The Island Creatress

Looking for some fresh ink? Worried about what to do? Darrian Young at Infinite Expressions has you covered with a wide range of ideas, Darrian is ready to take on any tattoo design that is brought to her workspace.

Tattoos are expensive and overwhelming. Darrian is ready to take on any challenge in her tattoo career and make you feel comfortable while she creates art on your body.

Born and raised on the Island, Darrian always enjoyed drawing as a child. Her parents were very encouraging of her artistic abilities.

Darrian took the Fundamental Arts program at Holland College. Until she took the program, Darrian had been avoiding colour in all of her art. In this program, she had to explore and test her artistic abilities.

The Fundamental Arts program is a one year course offered at Holland College and located at the Prince of Wales Campus. The Fundamental Arts program allows students to explore and test different mediums in art.

Not only that but students get to take a deep look into some art history. Students can build a portfolio for the industry by simply doing the work given in class. The Fundamental Arts program has many different elements packed into one year to ensure students get a taste of all artistic mediums.

Darrian was very happy to work alongside her program instructor, Gweneth Branch-Rice who encouraged all of her artistic abilities. "We love our art mom."

Darrian and other students have expressed the exciting nature of this program is due to the wonderful instructors.

Through this program, Darrian realized two things. The first was that she would have to use colour in her works eventually, even if it was uncomfortable. And the second was that she needed to find a job at the end of school that would constantly entertain her.

March 16, 2020, PEI was in an official state of emergency due to the Coronavirus pandemic unfolding across Canada. It was during this first lockdown that she realized she needed to find an expressive job.

This was when Darrian started her apprenticeship at Infinite Expressions with Carlos Lopes. Infinite Expressions has three artists. Carlos Lopes, Jeff Wilson, and now Darrian Young herself. Carlos is an award-winning artist, he is known for his captivating realism pieces.

Darrian has been under his apprenticeship for over a year now, taking advice lightly, she has been learning different techniques.

"I have picked up my own techniques. I hold my needle different than other artists." Darrian explained that when she tattoos, she hold her needle a little further out. Typically a tattoo artist will put the needle in 1mm from the gun, that is about the thickness of a debit card. Darrian holds her needle out a little further than average artists because it gives her more control. In the time she has been apprenticed she has built up enough muscle to hover over her canvas with her tattoo gun. Darrian is incredibly gentle and delicate when she is working.

Darrian gets to have her own space at the back of the store. Being behind the curtain and towards the back allows for Darrian to make the space more comfortable. Especially if the tattoo is meaningful or in an awkward place.

Tattoos are lifelong commitments. Darrian will take on any project but also has fun designs you can get that make people excited about going to her. Darrian wants to create a more friendly atmosphere around not only tattoo culture itself, but women working in the industry as well.

Her inspiration for getting this involved in the industry comes from two women she follows on Instagram. @lucegray, a Scottish tattoo artist specializing in realism, specifically portrait tattoos, and @lindsayrosetattoos, an artist based out of a Toronto tattoo studio.

Darrian is affordable, efficient and full of energy. Darrian is super flexible when it comes to ensuring her customers get the best experience possible. Infinite Expressions Tattoo Studio is located at 325 University Avenue, Charlottetown. To book an appointment you can give the studio a call at (902)-370-4465. The studio environment is friendly and inviting, exactly how it should be. You can follow the studio on Instagram here, and Darrian on Instagram to follow her art here.