We’re excited to introduce you to the always interesting and insightful Jaslyn Tate. We hope you’ll enjoy our conversation with Jaslyn below.
Alright, Jaslyn thanks for taking the time to share your stories and insights with us today. What’s one of the most important lessons you learned in school?
The most important lesson I learned in college was how to interact with people who were nothing like me. As a Tattoo Artist, I get to connect with people from all walks of life. My job is to service them and share love regardless of what they look like as well as their experience in life. I’ve learned so much from others and have had the opportunity to share parts of me to help them as well. There are many aspects of human interaction we don’t think about. Physical touch, communication, body language, expressions, and all that isn’t communicated during an interaction with someone else matters. I attended the Savannah College of Art and Design in Atlanta, GA. This University is extremely diverse in art and culture. During my time at SCAD, I learned a great deal about what it means to merge with other people without losing my foundation, being offensive, and becoming someone or something I’m not. This helped me prepare for the Tattoo Industry in a number of ways. I’ve always been taught to treat others how I want to be treated. In doing so I keep in mind the way I feel when someone judges who they think I am instead of learning who I actually am. Showing grace is important when it comes to interacting with others because of what you don’t know, not what you see.
Great, appreciate you sharing that with us. Before we ask you to share more of your insights, can you take a moment to introduce yourself and how you got to where you are today to our readers
I am a creative who has been drawing and painting since I was little. I’ve always been in Talented Art, and once my college career ended, I decided to pursue Tattooing. For almost 7 years I have been leaving my mark on walking canvases and it has been such an incredible journey. Lynk Art is a creative space where connections, memories, and art collide. My journey as a Tattoo Artist began when I was 20 years old. It allowed me freedom to choose how I navigate my life and express myself along with other’s ideas. Graphic Design, Fine Art, Henna, and Tattoos are all services I offer to old and new clients. My costumer service and willingness to provide the best possible experience is what I believe sets me apart. My style of art and skill is a given. So many customers share stories about rude Artists who care about money more than service. That is heartbreaking to hear at times because I want to exceed the expectations of every client in more than one way. Setting the tone matters as you don’t know past experiences, thoughts, and expectations of most people you service. I do my best to make sure everyone is comfortable and confident. I love to engage in conversation, encourage, and get to know those I work with. It’s rewarding to be someone else’s Art Therapy!
Alright – let’s talk about marketing or sales – do you have any fun stories about a risk you’ve taken or something else exciting on the sales and marketing side?
Initially, It was difficult trying to sell merchandise online. I was either out of certain items or sitting on too many. I had three different “lynks” to book online for Tattoo sessions. You could book a ‘Starter Lynk’ for small tattoos, a ‘Common Lynk’ for palm sized pieces, or a ‘Massive Lynk’ for large scale tattoos. With the Massive Lynk, everyone received a swag bag. The swag bags were branded with a T-Shirt and a few other items. Once I learned what worked best, I decided to increase my minimum so that everyone could receive a swag bag. Now, the ‘Massive Lynk’ is the only booking option and I can get more creative with the swag bags and other ideas I have to both show appreciation to my clients/customers, and use for marketing.
What’s worked well for you in terms of a source for new clients?
When I began tattooing, Social Media wasn’t as big. It has grown at a rapid rate! I started tattooing in a small city where word of mouth was my biggest source of new clients. I’m from a small town so word travels fast. I do believe social media helped but not as much those who wear my work. I often ask how a new client learned about me and nine times out of ten I’ve done some work on someone they know or saw in public. It’s one of the best feelings to know that someone I tattooed years ago still recommends and represents Lynk Art! Even though Social Media is big today, word or mouth is still it for me. I’m not highly active on social media as it can shut down at any time, but the footwork of my clients will always have a say in exposing Lynk Art.
Contact Info:
- Website: lynkart.com
- Instagram: lynk.art
- Facebook: Lynk Art