Conversations with Sierra Jenkins

Today we’d like to introduce you to Sierra Jenkins

Hi Sierra, we’re thrilled to have a chance to learn your story today. So, before we get into specifics, maybe you can briefly walk us through how you got to where you are today?
I’ve always been an artist. My mother, grandmother, great-grandmother were all artists. I feel as though I communicate through art and I knew I needed to create to truly live. I went to Missouri State University for art for 5 years- with an emphasis on Illustration and minor in Printmaking, Art History, Graphic Design. My senior year, I ended up getting my first ever tattoo (a design I made myself) and after that experience I was hooked. I dropped out of school and pursued apprenticeships at tattoo shops. It was an arduous 5 years of learning the craft and growing as a person but I am so happy I landed at Working Class Tattoo. This shop was well worth the wait, and being around other artists that take the craft as seriously as I do is a dream. I have been licensed for 3 years now and am loving every minute of it.

I’m sure it wasn’t obstacle-free, but would you say the journey has been fairly smooth so far?
Not a smooth road, apprenticeship is brutal- especially for women. Many men will keep you out based on that alone. Very few good shops are hiring and what is left are typically scams or hostile places. Sexual harassment, physical harassment, little to no worker protections, unclean working conditions, rampant drug use, blatant racism and homophobia. I found many of the ‘traditional’ values old school tattooers held up were gatekeeping talent out of the industry so they could hire their mediocre friends. Unfortunately it can be a downright dangerous pursuit for many people in this industry. I relied on my gut to get out of these situations as soon as possible while always trying to learn what I could in the process. It felt terrible having to constantly ‘start over’ at a shop claiming to be better and running into more of the same problematic attitudes. All of that on top of the fact that you are not paid at all during apprenticeship so you are often working another job on the side to survive.

Can you tell our readers more about what you do and what you think sets you apart from others?
I am a walk-in Tattoo Artist so I typically take on many styles, however I find myself gravitating towards black and grey. In college I tended to enjoy graphite realism/ surrealism. I also find myself enjoying the bold lines of American Traditional tattoos. I have a fun time creating new designs often rooted in pop culture in an older style. It brings a lot of whimsy and silliness to it. I enjoy mixed media a lot, and want to start applying that to tattoo styles as well. If you are a client you probably know me for my friendly demeanor- when you are in my chair we are besties. We can overshare or just sit there and vibe. If you work with me, you know me for my work ethic. I’m a work horse, to quote Tyler the Creator, “On top of being talented, b*tch I’m f*ck*ng passionate.” creating art is my favorite activity, if I’m doing that- I’m happy. I am so so proud of myself for sticking with the apprenticeship process, there was many times I wanted to give up. Once I decided tattooing was my chosen career and I would be doing it EVEN if I made no money at all- it was set in stone. I was persistent and it payed off.
What sets me apart is I have an extreme confidence as well as a humbleness that tattooing rewards. I am able to look past the ego of my work and judge it accurately for what it is. I’m also never satisfied. I don’t believe in perfection, only the pursuit to get closer to it.

Networking and finding a mentor can have such a positive impact on one’s life and career. Any advice?
In other countries you would walk in to parlor with your art degrees and portfolio and that may land you a job, Here it is much different. you have to be shameless and ruthless I’m afraid. For the most part, it is not built on merit or talent, but hierarchy. You may apprentice for years at a place to find the owners daughter given a chair over you. Learn what you can from who you can and always have a plan abc and d. Do your research- look for artists you think you can learn something from. Keep your head down, be persistent and hone your craft.

Pricing:

• 60 shop minimum
• 150-200 an hour for large pieces

Contact Info:

• Website: https://www.sierratattoos.com
• Other: https://bsky.app/profile/breadstick-lover.bsky.social