CREATIVE CONVERSATION WITH TATTOO ARTIST: JESSICA STRATTON
JESS wears the KEEN Women’s Zebra print style Yogui’s
Jess has been tattooing for the last 2 and a half years, however her career began in fashion. Having worked both here in London and New York, she has experience across the board in marketing, public relations, and styling with some fantastic brands and publications. Having also dabbled in editorial writing (fashion, news and lifestyle), social media, wholesale, photography, retail, and hospitality. It would be safe to say there isn’t much that she hasn’t turned her hand to.
It was over the pandemic that things really changed for Jess and her new creative journey began. She started to refocus on her love of drawing. Before long she was practicing tattooing designs on herself, her flatmates and her friends and her true passion (and now full time job) was realised. Coming out of lockdown her home studio above the pub became so in-demand, that she made the decision to leave fashion completely and began working from popular Peckham studio K-Ink. Over her year and a half tenure here she honed in on the continuous line style that she has now become recognised for, which she applies to a wide range of subject matters. Ask her what her favourite thing to tattoo is though and she’ll always say the #selfloveclub. This is a unique, personalised process between her and her client, where they send her an intimate picture of themselves to be turned into a piece of body. The concept is simple but powerful, celebrate the skin you’re in, and Jess loves all the amazing stories that bring people to the point of joining the ‘club’. “Everyone is welcome, there’s space for all bodies in the Self Love Club! It’s so rewarding to be able to help people feel empowered and more connected to themselves.”
Jess is always looking to push herself and try new things as a tattoo artist and sees each new request as an opportunity to grow. She has recently taken up residency at two burgeoning new studios so you can catch her in south and east London - Twin Pala in Clapton and Blank Collective in Deptford.
In our chat, we discuss her epic career move, her experiences as a tattoo artist and of course, her inspiring self love club.
Hi Jess, how are you today?
Hey! I’m great thank you, very excited to be here with you.
Your career started out in fashion, predominately working in PR, what led you to becoming a tattoo artist?
Honestly, the whole move happened very organically. I’d been ready to leave PR for a while but hadn’t known in which direction to go. Then I picked up tattooing with no plans of pursuing it - literally just for fun and now I have the funnest job! Do what you love ay?
What’s the best and biggest differences in being a tattoo artist to what you were doing before?
They really are worlds apart, think that’s why I still pinch myself about it. As a tattoo artist, I’m being creative and I’m my own boss, I set my working hours and I’m able to travel. However beyond that I’m creating these memories and experiences for my clients, becoming apart of their stories. Someone literally walks away with my art work on their skin forever and that blows my mind still.
What step thus far, has been the most impactful in your career thus far?
I honestly don’t think I can specify one thing, because it’s been such a beautiful organic process, everything has fallen into a series of fortunate events in a way. However, a few notable bits have been going from working at home to a studio was a massive step up! Having that level of professionalism and being in a new space where I could learn and be around other artists, made sure things like hygiene and customer experience were drilled into me and my practice. From listening to how other artists were with their clients, I was able to learn so much more knowledge. However, opportunities are always popping up and there are always going to be new ways to grow as an artist as you develop your art form.
It’s been amazing to put concepts out there and be given a chance to have people say “Yeh I want your artwork on my body forever” it is kinda crazy! When I did my first back piece, which was a jellyfish, I’d found this to be a popular one among my work and was thinking it would make an amazing back piece, I put this proposed idea on Instagram and within half an hour it was snapped up!! Overall there is an amazing trust involved in this, as you are given the opportunity to share your original pieces with someone who doesn’t know you, but wants your artwork on them. It’s truly an amazing feeling.
So far, what’s been the most rewarding aspect?
Every tattoo is rewarding, but there are some stand-out pieces; my first back piece was pretty special. The self-love club pieces always stand out because there’s an even greater level of trust between you and your client, it’s not every day you send nudes to a stranger on the internet to draw…
Would you say that you’ve got a moment in which you will feel like you’ve made it?
I think a big goal for a lot of tattoo artists is opening their own studio, as a real made-it moment. But I don’t think it has to stop there - how about 2 studios? How about expanding abroad..? How about a book, merch, etc.
What’s a perception of the tattoo world or tattoo artists that you would like to see change?
It makes me sad that not everyone can just get tattoos wherever they want because of appearing less professional - everyone should be able to express themselves - get that face tattoo Kevin from Finance! (just nothing super offensive, please!)
What advice would you give to someone who wants to become a tattoo artist?
Draw, draw all the time. Then draw some more. Practice, practice, practice and make sure you research your hygiene. We’re trying to make people look sick not actually sick!
Stay up to date with Jessica Stratton
@twinpala // @blankcollective
Special thanks Keen Footwear
SHOP
Creative team
Photographer: JOHNNY COOKE
Art Director: KOJO HAMMOND
Produced & Interviewed by: SOPHIE EMMETT
Location: Location: TWIN PALA