Well hey there, Craftonians! ✨
If you’ve been hanging out with me on the Happy Time Craftcast, you know we don’t just talk about paint, paper, or the occasional glue gun mishap (though yes — I’ll always say yes to sparkle). We talk about creativity, courage, and how art flows through every corner of life.
This week, I’m so excited to welcome Audra Grosz, tattoo artist, muralist, and owner of Tattoo Zuzu in Viroqua, Wisconsin, for Episode 82. Audra brings such a vibrant, inspiring energy as we talk about tattoos as fine art, how the industry has evolved over the last 11 years, and how digital tools like Procreate are transforming mural design. We dive into experimentation, dabbling across mediums, and how creativity isn’t just in your hands — it’s in your community, your curiosity, and the connections you make along the way.
Getting to Know Audra
Audra has been tattooing professionally for over 11 years and previously co-owned Wayward Tattoos in Madison — the city’s first women-owned tattoo shop. A lifelong art enthusiast and Driftless-area native, she blends fine art, craft, and community in every project, from tattoos and murals to mixed-media experiments that continually push her creativity forward.
What I Learned from Audra
Our conversation reminded me that creativity thrives when we stay curious and allow ourselves to dabble. Audra’s journey shows how art can live everywhere — on skin, on walls, and in the ways we connect with the people and spaces around us. I loved when she said, “Tattooing is such a beautiful blend of fine art, craft, and community.” That line stuck with me — it’s a gentle but powerful reminder that creativity is bigger than any one project or medium.
Why You’ll Love This Episode
If you’ve ever wanted to explore new mediums…
If you’ve been hesitant to try something bold or outside your comfort zone…
If you love hearing stories about how art and community intertwine…
This episode is a joyful, curiosity-filled reminder that it’s never too late to explore, experiment, and connect through creativity.
So grab your favorite creative tool, settle in, and join us for a conversation full of color, craft, and community!
Until next time, Craftonians — keep creating, keep exploring, and keep saying yes to all the ways art shows up in your life. 💛
With love and laughter,
Joleen
PS: 🎥 Watch the full episode below:
Guest Bio
Audra Grosz is the owner of Tattoo Zuzu in Viroqua, Wisconsin, and has been tattooing professionally for over 11 years, previously co-owning Wayward Tattoos in Madison — the city’s first women-owned tattoo shop. A Driftless-area native and lifelong art enthusiast, Audra blends fine art, craft, and community in her work, creating tattoos, murals, and mixed-media projects while continually exploring new techniques both on and off the skin.
Follow Audra
Episode Chapters with Timestamps
[00:00 – 10:14] – Welcome & Retreat Updates from Big Raven Farm
[10:15 – 11:59] – Introducing Audra Grosz
[12:00 – 15:29] – First Impressions of Being a Tattoo Artist
[15:30 – 21:59] – How the Tattoo Industry Has Changed in 11 Years
[22:00 – 26:29] – From Art School to Tattooing
[26:30 – 29:59] – Dabbling in Multiple Mediums
[30:00 – 34:29] – Tattoo Techniques: Stipple & Fine Line Shading
[34:30 – 39:59] – Murals, Procreate & Designing for Walls
[40:00 – 44:59] – Creativity at Home & Playing with Tools
[45:00 – End] – Community, Craft & Staying Curious
Quotes from the Episode
“Tattooing is such a great blend of fine art, craft, and community.” — Audra Grosz
“Creativity kind of does whatever is in front of our hands.” — Joleen Emery
“Art isn’t just what you make — it’s how you live and connect with your community.” — Joleen Emery
“Sometimes the best inspiration comes from playing and exploring without expectations.” — Joleen Emery
“Instagram completely changed how we connect, share, and inspire in the tattoo world.” — Audra Grosz
Resources and Links
🎨 Learn more about retreats at Big Raven Farm
🖌 Support Audra's tattoo community
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