Rising Stars: Meet Kjerstin (Kj) Afflatus of Grand Rapids, Michigan

Today we’d like to introduce you to Kjerstin (Kj) Afflatus

Hi Kjerstin, so excited to have you on the platform. So before we get into questions about your work-life, maybe you can bring our readers up to speed on your story and how you got to where you are today?
Art in any form has always been a huge part of my life, probably since the moment I could hold a pencil. I have always had a creative mind, and I am very grateful for the adults in my life that always encouraged my artistic abilities. Most of my childhood was painting with my grandparents, learning piano with my great grandmother, and photography with my grandpa. Art and music are the foundation of who I am, and I have found myself through them both time and time again. Suddenly, time stopped completely for me, I was passenger in a terrible car accident when I was about 16. The second and third metacarpals in my dominate hand were shattered, and the doctors were unsure how it would heal. The only concern I had through it all was if I would be able to still draw and play guitar. I remember trying to hold a pencil while still in my cast even, against doctor’s orders. While recovering I found myself depressed without being able to create. So I picked photography back up, training my eyes while retraining my hand how to cooperate with drawing again. It was a long road to recovery and sometimes I still experience pain after a long tattoo session or when a big storm is rolling in. But ultimately, this break (pun intended), is what kickstarted my determination to focus and center my life around my art. There was a lot of pressure around attending college, and picking a “realistic” career path. Graphic Design was the closest degree to art I could get, yet I never felt truly passionate about it. Randomly one day, a little bird told me a tattoo shop in the area was looking for front desk help. I always loved tattoos and had a few of my own and big plans for my whole body to eventually be covered in other peoples art. So I took the leap of faith and managed the studios front desk for two years before my boss and future mentor found the art I was posting on my art account. Some of which is still posted on my Instagram if you scroll far enough down. I began piercing and after the pandemic shutdown I began tattooing and have never looked back.

I’m sure it wasn’t obstacle-free, but would you say the journey has been fairly smooth so far?
Part of the reason I love tattooing is the way it challenges me. Just like any job there are always struggles, but I am consistently raising the expectations for myself and where I want to be. The struggles are what have helped me grow and pushed me to learn and go above and beyond to try to master the craft. Tattooing is not easy, being your own independent artist and boss is not easy. But one thing about me is I don’t take short cuts or back down just because something challenges me. Growth is what happens once you push yourself beyond that struggle. I was told there was a potential I wouldn’t be able to draw again after my accident, I never dreamed I would be able to tattoo after it either. I wouldn’t change anything about my path or the struggles I went through to get where I am today, because it’s all what makes me who I am.

As you know, we’re big fans of you and your work. For our readers who might not be as familiar what can you tell them about what you do?
There’s so many creative things I do. From drawing, painting, woodburning , and pinning bugs and butterflies all on the side. Tattooing is my main focus and my career. I specialize in my own style which takes inspiration from Neo-Traditional, Realism, Surrealism and the art nouveau. I also love floral work, anime, abstract and symmetry. I am known for my bug designs, my color work and my clean lines whether they are bold or fine. I am most proud of my growth over the years but also my loyal clientele and friends who are always supporting me. I wouldn’t be here without them. I have created a safe and collaborative atmosphere in my studio, with consent and patience as the backbone of it all.

Are there any important lessons you’ve learned that you can share with us?
That I will never stop learning, and I don’t ever want to. I always want to achieve the best tattoo for my client and so I am always striving for more knowledge and techniques to better my tattoos everyday.

Pricing:

• I book by time block based on the piece so please inquire for pricing!

Contact Info:

• Website: https://bio.site/afflatus
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/afflatus_tattoos?igsh=MXJ3cW5tbjF0OTYwdA%3D%3D&utm_source=qr
• Other: Afflatus Tattoos