We’re excited to introduce you to the always interesting and insightful Jenna Leske. We hope you’ll enjoy our conversation with Jenna below.
Jenna, thanks for joining us, excited to have you contributing your stories and insights. Learning the craft is often a unique journey from every creative – we’d love to hear about your journey and if knowing what you know now, you would have done anything differently to speed up the learning process.
I have been creating art all my life, but I guess I began my journey as a tattoo artist when I started seriously considering art as a career while attending Wheaton College in Norton, Massachusetts, class of ’08. I was a studio art major and was awarded the Miriam F. Carpenter Prize for the best body of work my senior year for a series of black-and-white self-portrait photographs. I continued my photography career post-graduation for many years and continued my self-portrait series in digital color, with a special interest in dreams and dreaming.
In 2015, I was living in the San Francisco Bay area, not super happy about my income as an artist, and I needed to make more money to survive the high cost of living. So, I decided to go back to school to learn ultrasound and eventually began a career as a high-risk pregnancy ultrasonographer in the area. I was very happy with that job; I loved helping people, and there were so many lessons learned from being in a corporate environment. I am very grateful for all the interactions and learning experiences while working in hospitals. That is where I became a lot more comfortable with the human body, illness, and caring for those in need. I feel like this experience was humbling and also helped give me the courage and validation I needed to become a tattoo artist.
I started my career as a tattoo artist through online mentors on YouTube and by tattooing silicone pieces, oranges, and even a turkey (not recommended). Eventually, I graduated to tattooing my husband (with his consent, of course) and that was really the most helpful because I had the opportunity to watch my work heal. I also started my own YouTube channel to record my progress, gaining followers and eventually sponsors over time. Within two years, I was able to completely leave ultrasound and open my first tattoo shop in 2022. I was fully booked within three months.
As a tattoo artist, I’ve learned that setting clear goals and maintaining a consistent tattoo practice schedule are key to speeding up the learning process. Patience and persistence are essential for long-term success in tattooing. Investing in high-quality resources and actively seeking feedback from experienced artists is really important. I also focus on practicing mindfully, experimenting with different styles, and reflecting on mistakes to continuously improve. Lastly, prioritizing my health and well-being has helped me stay focused and energized.
The skill that I feel is most essential to my success as a tattoo artist is compassion. Compassion, for me, is at the root of all good things. When I adopt a compassionate mentality, my life experiences are usually more positive and enriching. My clients notice and appreciate that I care about their comfort, especially with all the unknown variables involved in getting a tattoo. Compassion was also great in a medical setting, so that is probably where I learned to put other people’s needs before my own and to see the greater picture that I think a lot of us forget about sometimes.
Tattooing is an art form that does involve some “gatekeeping.” I guess my biggest obstacle in learning was the fact that there are limited resources for hands-on tattoo training. Apprenticeships are few and far between, can cost a lot of money, and take up a lot of your time without pay. Realistically, one also has to question whether a mentor could be wasting your time or leading you astray due to the lack of knowledge and standardization in the practice. After going through the trial and error process of teaching myself, I have chosen to share all my knowledge on my YouTube channel (Floaty Tattoo) to help those who may not have the opportunities to learn elsewhere but do have the insane drive to become tattoo artists because it takes a lot to get there, but it is worth it.
Awesome – so before we get into the rest of our questions, can you briefly introduce yourself to our readers.
**Tell us about yourself, how you got into your industry/business/discipline/craft, etc.**
I have been creating art all my life, but my journey as a tattoo artist began when I started seriously considering art as a career while attending Wheaton College in Norton, Massachusetts, where I graduated in 2008. As a studio art major, I was awarded the Miriam F. Carpenter Prize for the best body of work in my senior year for a series of black-and-white self-portrait photographs. I continued my photography career post-graduation and delved into digital color self-portraits with a special interest in dreams and dreaming.
In 2015, while living in the San Francisco Bay area, I faced the high cost of living and needed to make more money. This led me to pursue a career in ultrasound, specifically as a high-risk pregnancy ultrasonographer. This job brought me immense satisfaction and valuable experiences in a corporate environment and in caring for others. These experiences made me more comfortable with the human body and instilled the courage and validation I needed to transition into tattoo artistry.
