Amanda Leadman

Issue n°1 | by Halston Mcatee | Nashville, TN

Amanda Leadman is one of the most sought after female tattoo artists in the country. Complex Magazine named Amanda one of their top 10 female tattoo artists we have a crush on, alongside Kat Von D, Virgina Elwood, and Angelique Houtkamp, just to name a few. She is now based in Nashville, but her traveling spirit allows her to journey all over the US for her work. She is drawn to traditional style tattoos, but her style is a mix of realism and abstraction. Her form continues to develop as she balances trips, family, friends, and rowdy nights.

Where were you born and raised?

I was born and raised in Ohio!

The four most exciting things when you lived in Philly?
(while working at No Ka Oi Tattoo)

My boyfriend, endless tattoos, flat grid streets, and so much so close by.

One thing you miss about the midwest?

Corn fields, my family and friends. I guess that is three things :)

How long ago did you catch the tattooing bug?

Ha ha, I guess my early teens? Begging my mom and dad for one at 16.

Lefty or righty?

Righto

The name of the shop you currently work at?

Black 13 Tattoo

What is it like being one of the top ten woman tattoo artists to be crushing on right now?

Oh man! Pretty cool, that was such a surprise and I am thankful someone out there decided I should make the list!

You mostly work with girls now, how is that different then working in an all boy shop?

Both are so fun, either one just brings out a different part of my personality.

No matter what anyone says boys can be just as catty.

Are there any historical or contemporary artists that inspire you?

Of course! I love Georgia O'Keefe, Mucha, Audrey Kawasaki, any old medical or nature drawings.

Countless others as well, going to any museum is always a treat.

What do you enjoy about working in this medium?

It is the best! You get to work with the client, which makes it so much different than doing art

work just "for yourself". You are constantly challenged to fit your own style and give the client what

they want, making a successful piece that much more rewarding. Aside from that, what medium is cooler than a tattoo?!

What challenges have you found in your work?

Endless ones. Keeping my style interesting enough to generate clients, staying on top of technology,

balancing a home life and a work life. Never gets boring though!

Your sister buys and sells vintage clothes at NoirOhio,
what are five pieces of clothing you can not live without?

NoirOhio!!! Can't live without any of my sweaters, my three pairs of cheap monday second skin
jeans (all identical) or my black beanie hat, good for skipping showers. My All Saints circle scarf with
attached hood, puts me to sleep on plane rides...and last my bear slippers. My sister is much more stylish :)