Today we’d like to introduce you to Kylie Jenkins

Hi Kylie, thanks for sharing your story with us. To start, maybe you can tell our readers some of your backstory.

Hi, I’m Kylie! I’m an artist and tattooer. I went to Columbus College of Art & Design for a BFA in Fine Arts and Illustration. I’ve been interested in body modification since a very young age and decided to use my skills in art and design to pursue a career in tattooing. Now I travel the world making body art for amazing people! At the moment I live in Wellington, New Zealand and I’m looking forward to seeing where else tattooing can take me and what other beautiful opportunities will come my may.

We all face challenges, but looking back would you describe it as a relatively smooth road?

The road is much more smooth now that I’ve been at it for a while and better understand how to navigate it, but coming up wasn’t always the easiest. I learned about my neurodivergence much later in life, which is unfortunately very common for women. Having a different neurotype than the people around you can make for damaging interactions.
During my tattoo apprenticeship I was not treated very well, but I persevered. “Old school” or “traditional” apprenticeships often included types of hazing and other mistreatment. Thankfully most of those practices and ways of thinking have fallen away and have been replaced with compassion and understanding that creates an environment conducive to learning.
Tattooing is a male dominated field, as are most, so I’ve dealt with a fair amount of misogyny and sexism. Constantly having my knowledge and ability doubted simply because I am a woman. I am also queer and mixed race so dealing with homophobia and racism also played a role in my mistreatment. Ignorant bigots tend to be quite vocal with their backwards mindsets. The intersectionality of being a neurodivergent, queer, woman of color comes with much more difficulties than I would like, but I would never change those things about myself. I’m grateful for the support systems I had along the way and my own resilience.

As you know, we’re big fans of you and your work. For our readers who might not be as familiar what can you tell them about what you do?

I like to take an illustrative approach to my work. I put my unique twist on my art and ideas. I’m pretty well known for my whimsical, sparkly style.

I’m proud of my ability to grow and strive to be a better artist! I’m proud of how far I’ve come in my career and what I’ve been able to accomplish. I haven’t let difficult moments let me doubt myself and what I can do for others. I love being able to make people feel comfortable with their body. Being able to share space and good energy with them while giving a pleasant and gentle experience to remember feels amazing and something I take great pride in, as well. I’ve been told my eccentric personality, authenticity, and way I view the world sets me apart from others and I ‘d like to think the same :)

Do you have recommendations for books, apps, blogs, etc?

There’s an app called “I am” that gives you positive affirmations everyday based on your choosing, whether it be love, self acceptance, bringing in abundance, etc. that can help your mindset. It’s really cute and brings me great joy and happy thoughts!

There are a few books I’ve read that have helped me remember my own power too:
– The Artist’s Way by Julia Cameron
– All About Love by Bell Hooks
– It Didn’t Start With You by Mark Wolynn

Contact Info:

• Website: https://berrystainedfingers.com
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/berrystainedfingers

Image Credits
Kylie Jenkins