Chavonna “Bang” Rhodes is a pioneer in the tattoo industry and its relevance is constant (interview)

Chavonna “Bang” Rhodes is full of controversy. 28 year old and quiet, but undeniably brave. She is brooding in her words, while at the same time a little rebellious by nature. And the artist from Atlanta is a black woman who tattoo. While this last point should not be a contradiction in a perfect world, it is a contradiction in our world. After all, the tattoo industry is known to be dominated by fair-skinned men. But Bang is determined to change standards and create space for black women in the profession..

Chavonna “Bang” Rhodes – an interview with a tattoo artist

     Bang got her name in high school. Yes, it was because of the typical after-school brawl you see in the movies. Bang and her cousins ​​won. But this was also facilitated by her short bangs, which made her look not so much like an aspiring boxer, but rather like a teenager, which she was..

The name grew with Bang and her personality throughout her adult life. In conversation with Katie Dupere, she smashes the highest expectations with a punch. Her confidence is unshakable, fierce, and grabs attention like an unexpected clash of sounds. She will throw some notorious (or actual) punches if you try to hold her. She is Bang, she is the blow. And she’s the truest definition of a rebel rule-breaker.

Katie Duper: What do you think makes you a rule breaker?

Chavonna Rhodes: The fact that I don’t play by the rules – but don’t twist, I’m not cheating. I consider myself unique and stand out from other artists and just other people in general. I have broken through the social stigma of being a black artist and have used it to my advantage, which makes me unique and stand out from the rest of the fair-skinned tattoo society..

“Not only do I know how to create art, but I can create a permanent piece of art that will last forever and be seen by so many people.”

CJ: What do you like most about a tattoo?

CR: It’s a way for me to express myself and be creative. Not only do I know how to create art, but I can also create a permanent piece of art that will last forever and be seen by so many people. How cool is it for your work to have a life of its own?

CJ: Tattooing is known as a very light skinned and very masculine profession. How did you work to gain space for yourself in this industry??

CR: I use my personality to my advantage. Being black and being a woman is both unique in this game. But I knew that I had to do twice as good to earn the respect from this community. I worked harder, worked smarter and smarter, forging my own path and making a name for myself.

CJ: Can you recall a particularly revealing time when you were underestimated for being a black woman in the industry?

Impostor Syndrome? Never. I know who I am as a person and as a tattoo artist. I never doubted my ability to do what I intended. “

David Lasso

CR: One day a fair-skinned man came to the salon where I worked and asked for a tattoo. I was free, and the people working there knew I was the best at getting this tattoo, so they gave it to me. When I came out of the back room, he said, “Oh, is she going to tattoo me?” Obviously, he didn’t like the fact that I was a dark-skinned woman. I said:

“Yes, you have a problem with that.” In the end, he let me get a tattoo, and I got it damn cool..

CJ: Have you ever had Impostor Syndrome? If yes, how did you get through this??

CR: Impostor Syndrome? Never. I know who I am as a person and a tattoo artist. I never doubted my ability to do what I had in mind. I am not discouraged by other artists who are more talented than me. I look at it as motivation and friendly competition to be an even better artist..

CJ: There are a lot of tattoo artists who don’t want to tattoo on dark skin. What would you say to artists who refuse black clients?

CR: For those artists who give up dark skin, you are all fucking losers who will lack the skills and knowledge, and will just generally be afraid to take the challenge and take the time to understand the technique of tattooing on dark skin. Perfect your craft by being able to tattoo all skin types. Nothing is better than a versatile artist with a versatile portfolio.

CJ: What has been most beneficial and rewarding that you are a black woman in the tattoo industry??

“Don’t be afraid to take on this career. We need more black women in this community. “

CR: The most rewarding thing that came from a black woman in this industry is the opportunity to tell my story and make others listen, be able to express myself creatively and, of course, people who support me at every step. Being able to confidently stay on your feet – having only six years in this field and making a name for yourself – is the biggest reward.

CJ: What would you say to other black women who want to work in the tattoo industry??

CR: Don’t be afraid to take on this burden. We need more black women in this area. Be smart and tough right from the start. Start with discipleship and the rest will come naturally.

CJ: Which rule of adulthood do you break most often??

CR: The best part about being an adult is that there are no rules. Right?

 

This interview has been edited and abridged for clarity of expression..

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Prepared by: ALINACHALAYA (Chalaya Alina Alexandrovna)