Rising Stars: Meet Jasmine Knight

Today we’d like to introduce you to Jasmine Knight

Hi Jasmine, we’d love for you to start by introducing yourself. 
Hiii! My name is Jasmine, and I am a Resident Tattoo Artist that specializes in black & grey realism & illustrative work. I am located in City Heights at Hustle Tattoo & Piercings! 

Prior to tattooing, I was working a 9-5 at the Department of Justice – completely different, I know. My days were filled with spreadsheet after spreadsheet, sneaking in times when I could to work on my drawings. That then grew into me selling my prints and taking painting commission work via Instagram. I made a little art page called Art de Noche and became a content creator, delivery driver, website builder, etc., overnight. It took up every second of free time, and I loved every minute of it.  

Trying out different art mediums was, and still is, something I love to do. So, as one does, I decided to order the cheapest tattoo gun from Amazon. I practiced in my mom’s garage – with absolutely no clue on what I was doing – and posted a few things I tattooed on fake skin on my new Art de Noche Instagram story. An old friend of mine – Karla De La Paz (ily) (@bossbabe.sd) – had commented on it asking if tattooing was something I was interested in beginning & mentioned that she and her husband – Aaron De La Paz (@bear_hustle) – were opening a second location to their tattoo shop & we’re looking for an apprentice. 

I met up with Karla shortly after that Instagram conversation and explained to her how I wanted art to become my full-time job but felt so stuck at my current job. Then the craziest thing happened. She told to me that she and her husband were willing to take a chance on me if I was willing to take a chance on them. They would give me space to create and sell my artwork, & teach me how to tattoo, but I had to put my all into this. So, I went home that day and told my mother what every Latina mother loves to hear their kid say, “I’m quitting my job to become a tattoo artist.” That ended up being the best decision I’ve ever made. 

Karla and Bear took a chance on a girl who had never held a tattoo gun properly and thought Madacide was a form of bug spray. I am forever grateful for the guidance, support, wisdom, and family environment that Karla & Bear have welcomed me into. I will forever be grateful for the amazing opportunity you both offered me. You guys saved me from a boring spreadsheet-filled life. I am now so incredibly proud to say I am a full-time Resident Artist at Hustle Tattoo & Piercings & I absolutely love what I do. Creating works of art that people get to have for the rest of their lives is a privilege I do not take lightly. If you would like to come get some work done, I would be more than happy to bring your vision to life! Let’s get to creating together! ✨ to book email: bookartdenoche@gmail.com 

We all face challenges, but looking back, would you describe it as a relatively smooth road?
I would say the biggest struggle being an artist is the mental hardship. You are your biggest critic. It is always so easy to compare yourself to other artists or to criticize your own work, but I’ve learned to fall in love with the growing pains. Learned to fall in love with the learning process and everything that comes with it. Learned to appreciate the constructive criticism and grow from it. Being an artist is a constant learning battle, no matter how talented or how experienced you are. There is always room for growth, and I find that so exciting. Watching my art grow and take its own form and style makes up for the hardships I go through to get there. 

Appreciate you sharing that. What else should we know about what you do?
In regards to tattooing, I specialize in black & grey realism & illustrative/abstract work. My favorite thing to tattoo is portraits! I am obsessed with faces and how they all look so different, but at its core is all the same. Outside of portraits, I love to do free machine vine work and create custom illustrative designs!!! Outside of tattooing my favorite art medium is acrylic painting. It’s what I’m most comfortable with and have become accustomed to doing as a side project. My current pieces are available for sale at the shop, and I am always taking online commissions via Instagram @artdenoche! 

Can you talk to us a bit about happiness and what makes you happy?
Art makes me so happy. It’s changed my life for the better and I’ve never been in a happier place in life than I am now. I went from sneaking time in between spreadsheets at work to work on my drawings, to drawing being my JOB. My family, my amazing boyfriend David, & my sweet fur baby Marley have been the most amazing support system. My boyfriend has literally been my practice sheet since day one, carrying around my first tattoo – how does it get more supportive than that? I’m so grateful for you, David.

Outside of work, I love to travel to different national parks, read the corniest love-filled fantasy book I can get my hands on, go wine tasting, and spend quality time with my people. 

Pricing:

• Hourly rate – $150/hour
• Tattoos under 6 inches are priced by design & size.
• Shop minimum is $100

Contact Info:

• Instagram: @artdenoche
• Yelp: https://yelp.to/S8I9VC-dNY
• Other: Tik tok: @artdenoche