Lady L, Ladies Of Ink Creator, Talks To Think Before You Ink About The All Black Female Tattoo Artists Collective Tattoo Tour
By Sidra Lackey
Lorri “Lady L” Thomas, a tattoo artist from Detroit, Michigan with 17 years of tattooing experience total, founded in 2015, Ladies of Ink, a tattoo tour that consists only of Black female tattoo artists. Lady L created this special collective after being fed up with the lack of representation of Black women within the tattoo industry. Through Ladies of Ink, she strives to show that Black women tattoo artists have the skills to thrive in the tattoo industry, despite how they are often perceived by the industry. Since Ladies of Ink has started, the collective has toured all around the country, embracing their mission to unite talented Black women tattoo artists and expose their tattooing talents to the world.
Think Before You Ink had the pleasure of getting an exclusive interview with Lady L as she talks in depth about the very much needed Ladies of Ink Tattoo Tour that is flourishing (the first Ladies of Ink tattoo shop will be opening in Detroit, MI in 2023/2024) within the tattoo industry.
“Ladies of Ink tour is not only a collective of Black women tattoo artists but a safe space for women to travel fearlessly, have discussions about tattooing and our experiences, providing comfort to one another. Most describe it as a “sisterhood,”” Lady L explains to Think Before You Ink about her creative tattoo collective creation.
Think Before You Ink asked what compelled Lady L to start Ladies of Ink Tattoo Tour.
“I started the Ladies of Ink tour because I was tired of going into tattoo shops and conventions and not seeing a reflection of myself. We may be underrepresented in the industry, however we are very much present. I want everyone to know what we are capable of achieving on skin. Gender and race does not affect our skill set,” she says. When asked did she remember the specific moment where she felt compelled to create an all Black female tattoo artists collective, she told Think Before You Ink, “I don’t remember the exact moment, I just remember when I finally took the steps to start putting it together.”
Think Before You Ink wanted to know what Lady L feels Black female tattoo artists bring to the tattooing table over other tattoo artists, being it is still rare to find Black women tattoo artists. Lady L agreed that the rarity of Black female tattoo artists in the tattoo industry is still very real. “I believe that it is still rare to find Black women tattoo artists compared to the number of male artists, especially White male artists. Although the numbers are growing, we still make up less than 9% of the industry. Black women artists bring passion, empathy and resilience to the tattoo industry. We have been looked upon as underdogs, so we constantly have to push through obstacles to be respected and prove that we belong in the industry,” she tells Think Before You Ink eloquently.
Lady L broke down how she chose the talented tattoo artists to work alongside her: “When the tour first started, all the artists were hand-picked by me. I contacted each woman individually to explain my vision and see if they would be on board to join me. I placed all the women who were interested in a group chat so we can get to know each other and start the planning process. As years passed the tour has received a lot of attention and now I have many artists who contact me daily wanting to join.”
Think Before You Ink was curious to know what made Lady L create a tattoo tour rather than a tattoo shop for this collective initially. Also, what is the importance of touring? She explains, “Tattoo shops are a regular thing to see. To see so many Black women unified, supporting each other and traveling together making beautiful art, is not common. Things that stand out, uniqueness is what gets people’s attention. Touring not only inspires other artists to leave their comfort zone/hometowns but also allows artists to gain more clientele, especially in cities where there may not be many (if any) Black women artists.”
Lady L shares the focal point of the tattoo tour and the bigger mission of her Ladies of Ink collective. “The focal point is to show that Black women are capable of producing quality work and working alongside each other peacefully. Also to create a safe space free from sexual harassment/assault, discrimination and judgment.”
Think Before You Ink asked Lady L how she goes about putting together a tour for a year and what happens at one. “Because there are so many artists on our tour now, we only do conventions throughout the year. Some of us that have gotten closer, guest spot at each other’s shops during the year. We are currently working the Villain Arts tattoo convention circuit, and we vote on which cities we want to visit. Since the pandemic of 2020 we have slowed down on planning the tour for the entire year to ensure we don’t have to cancel any stops,” she says.
On the future of Ladies of Ink, Think Before You Ink asked Lady L where she hopes to see her tattoo tour 5-10 years from now. “The Ladies of Ink tour will continue to grow. We are currently the world's largest tattoo tour. Every year we will become more organized and really show the world what we are capable of as a unit. Ladies of Ink will gain more sponsorships and international attention. The first Ladies of Ink shop will be open in Detroit, MI 2023/2024,” she tells Think Before You Ink optimistically.
Lady L has had over a decade working as a tattoo artist (she currently is an artist at Detroit Ink Spot in Detroit, MI) and eight years running a tattoo tour. Think Before You Ink asked her how she balances both so successfully. “I've been tattooing 17 years, 14 years professionally. I have a very strong support system. The shop I work in is very supportive,” she simply says.
Lady L shares with Think Before You Ink more on Ladies of Ink Tattoo Tour 2023: “Atlanta will be our first stop March 10-12, the following weekend we will be in Chicago (March 17-19). The rest of the dates will be posted so please stay tuned to our website www.ladiesofink.com or IG @ladiesofinktour.”
You can also follow Lorri “Lady L” Thomas @ladyltatts for updates on her tour.
To check out the impressive lineup (over 30+) of ladies Lady L has joining her on Ladies of Ink Tattoo Tour 2023, check out their remarkable tattoo artwork on their Instagrams: @bigmama.ink @blackbarbyink @blvqwulph @candicoatedtattoos @coritattoome @crismontana @foxx_2inkedup @gentle_jaz @iamsheinks @inkbyplush @inkedbybleu @inkedbyimani @inkedbyryannkelly @itsme_amh @jahnovaa @__ke_ink @kkhylah @lynk.art @milli.ink @mostdopeink_ @nychelleelisestudios @onefreshmind @renren_tattz @rice_theartist @shauna_ink @sumertattoos @tattoosbymotown @tattoos.by.tasha @thexbutcher @tyyger.style @whotfiskingsunni @yokitatts @zenaf_ink