they push me to do better and be a better artist.” This parental drive adds another layer to her artistic motivation.
Her colleagues at Black Sheep Tattoo and the wider Twin Cities tattoo community also serve as significant sources of inspiration. “Next would be the people I work with, seeing them create makes me want to create, seeing them push themselves makes me want to push myself.” She values the collaborative and supportive environment, especially within their “misfit group of tattoo artists” who prioritize mutual growth and encouragement over competition. This sense of community is central to the ethos of Black Sheep Tattoo.
Pet Sematary and Goats vs. Pandas: Memorable Tattoo Moments
When asked about tattoos she’s particularly proud of, Ashley highlights a Pet Sematary piece. This detailed, less common style for her, pushed her artistic boundaries and resulted in a piece that exceeded her own expectations. “I don’t really mess around with color too much and I NEVER do any sort of portrait realism, so this piece was one that I was very very pleased with.”
Pet Sematary Tattoo
On the lighter side, Ashley recounts her “weirdest/most original/most random tattoo” – a goat preparing to strike a panda with a folding chair. This whimsical and unexpected request perfectly encapsulates the creative freedom and unique clientele that Black Sheep Tattoo attracts. “I did this tattoo about four years ago, and I don’t even think I asked about the story behind it, I just thought that the idea was so fun and unique that I was just happy to be the one to tattoo it.”
Ashley Dahl at Black Sheep Tattoo
Beyond Tattooing: Artistic Versatility
Ashley’s artistic talents extend beyond tattooing. She’s a multi-faceted creator, exploring various mediums. “I have always been interested in art. I’ve played guitar since I was 13, and I love to sing.” She also experiments with unconventional painting materials, using “tattoo ink, coffee, makeup. I’ve used blood before–just whatever I can use to create something I find pleasing to the eye.” This experimental approach mirrors the innovative spirit of Black Sheep Tattoo. Her crafting pursuits also include “jewelry making, beard oils and body butters, I make painted skulls,” demonstrating a wide range of creative interests.
Balancing Art and Life: Home and Community
Outside of Black Sheep Tattoo, Ashley prioritizes family time. “When I’m not tattooing I’m at home with my babies and my significant other, we’re both homebodies for the most part.” Balancing demanding careers with family life is a conscious effort for her and her partner, also a tattoo artist and co-owner of Black Sheep Tattoo.
Ashley is also actively involved in the Twin Cities tattoo community. She co-organizes a monthly meeting for tattoo artists, fostering collaboration and professional development. “Every third Wednesday of the month at 8 p.m. in St.Paul we (the misfit group of tattoo artists that I mentioned earlier) get together to talk about art and the tattoo industry.” These meetings, open to all artists, include critiques, seminars, and networking opportunities, further solidifying the sense of community within the Twin Cities tattoo scene and embodying the collaborative spirit of Black Sheep Tattoo.
Future Projects and Connecting with Ashley Dahl
Looking ahead, Ashley is launching her own shirt design for Black Sheep Tattoo, expanding her artistic reach within the shop’s merchandise. She has also recently become certified in laser tattoo removal, adding another dimension to her services and solidifying Black Sheep Tattoo as a comprehensive art and body modification studio. “So I now am able to not only give tattoos but I can remove them as well.”
To connect with Ashley Dahl and explore her work, you can find her on:
- Instagram: @dahlfacetattoos
- Facebook: Ashley Dahl
Visit Black Sheep Tattoo and Art Collective at:
- 713 Minnehaha Ave. E., St. Paul.
- Website: blacksheeptat.com
- Instagram: instagram.com/blacksheeptattoomn
Ashley Dahl’s story is more than just a tattoo artist profile; it’s an inspiring narrative of talent overcoming adversity, the strength of community within the “black sheep tattoo” world, and the ongoing evolution of an artist dedicated to her craft and her community.
