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

Hi Jessica, what role has risk played in your life or career?
Life wouldn’t be worth living without some risks. My whole life has been a series of taking risks and I couldn’t be happier with where I am today. My biggest financial risk was opening our tattoo shop, Underdark Ink. If it wasn’t for making this leap, I wouldn’t get to create my own hours and art. It has allowed me to be unapologetically me and gave me the freedom to no longer tolerate negativity.

Can you open up a bit about your work and career? We’re big fans and we’d love for our community to learn more about your work.
I always loved art and creating it. I definitely was more drawn to anime/cartoon than any other style. I started with painting and after some encouragement from my wife, it turned into tattooing.
Anyone in this industry can tell you apprenticeships are not easy. But when you stick to it, it’s so worth it.

If you had a friend visiting you, what are some of the local spots you’d want to take them around to?
If I were to go out with my best friend, we’d probably stop at In-N-Out first (they don’t have one where she lives) then we’d chill at my house for the rest of the night because she got in late. The next day I’d bring her to the shop and tattoo her, then go to a strip club together (where we met). There’s so much stigma around these places, but I’ve met some of the most amazing people there. Other than that, we’re pretty lame, and are very much homebodies.

Shoutout is all about shouting out others who you feel deserve additional recognition and exposure. Who would you like to shoutout?
I want to dedicate this to my clients, wife, friends, my brother, and my dad. My wife got me into this career, my dad bought my first machine, and my brother was always down to let me practice on him. Without them, none of this would have been possible.

Instagram: animetatties

Facebook: Jess Skumlien

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