Marina Carmena

Paper Moon was a great experience. I loved my shop owner, co-workers, and clients. I built a clientele quickly and stayed consistently booked while taking walk-ins whenever possible. It was a great learning experience, and I grew so much as an artist. In the end, I chose to leave because Pennsylvania just wasn't the right place for me. I still hold fond memories and great relationships with my shop family.

After leaving my home shop, I traveled as a guest artist. I traveled up and down the East Coast, working at various shops, meeting other artists, and absorbing as much knowledge as I could along the way. It was such a wonderful experience, and I'm so grateful for everyone I got to meet. I feel it matured me as an artist and gave me a newfound confidence in myself and my work.

Inkognito is where it all started! I apprenticed under Lillian Artrip and fell in love with tattooing. My mentor encouraged me to explore the tattoo world, which ultimately led me to take the time to travel. While at Inkognito I built a strong clientele based in the Raleigh-Durham area, managed all my bookings and paperwork, and attended many conventions.