I'm Stepping Away From Tattooing

It's time for a change.

This has been a long time coming, and I wanted to share it properly rather than quietly disappear.

From October, I'll be stepping away from tattooing. This isn't something I've decided lightly. If I'm honest, it doesn't really feel like a choice at all - it's simply something I need to do right now.

I've been tattooing for over six years, and it's been a privilege. The trust people have placed in me, the stories we've shared, the conversations in the studio... I've never taken any of it for granted.

The truth is, I've been running on empty for quite a while. Over time, I've found myself with less and less capacity for everyday life. A lot of things have contributed to that - ADHD, navigating possible autism, peri-menopause, depression, and family life among them. I'm okay - I just can't keep pretending I have the energy I used to. I'm lucky to have amazing support around me - especially my husband, Matt - alongside meds and a good therapist. I'm not sharing this because I'm looking for sympathy; I'd just rather be honest.

Earlier this year I started painting again, and completely fell back in love with it. For the first time in a long time, it feels like I'm exactly where I'm supposed to be. That feeling has clarified things for me, and I'm choosing to put my energy into painting and see where it leads.

If you've been thinking about getting tattooed by me, now is the time to book. I'll be tattooing until October, and I still have availability, although I'd recommend getting in touch sooner rather than later as I expect appointments to fill up fairly quickly.

Existing clients and anyone with a voucher will be given priority. Once my diary is full, I'll close bookings and disable my design shop, but I'll keep you posted on availability over the next few months. I'm also a little behind on emails and messages at the moment, so thank you for bearing with me while I catch up.

To everyone who's trusted me with your ideas, your skin and your time, recommended me to a friend, shared my work, or simply followed along over the years - thank you. It's been a chapter of my life I'll always be grateful for.

I don't know what comes next. This might be a pause, or it might become something more permanent. I just know I need to give myself the chance to find out.

If you'd like to follow what I'm creating next, I'll be sharing more over on Instagram here - @cathwalls.studio.

Cath x