I started my tattoo career through online mentors on YouTube and practiced on silicone, oranges, a turkey (not recommended), and eventually, my husband (with his consent, of course). I also started my own YouTube channel to document my progress, which helped me gain followers and sponsors over time. Within two years, I was able to leave ultrasound and open my first tattoo shop in 2022, and I was fully booked within three months.
**What type of products/services/creative works do you provide?**
As a tattoo artist, I provide custom tattoo designs, including various styles and techniques tailored to each client’s vision and preferences. My services include detailed consultations to ensure each piece is unique and meaningful. I offer educational content on my YouTube channel, Floaty Tattoo, sharing tips, tutorials, and insights for aspiring tattoo artists. Also, my husband and I have been working on a new ergonomic silicone grip to make tattooing safer and easier on your hand. They are available for purchase online at our website floaty.art.
**What problems do you solve for your clients?**
I help clients bring their ideas to life through personalized tattoo designs that reflect their individuality and stories. My compassionate approach ensures that clients feel comfortable and cared for throughout the tattooing process, addressing any concerns they may have about pain, aftercare, or the overall experience.
**What sets you apart from others?**
What sets me apart is my background in both art and the medical field. My experience as a high-risk pregnancy ultrasonographer has equipped me with a deep understanding of the human body and a compassionate approach to client care. Additionally, my self-taught journey and dedication to continuous learning allow me to offer a unique perspective and new techniques in tattooing.
**What are you most proud of?**
I am most proud of the community I have built through my YouTube channel and tattoo shop. Helping aspiring tattoo artists through my educational content and seeing their progress has been incredibly rewarding. Opening my own tattoo shop and being fully booked within three months is a testament to the hard work and passion I have poured into my craft.
**What are the main things you want potential clients/followers/fans to know about you/your brand/your work?**
I want potential clients, followers, and fans to know that my work is rooted in compassion and a deep commitment to quality. I prioritize my clients’ comfort and satisfaction, ensuring each tattoo is a collaborative and personalized experience. My YouTube channel is a resource for those who may not have access to traditional tattoo training but have the drive to succeed in the industry. I believe in sharing knowledge and supporting others in their creative journeys, and I am dedicated to continuously improving and expanding my skills to offer the best possible service.
How did you build your audience on social media?
My husband began recording my journey as a tattoo artist from the very beginning. He knew that I needed to start building an audience as soon as possible so by the time I would start tattooing professionally I would already have a following. The biggest factor in building a social media audience is consistency. Recording, editing and posting are all artforms in themselves which you will learn over time, so create content as often and consistently as you can to both get the attention of the all powerful algorithms, and let the world know what you are about. Be open minded and compassionate to everyone who interacts with your posts, people take notice of how you respond not just how you post. Treat people online with just as much respect as you do in real life even if they don’t.
Can you share a story from your journey that illustrates your resilience?
In 2017, I underwent surgery to close an atrial septal defect (ASD), a congenital heart condition I had lived with since birth. Remarkably, I discovered this condition myself while in ultrasound school, during a practice session with my instructor. This moment was both surprising and pivotal in my journey.
While practicing ultrasound techniques with my instructor, we were scanning my heart when we noticed something unusual. It was an eye-opening experience to see firsthand the reality of my own heart condition. This unexpected discovery not only deepened my understanding of the human body but also fueled my passion for the medical field and my desire to make a difference through my work.
In 2017, after I had started my career as a high-risk pregnancy ultrasonographer, I underwent surgery to correct the ASD. Balancing my health challenges with my professional responsibilities was a significant test of resilience. Working in such a demanding and emotionally charged field required precision, focus, and emotional strength, and I was determined to maintain my commitment to my patients despite what was going on in my life.
The surgery and subsequent recovery was hard and demanded immense physical and mental strength. It required me to step back from both my job and the art I loved, which was difficult for someone who had always been active and passionate. However, this period of healing became a time for reflection and personal growth, teaching me the importance of patience, determination, and embracing challenges as opportunities for development.
The resilience I developed during this time became a driving force in my life. It gave me the courage to pursue my passion for art and to take risks, such as teaching myself tattooing and eventually opening my own tattoo shop. Sharing my journey and knowledge on YouTube became a way to reach out and to inspire resilience in others.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://floaty.art
- Instagram: @floatytattoo
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/FloatyTattoo
- Twitter: https://x.com/floatytattoo
- Youtube: https://youtube.com/@FloatyTattoo
