Devin Lemble

Fierce independence allows a single focus for a new entrepreneur.

 

Devin Lemble has an unyielding determination to bring his dream to fruition. As a young aspiring entrepreneur, he is using his talent as an artist to forge a career as a tattoo designer. His passion, talent, and determination have given him the opportunity to practice as an independent artist, however, his ultimate goal is to open his own studio, Blaze Ink. Although Devin has received many offers to help finance his launch, he is driven to accomplish his goals exclusively on his own.

After completing high school Devin obtained his license as a tattoo artist and completed all of the required certifications in 2017. He was immediately hired as an apprentice and worked as a tattoo artist with a local company. By using social media and word of mouth, he gained a following. Some of his designs can be seen on instagram.com/devinlemble.

Devin Lemble is an ambitious aspiring young entrepreneur. He is well on his way to accomplishing his goal as he has been acquiring all of the necessary equipment, licensing and training to meet the challenge. There is no doubt this resolute entrepreneur will blaze his own way to success.

Where did the idea for your company come from?

I love being an artist, and I love working with people. After I started Tattooing I knew this what I would want to do as a career. I have a vision of where I am going with the business. I am working hard to accomplish those goals.

What does your typical day look like and how do you make it productive?

Before work, I like to do some reading on trends in the industry. I then make sure that all of the equipment is clean and sterilized. Afterward, I have client appointments. If they are tattoo appointments I block off a few hours. If its a consultation, I’ll meet with clients to get an idea of what kind of tattoo that they desire. I’ll spend a lot of time perfecting the designs for each individual customer.

How do you bring ideas to life?

The ideas for tattoos are uniquely designed for each individual person. I’ll sit down with the client to flesh out a concept for what they want. I love the feeling when I arrive at the client’s desired artwork. Often times, it’s not necessarily the image they had in mind, but a realistic depiction of their ideas – they usually like this better. I also have many of my own designs available to clients. If they do not have anything specific in mind, they can choose one of my designs. I’ve had clients that have trusted my work so much, that they’ve given me free rein to create whatever design I think would fit them best. These are some of my favorite pieces because of how great I was able to make the client feel.

What’s one trend that excites you?

I am really excited about the innovative work being done with invisible and glow in the dark ink. I think that a lot of people will be moving towards these options in the future, so preemptively, I’m perfecting my skills and designs using these inks.

What is one habit of yours that makes you more productive as an entrepreneur?

I think the habit that makes me more productive as an entrepreneur, and more so as an artist, is my consistent practice of pre-planning, organization, and perseverance. Pre-planning and organization allow me to layout and create the perfect pieces for my clients. My perseverance keeps me on the path to opening my own studio on my own, no matter the pressures or offers from outside investment.

What advice would you give your younger self?

Oh wow! If you have a talent, embrace it!

Tell us something that’s true that almost nobody agrees with you on.

That Tattoos are not a trend. There used to be a stigma about people with tattoos. And I’m not sure why, people have been tattooing themselves since ancient times. Most tattoos are very personal to the individual and for some, they are a ritual or a way of life. It will never be simply a trend.

As an entrepreneur, what is the one thing you do over and over and recommend everyone else do?

One of the things that I do that I think is critical in this business is research. I am very concerned about the health and safety of my clients. I learned a lot when I earned my certification in bloodborne disease infections. I always stay updated on changes and updates to the safety measures for artists, I like to be extra cautious and tend to take extra precautions to ensure the safety of my clients. I also research different styles of tattoos and stay on top of the latest new developments within the industry.

What is one strategy that has helped you grow your business?

I was really lucky in that I gained many loyal customers when I was working on my apprenticeship. People have been seeking me out. My strategy is to open Blaze Ink., as soon as possible to keep the attention of my current customers. I have been purchasing all of my equipment. I have been keeping up with new innovation within the industry. I use Instagram for photos of my work right now. I may invest in a web page to have a web presence.

What is one failure you had as an entrepreneur, and how did you overcome it?

I don’t really call it a failure. I have not been able to open directly after I completed my apprenticeship. It is something that I am unwavering with my commitment to launch Blaze Ink., as soon as it is financially feasible.

What is one business idea that you’re willing to give away to our readers?

If someone could create an app for individual tattoo artists who specialize in specific body art designs, it would be very useful for those of us in the industry.

What is the best $100 you recently spent? What and why?

I have invested in the right equipment to be able to open my Blaze Ink Studio. It was the best money I have spent because it will assist the launch of my studio.

What is one piece of software or a web service that helps you be productive?

I use graphic art design web service to research ideas for customers. It assists them when clarifying the tattoo that they want. It assists me with their design and to bring their desired result.

What is the one book that you recommend our community should read and why?

A book that I found very interesting was The Tattoo History Source Book by Stephen Gilbert. It’s all about the history of tattoos – where they originated and why we get/got them.

What is your favorite quote?

If you cheat, you are only cheating yourself.

Key Learnings:

● Focus and hard work and commitment will launch a business.
● Fierce independence allows a single focus for a new entrepreneur.
● The health and safety of customers is always a priority.