DIVA chats to Jjmotto, a tattoo artist based in York, all about their work and their love for the arts
BY SOPHIE GRIFFITHS, IMAGE VIA @JJMOTTOTATTOO
We’re always on the lookout for new artists to celebrate, and with lockdown 3.0 having a knock on affect on the arts it’s time to shine a light on some of our favourites.
Here, we chat to Jjmotto, a tattoo artist based in York who is dedicated to making her work inclusive by providing a safe space for the queer community who come to her for tattoos and by showcasing queer love and culture through her work. Get know her and her work better below!
DIVA: How did you begin your career as a tattoo artist?
JJ: I have always loved art and anything to do with art. Drawing, print making, painting. Then I got an apprenticeship in East Yorkshire before setting up a my own studio in York
How would you describe the style of your work?
Stylised portraits, fine line, some ignorant style tattoos. I would say a bit of a mix of styles really.
What’s your favourite part of the job?
Being creative everyday, connecting with people from all walks of life. Designing and tattooing something that the person loves and is happy to wear on their body forever feels pretty good. Also, the freedom of being able to travel anywhere with your tattoo equipment and meeting other amazing tattoo artists along the way.
What’s your favourite tattoo you’ve ever worked on and why? Do you have a picture you can share?
I have a few personal favourites it would be hard to pick just one! The Grace Jones line tattoo I did recently was fun as she is so iconic!
Why do you think tattoos are such an important part of queer expression?
Possibly because we have been oppressed at times so we like to express our individuality through a lot of creative forms.
As a queer person yourself, do you think it’s important to seek out queer artists?
I think it’s important to showcase our community and support everyone in the creative industry. There is a page on Instagram for queer tattoo artists (@queer_tattooers) where you can find so many talented people.
What inspires your art?
Other artists such as Tracey Emin, Keith Haring, David Hockney, Jean-Michel Basquiat, musicians, fashion, political issues, anything that emotes a feeling good or bad. If you want to see other queer artists @theartofbeingqueer on Instagram is a great page to follow.
Who are your other favourite queer tattoo artists?
@obsessedwithyoutattoo in London and @leahstanmore in Brighton are two amazing artists!
Where can people find you / how can they get in touch?
I have a studio York and you can get in touch by dropping me a message on Instagram, my inbox is always open!
How can people support you and your work throughout lockdown?
Lockdown is hitting us all hard especially those of us that are self employed. You can support many artists like me by purchasing art prints, custom clothing, booking in for your next tattoo. Even if you don’t buy anything just sharing our pages on social media and pushing others to see our work means a lot.
You can keep up with Jj’s incredible work, or even book yourself in for your next piece, over on Instagram here.
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