We were lucky to catch up with Jaquelyn Puma recently and have shared our conversation below.

Jaquelyn, appreciate you joining us today. Do you think your parents have had a meaningful impact on you and your journey?

The most impactful thing my parents did was trusting and nurturing my artistic potential from a young age. When my teachers recognized my abilities and encouraged them to put me in specialized art programs, my parents fully supported that vision. Instead of viewing it as a fleeting interest, they saw it as something worth fostering, and they made sure I had the resources and opportunities to explore it deeply.

At 12, when I was given the opportunity to be a teacher’s aid in an after-school art program, my parents didn’t just see it as a fun activity—they saw it as a chance for me to grow and develop leadership skills. That experience of teaching and working with other kids sparked a passion for sharing art with others, and it planted the seed for my future work as an art educator.

When I went on to study sculpture and art history at NYSSA, my parents continued to encourage my academic pursuits in art, helping me understand the historical and theoretical context behind the work I was creating. They never limited me to just one medium or one aspect of art; they allowed me to explore the full breadth of my interests, from sculpture to art history, all of which helped shape my perspective as an artist.

In Florida, when I taught art to toddlers at a Montessori school, it was another pivotal moment where my parents’ support allowed me to expand my role as an educator. It helped me realize how art can be a form of expression and communication for even the youngest children. The experience taught me the value of patience, creativity, and how to inspire others in ways that are meaningful for them.

Through all of this, the most impactful thing my parents did was giving me the space to grow as an artist and an educator. They saw my potential early on and never pushed me into a single path. Instead, they provided the encouragement and support I needed to explore and develop my craft. Their faith in my journey, from teaching kids art to studying sculpture and sharing my love for creativity with others, was foundational to my growth both as an artist and as a person.

As always, we appreciate you sharing your insights and we’ve got a few more questions for you, but before we get to all of that can you take a minute to introduce yourself and give our readers some of your back background and context?

I’ve been passionate about art since childhood. Growing up just outside of New York City, I graduated from an all-girls high school and went on to study at Pratt, FIT, and Pace University, earning a Bachelor of Fine Arts with a minor in Fashion. Over the years, I’ve explored a wide range of mediums, including graphite, block print, acrylic, watercolor, India ink, pastel, charcoal, colored pencil, spray paint, and marker. After college, I moved to Fort Lauderdale, where I began modeling and launched my freelance art career, initially focusing on murals. Inspired by tattoos, I eventually secured an apprenticeship, marking the start of my tattoo career in 2019. Since then, I’ve been working full-time as a tattoo artist.

In addition to my tattoo work, I have an expansive art collective that includes portraits infused with psychedelic and chaotic stardust, along with a variety of subjects that feature pop, street, splatter, and graffiti influences. My art is a reflection of my inner emotions, and painting serves as a way for me to release negative energy.

In tattooing, my focus is primarily on black and grey work, pointillism, and illustrative line work. I also have a deep love for traveling, bringing my tattoo artistry to different corners of the world.

Are there any resources you wish you knew about earlier in your creative journey?

If I could offer advice to those just starting out, it would be this: Always have a mentor who has at least 10 years of experience and has a deeper understanding/more knowledgeable than you. Looking back, the most impactful decision I made early on was seeking out mentors who were not only skilled but also deeply knowledgeable about the art world.

In my early years, there was so much I didn’t know—whether it was about technique, art history, or the business side of things. Having a mentor with years of experience gave me a roadmap through that steep learning curve. They were able to spot areas where I needed improvement, offer constructive criticism, and guide me toward the right resources that would help me grow. Without that experienced guidance, I would have struggled to avoid common mistakes that many beginners make.

There’s so much that can’t be learned from textbooks or online tutorials—things like the subtleties of artistic expression, the nuances of different mediums, or how to handle criticism. A mentor who has lived and breathed art for years can offer insights that you won’t find in a classroom. They can share personal stories and lessons learned from their own experiences, which can open your eyes to new perspectives and approaches. They’ll teach you not just the “how,” but the “why” behind the techniques and decisions that shape great art.

Having a mentor isn’t just about gaining knowledge; it’s also about having someone who can keep you accountable. There were times when I felt stuck, uninspired, or unsure about my path. My mentor was always there to challenge me, keep me motivated, and encourage me to push through those tough moments. They knew how to get the best out of me, even when I doubted myself.

One of the best things a mentor can offer is access to their network. After years in the arts, they’ve built relationships with other artists, galleries, curators, and even clients. Having a mentor means you can tap into those connections, whether it’s for exposure, opportunities, or advice on navigating the art world. This is invaluable, as it can help you build a foundation and open doors that might otherwise take years to reach on your own.

Finally, there’s something to be said for the sheer amount of experience a mentor brings to the table. They’ve seen trends come and go, weathered the challenges of the art world, and can offer practical advice on things like developing a portfolio, pricing your work, and understanding your value as an artist. Their ability to anticipate challenges and guide you through them is a huge advantage.

The wisdom, guidance, and support of someone with years of experience can accelerate your growth and save you from feeling lost in the early stages. A mentor with at least 10 years of experience will provide you with the depth of knowledge, real-world insights, and support you need to truly thrive in the arts.

What’s a lesson you had to unlearn and what’s the backstory?

A lesson I had to unlearn was the idea that you should always go into a situation with confidence and assert your knowledge right away. From the age of 12, I was deeply involved in art, always pushing myself to improve. However, I quickly learned that the path to growth wasn’t about showing off or pretending to have it all figured out. I had art teachers who, in their own ways, humbly taught me that progress came with discipline and consistency—not just talent. I remember times when my work was ripped apart during critiques, not out of malice but as a way to teach me to refine my skills and not settle for mediocrity. It was hard to take at first, but it forced me to confront my weaknesses and understand that perfection is built over time, not with a single stroke.

When I became a tattoo apprentice, this lesson was taken to a whole new level. My tattoo mentor, too, would tear up my work—not literally, but by pointing out every flaw, every inconsistency. It was a hard pill to swallow, especially when I thought I was improving. But what I didn’t realize was that these harsh critiques were rooted in respect for the craft and my growth. They taught me discipline in a way I hadn’t fully understood before. They humbled me, reminding me that the road to mastery is about consistency, patience, and respect for the process.

Through these experiences, I unlearned the idea that I needed to go in acting like I knew it all. I learned that it’s not about impressing others or having all the answers—it’s about being open to criticism, accepting that you have a lot to learn, and approaching each challenge with humility. The ego has no place when you’re truly trying to improve. It’s the discipline, consistency, and respect for the craft that shape you into something more than you were before.

Contact Info:

• Website: j-puma.com
• Instagram: @jpumaa @jpumatatts @jpumapaints
• Other: link.me/jpumaa

Image Credits
@doncapi_ @lokophotographydr