Today we’d like to introduce you to Paige Jean Tattoos.
Hi Paige, so excited to have you on the platform. So before we get into questions about your work-life, maybe you can bring our readers up to speed on your story and how you got to where you are today?
I did one year of university and realized I wouldn’t be happy proceeding, so I asked myself how do I have a career in art? I realized that tattooing is an amalgamation of everything I wanted out of a career: I can talk to people, make art, and have a hands on job instead of being stuck on a computer. I got my tattoo apprenticeship in 2015 and never looked back. I started my career in San Antonio, Texas and I currently reside in Salt Lake City, Utah, and have now been tattooing for ten years.
Would you say it’s been a smooth road, and if not what are some of the biggest challenges you’ve faced along the way?
The road wasn’t smooth at all. My apprenticeship had me working a back breaking 80-90 hours a week. I looked exhausted and terrible, however I knew there was more to tattooing than grunt work. After moving to Salt Lake, I was able to have more agency in specializing in black and grey and ever since I have been growing into the artist I have always wanted to be. Although I may still have long weeks, I know it is for me and the art I am making, and every tattoo is a chance to prove myself. About 5 years into my career, I had struggled with having my passion being my job because it felt too much like a job and not my passion. To overcome this I had to develop a better work-life balance and through that my passion for art felt exciting again.
Thanks – so what else should our readers know about your work and what you’re currently focused on?
My work classifies as black and grey realism, inspired heavily by classical painting and sculpture. When I tattoo I focus on the smoothness and consistency of my work, with an emphasis on contrasted shading. I do not tattoo just to have a nice photo when a tattoo is fresh, I strive to have my tattoos heal more beautifully than they look fresh. To ensure quality control and that my work looks just so, I follow up with my clients to see how their tattoos healed. I am always happy to touch something up because ultimately I respect my client and I want my work to look exactly the way I intended. My pride in my work comes from a place that I know I tried my best, before, during and after a client is in my care.
So maybe we end on discussing what matters most to you and why?
There are a couple facets that matter a lot to me. The first facet isn’t art related, but people related. I find it important to connect and speak to my clients. I love getting to know people, their jobs, funny stories, or even drama. I love to have fun with people and engage in a meaningful way. I have learned so many new things about life and the world I am apart of by talking to my clients. I want everyone to feel cared for. The last thing I want for someone in my care is to feel ignored or that it was merely transactional. The second facet that matters a lot to me is of course my art. I have grown much as an artist since I first began and I continue to strive to and reach new heights. It’s addictive. Seeing people’s happy reactions after I finish a piece makes my day and it reinforces why I do what I do. The third facet lies in ego; who doesn’t want to be recognized for their work? Who doesn’t want recognition for something they’ve devoted their life to? I crave that and it is a driving force for my continued improvement as an artist. It matters because I want a legacy.
Pricing:
- Half Day Session $750
- Full Day Session $1500
Contact Info:
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/paigejeantattoos
- Other: https://form.jotform.com/231907142773053
