We were lucky to catch up with Jackson Keehn recently and have shared our conversation below.

Jackson, thanks for taking the time to share your stories with us today Can you talk to us about a project that’s meant a lot to you?

I’m always blown away by the trust when I’m given the opportunity to do a portrait of a person’s loved one. The margin for error is virtually nonexsistent. It has to be perfect. When it’s a loved one being tattooed, it is a face that the client has already memorized every detail of. These are always incredibly meaningful to the client and to me.

Awesome – so before we get into the rest of our questions, can you briefly introduce yourself to our readers.

I’ve always had an affinity for tattooing. The first time I ever picked up a machine was in 2012. I’ve been drawn to it ever since. I believe my next project will always be my best work because I stay in a mindset of always growing, always learning, always perfecting. I’m a strong believer that a tattoo should be an experience. I love to use my background in hospitality to collaborate and curate every single person’s experience to be unique to them. I try to always remember that this tattoo might be healing for them, it may be expression for them, it may be one of many sessions or it might be the only time they’re ever in contact with the tattoo world. It’s my job to treat each experience with that respect and to walk each person through the process. There are few things we will take with us to our Graves, tattoos are one of them.

In your view, what can society to do to best support artists, creatives and a thriving creative ecosystem?

I’m really big on gassing people up and giving them their flowers. My experience of being an artist has been one of being on a constant search for perfection. When I see a completed project, the first things apparent to me are the flaws, the areas i could have done better, I’ll use that and apply it to my next project. The reason I try so hard to gas people up is because most of the time, the artist has their own critiques already outlined, it’s the compliments lacking. I’m not sure if it’s pride, ego, insecurity or judgement but in the creative world it seems like we’re quick to give constructive criticism and less quick to hand someone their flowers. I try to be the opposite and only give criticisms when asked directly for that, and give the props without provocation.

What do you find most rewarding about being a creative?

In my world, the best aspect is watching a client see their piece come to life. It will stay with them forever and it brings me great pride seeing the varying reactions when the piece is complete.

Contact Info:

• Website: Undertheskin.as.me
• Instagram: instgram.com/undertheskinwithjax