EP : 1 Why I Stopped Making Art for Two Years and why I had to sacrifice my art practice episode artwork

EPISODE · Feb 4, 2026 · 14 MIN

EP : 1 Why I Stopped Making Art for Two Years and why I had to sacrifice my art practice

from The Artist Altar · host Justine Almaraz

In this episode, I’m sharing what it’s been like to step away from my personal art practice and what it means to come back.After two years focused on building a tattoo education system with my husband, Luis, I reflect on the sacrifices, growth, and clarity that came from putting my own painting on pause. We created an in-person, curriculum-based apprenticeship model that honors tattooing as a serious art form while helping artists learn more efficiently.This episode is really about identity giving yourself permission to call yourself an artist, even after breaks, pivots, or life changes. Being an artist doesn’t disappear just because your focus shifts.This also marks the beginning of my return to painting, and I’m inviting you to join me in the process of the rust, the rebuilding, and the joy of creating again.What We CoverTaking a break from your art without losing your identity as an artistBuilding a tattoo apprenticeship model that actually worksMentorship vs. traditional art schoolDeveloping a recognizable, signature style across mediumsTattooing as an extension of fine artReturning to your creative practice after time awaySchedule your meeting with me here:::: RESEARCH INTERVIEW BOOKINGThanks for being here.Connect with Me:Instagram: @earthaltareduWebsite: earthaltaredu.com YouTube: @earthaltaredu

In this episode, I’m sharing what it’s been like to step away from my personal art practice and what it means to come back.After two years focused on building a tattoo education system with my husband, Luis, I reflect on the sacrifices, growth, and clarity that came from putting my own painting on pause. We created an in-person, curriculum-based apprenticeship model that honors tattooing as a serious art form while helping artists learn more efficiently.This episode is really about identity giving yourself permission to call yourself an artist, even after breaks, pivots, or life changes. Being an artist doesn’t disappear just because your focus shifts.This also marks the beginning of my return to painting, and I’m inviting you to join me in the process of the rust, the rebuilding, and the joy of creating again.What We CoverTaking a break from your art without losing your identity as an artistBuilding a tattoo apprenticeship model that actually worksMentorship vs. traditional art schoolDeveloping a recognizable, signature style across mediumsTattooing as an extension of fine artReturning to your creative practice after time awaySchedule your meeting with me here:::: RESEARCH INTERVIEW BOOKINGThanks for being here.Connect with Me:Instagram: @earthaltareduWebsite: earthaltaredu.com YouTube: @earthaltaredu

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EP : 1 Why I Stopped Making Art for Two Years and why I had to sacrifice my art practice

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This episode was published on February 4, 2026.

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In this episode, I’m sharing what it’s been like to step away from my personal art practice and what it means to come back.After two years focused on building a tattoo education system with my husband, Luis, I reflect on the sacrifices, growth, and...

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