Today we’d like to introduce you to Jackie Blaho.
Hi Jackie, it’s an honor to have you on the platform. Thanks for taking the time to share your story with us – to start, maybe you can share some of your backstory with our readers.
I’m born and raised in New Jersey but have been living in Southern California for about 8 years. Before moving here, I first visited a cousin of mine that used to live in San Diego and fell in love with it! A year later, I packed up and have been in California ever since. I’ve been drawing my whole life and have always wanted to do something art-related for my career. I got lucky enough about 5 years ago to have an opportunity to learn how to tattoo and get my start. Since starting my tattoo journey, I hit the ground running with transitioning my unique illustrative and geometric drawing style, into my tattoo work that you see today. Over the last 5 years, I continued to work in this style and hope to continue to improve and master my craft as much as possible!
I’m sure it wasn’t obstacle-free, but would you say the journey has been fairly smooth so far?
With any self-employed business, it hasn’t been all smooth sailing. Finding ways to share my work with the world and then turning that into potential clients is always a challenge. My biggest struggle has probably being working within the confines and algorithms of using social media. What I’ve learned along the way though, is to not put too much weight on it, post what I believe in, and continue to be myself. The rest will follow, and I’m very lucky to have some of the best clients and friends I could ask for!
Thanks for sharing that. So, maybe next you can tell us a bit more about your work?
I am a black and grey, fine-line, illustrative tattoo artist with geometric additives. I’m probably most known for my florals or geometrics, and I often do a blend of both, which creates a unique composition for big and small pieces. Florals have been my bread and butter for a long time, but I also really enjoy doing skulls, animals, and some anime characters now and then. Honestly, I love when I’m given an idea that I haven’t done before, it’s always a fun challenge to do something new. My goal is to give that person something completely custom and unique that is theirs to have forever!
I’d say I’m most proud of my dedication to my craft of creating art. I’m a perfectionist at heart, so to be doing something that is permanently in this world, puts the stakes that much higher. I take a lot of pride in putting out the best quality piece I can and work every day on improving as much as possible.
I believe what sets me apart from others is my passion for my work and the experience given for each client. Along with creating a beautiful piece, I always want my clients to feel as comfortable as possible in a situation that is naturally a very vulnerable experience. To do that, I do my best to put any questions or concerns at ease with open and clear communication, and on appointment day, provide a calm and welcoming environment for the best experience I can give!
Are there any apps, books, podcasts, blogs, or other resources you think our readers should check out?
My favorite apps for work would be Procreate and Amaziograph. I love following other fellow artists on Instagram for inspiration and have taken a few online courses created by tattoo artists that are super helpful!
Contact Info:
- Website: www.Artbyjaclyn.me
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/art.byjaclyn/
