Alright – so today we’ve got the honor of introducing you to Jocelyn Banks. We think you’ll enjoy our conversation, we’ve shared it below.

Alright, Jocelyn thanks for taking the time to share your stories and insights with us today. When did you first know you wanted to pursue a creative/artistic path professionally?

Drawing has been a passion of mine for as long as I can remember. One of my earliest memories is coming home with a rough sketch of a fairy on an index card, nervous yet excited to show my mom. Her unwavering support and encouragement sparked a love for art that would shape my future. I spent countless weekends at the bookstore, immersing myself in art books, practicing, and learning. Drawing became my sanctuary—a way to express emotions and escape the world around me.

While realism never appealed to me, I was captivated by cartoons and anime. Watching my first anime show was a pivotal moment; I thought to myself, I want to create characters like these. From that moment, I devoted every spare moment to honing my skills.

In high school, I pursued art through a vocational program, but I craved more opportunities to grow. Transitioning to a community school allowed me to dive deeper into self-directed learning—reading, practicing, and evolving my craft. I refined my pencil drawing skills before venturing into digital art, which was an exciting challenge. Coloring my creations digitally opened up a whole new world, and I was inspired by the incredible talent I saw around me. By observing other artists, I gained valuable insights and broadened my skills.

It wasn’t until my late twenties that I truly felt confident in my abilities. Overcoming self-doubt was a journey, as I am my own toughest critic. My first professional job—a book illustration—came through a family connection, and I had to navigate the unfamiliar terrain of pricing and presenting myself as an artist. From that experience, I decided to push further and explored tattooing, which allowed me to bring my drawings to life on skin. This naturally led me to permanent makeup, blending artistry with a passion for helping others feel confident and beautiful.

Art has always been my calling, even if it took time to fully realize it. From age 12 to 28, my journey was marked by perseverance, learning, and growth. I’ve poured my heart into every drawing, whether on paper, digitally, or on skin. This path wasn’t my first choice, but it’s the one that makes me truly happy.

Life is too short to settle for anything less than what you love. For me, art is more than a career—it’s a way of life and the truest expression of who I am.

Jocelyn, before we move on to more of these sorts of questions, can you take some time to bring our readers up to speed on you and what you do?

Getting into the art world wasn’t easy—it’s an industry that demands dedication, practice, and a willingness to put yourself out there. For me, it’s been a journey filled with challenges and growth. As a mom of two, balancing my passion with family life hasn’t always been smooth. Some days I’m running on just a few hours of sleep because I’m so determined to improve and grow. But every late night has been worth it.

The services I offer—tattoos, permanent makeup, and art commissions—are rooted in my love for anime-style art. I’ve always been drawn to the creativity and emotion in anime, and it’s where I feel most at home as an artist. Whether it’s helping someone feel more confident with permanent makeup, designing a tattoo that tells their story, or bringing their original character to life, I love helping people see their visions come to life.

What makes my work special is how much I value communication. I don’t just want to create something beautiful—I want to create something personal. If you’re getting a tattoo or commissioning art, I want to understand exactly how you see it in your mind. And for character art? I want to know every detail—how they act when they’re happy, mad, or confident. Those little touches bring so much depth and personality to the final piece.

Looking back, I’m so proud of how far I’ve come. What started as a hobby has grown into a career I never thought possible. Without a formal art degree, I worried I wouldn’t stand a chance. But I refused to let that hold me back. Even when I felt stuck, I kept going. That persistence has brought me to where I am today, and I’m so grateful for the journey.

One thing I want everyone to know is that it’s okay to ask for help. This isn’t something you’re taught step-by-step in school, and we all grow by learning from each other. I never want to gatekeep—I’m always happy to share tips, give feedback, or talk about the process. If you ever have questions or want advice, don’t hesitate to reach out.

Art is my passion, but it’s also about connection. I’d love the chance to work with you, help you bring your vision to life, or just chat about what inspires you. Let’s create something amazing together!

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

One of the best ways to support artists is by recognizing the time, effort, and dedication that goes into their work. Each piece—whether it’s a drawing, tattoo, or another form of art—can take hours, days, or even weeks to complete. This is time spent away from family, personal commitments, and other important moments in life, and it deserves to be valued and respected. Asking for free work or “handouts” undermines the dedication that artists pour into their craft.

Another simple yet powerful way to support artists is through social media. In today’s digital age, a like, follow, or share can make a significant impact. Sharing art you love or supporting an artist’s page helps expand their reach and opens up new opportunities. It’s a small gesture, but it can lead to big changes for someone’s career.

Artists are often their own toughest critics, so a kind word or acknowledgment from a stranger can feel like a holiday gift. Letting someone know you appreciate their work not only boosts their confidence but also strengthens the creative community.

Supporting and uplifting one another is vital in the art world. When we take a moment to appreciate and share the talent around us, we help create a more inclusive, encouraging environment for all artists.

Can you share your view on NFTs? (Note: this is for education/entertainment purposes only, readers should not construe this as advice)

NFTs can be an exciting way to showcase your art and connect with a global audience, but it’s important to approach this space with caution. Unfortunately, scams and exploitation have become a significant issue in the NFT marketplace.

One common scam involves fraudsters asking artists to purchase NFTs with the promise of later buying their art. Remember, you should never have to buy NFTs to sell your work—this is a red flag. These tactics prey on artists’ hopes and can lead to financial loss.

While the original concept of NFTs had great potential, the lack of regulation in this space has allowed problems like scams, pump-and-dump schemes, and rug pulls (where developers abandon projects after collecting funds) to become widespread.

If you’re looking for safer ways to sell your art, consider exploring established platforms like DeviantArt or other professional art websites. These platforms provide a more secure and supportive environment for creators to showcase their work without the risks associated with unregulated marketplaces.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://fusion-tats.com
• Instagram: @_savvy_j & @inkfusionbeauty
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/SavvyJB
• Other: https://www.tiktok.com/@kaizenartist0_0?is_from_webapp=1&sender_device=pc

Image Credits

@aki_aka_ne as the original artist for the anime pencil drawing with an animal skull on their head. I just did a recreate in my own way.