We had the good fortune of connecting with Jackson Keehn and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Jackson, what led you to pursuing a creative path professionally?
There is something about art that has always drew me in and seemed to slow down time. Especially with tattooing, it’s become almost like a meditative practice for me. For right now, I’m just here with this client.

Let’s talk shop? Tell us more about your career, what can you share with our community?
I get to decorate human flesh! Permanently.

There is no greater trust than that. I often feel small next to the great responsibility I get as a tattoo artist.

I feel like the thing that sets me apart is I spent over a decade in the hospitality industry and my goal is to bring hospitality to each and every client. I aim to strip the ego out of the tattoo process and deliver a tailored service to each person that sits in my chair.

I’ve always dreamed of merging fine art culture with tattoo culture with a mix of hospitality added in.

To get to where I’m currently at, in the early days I would work 55 hr work weeks at my job and pursue tattooing roughly 20-25 hrs a week. I spent several years working 50% of my life.

Fear had this hold on me that didn’t allow me to make the leap. Financial security for my family would always press as more important than pursuing the thing that I was passionate about. It wasn’t easy, there are no short cuts, only straight through it. If you’re in that same place, I’d say believe in yourself and your dream. Go for it.

Any places to eat or things to do that you can share with our readers? If they have a friend visiting town, what are some spots they could take them to?
Anyone that knows me knows I’m obligated to say Postino.

Aside from that I would try to get them outdoors as much as possible. I absolutely love overlanding in my 4runner and that is the best way I’ve found yo see Arizona.

Shoutout is all about shouting out others who you feel deserve additional recognition and exposure. Who would you like to shoutout?
Man, that last is extremely long.

I’ve been guided by so many great humans, encouraged by countless others and supported by still more.

The most important person though is my daughter, she has dared me to dream, never settle for less and always keep striving. She’s never said any of those things to me, but she has armed me with the will to do all of the above.

Also Ally has never ceased pushing hard to get me to invest and believe in myself. That constant gentle pressure has led to all that came after.

Website: Undertheskin.as.me

Instagram: Instagram.com/undertheskinwithjax

Other: @undertheskinwithjax on IG and TikTok

Nominate Someone: ShoutoutArizona is built on recommendations and shoutouts from the community; it’s how we uncover hidden gems, so if you or someone you know deserves recognition please let us know here.