The San Diego-based tattooer fuses the new and old schools in her own way.
Jasmine Wright may not look like much of an "old school" tattooer, but her ways are as rooted in traditional work as any.
Rather than being stuck with one style or another, Wright blends the fundamentals of American traditional tattooing with a more modern detailed style to create a look that's unique to her. Although she currently lives and tattoos out of San Diego, Wright's work can be seen all around the world thanks to both her widespread clientele and her love for traveling.
Myspace caught up with the young artist at her taxidermy-filled private studio to talk about being the captain of her own ship and the kind of art that influences her.
What's it like to run your own studio rather than working at a big street shop?
It's sweet. It works out really well in this instance. I have the private space, and I have the clientele here in San Diego that it doesn't matter that I don't have a storefront. I think in another city it might make a difference, but it's so easy now with Instagram and all that shit that it's way better. I don't have to ask anyone for time off or anything since I travel so much. Most of the time I'm gone at least half the month elsewhere to do conventions or guest spots and stuff, so this works out really well. Most people are super comfortable here because you're not interrupted, and you don't have phones ringing or people staring at you, so everyone's digging it here. I've been here for about two-and-a-half years, and I don't think I'll be leaving anytime soon.
What is it about traveling for conventions and such that you like so much?
Traveling is awesome. I have friends everywhere, so it's nice to be able to make the rounds and see everyone. Since I work alone, it's super helpful to stay inspired from other people. When I'm working with other people, I try to bring my A game and impress the people I'm around. It kind of keeps me on my toes and keeps things interesting. And I want to see other places and eat things in other cities.
Which conventions that you do regularly are your favorites?
I've done Paris for years, and I'll definitely keep doing that. Paris is crazy, it's huge. It's this massive building and I've never seen so many people. The London convention is really cool too. At this point, I think it's the same people who do both of those shows every year, and it's impressive either way. Both of those have a really cool venue. The Tobacco Docks in London are super cool and fancy, but the one in Paris is this big old slaughterhouse with these big cool old ceilings with glass all the way around and iron framework and everything. It's pretty impressive. I also do Austin every January. I used to do Reno all the time but it's no more, they let it go. I do Philadelphia around Valentine's Day, and Montreal is super fun.
How did you come up with your unique take on tattooing, and who were some of the people who inspired you?
I'm not sure. My style is still evolving. It's just taking bits and pieces from all of the people I really like. I'm not trying to directly rip off anybody, but I like this thing that they do and that thing that they do, so I make it into one. Sometimes it works and sometimes it doesn't. A lot of the stuff I'm inspired by and the stuff that I prefer is not the stuff that I tattoo. I like a lot of really heavy strong traditional stuff, but I don't tattoo that way. I also like the super artsy farts-y fancy tattoos and stuff, but I kind of think my stuff is halfway in between. I'll do some highly rendered illustrative drawings, but then tattoo them pretty traditionally.
What's something you've learned through tattooing that you wouldn't have expected?
There's a couple things, but I think in general navigating human relationships is a big thing. Especially with tattooing and the clients I work with, I meet a ton of different people and everyone's different. I didn't expect that would be so broad when I first started, but it turned out to be so cool. I've met people from every single different walk of life through tattooing, and it's been interesting. I also didn't realize how much sacrifice you have to put into it. If you're going to make it in tattooing, you have to give up a lot of the things you want to do.
