We recently connected with Kitty Paul Jones and have shared our conversation below.

Kitty, thanks for joining us, excited to have you contributing your stories and insights. Do you wish you had started sooner?

I started my journey with tattooing later than most. While I’ve always been creative and pursued art as a hobby and side gig, I didn’t start my apprenticeship until I was 29. Much like any older student it can be a weird experience where your peers are 10 years younger, but overall I think waiting was the right choice for me. I knowI was immature and honestly, not a good student, at 18 or 20. I’m at a place now where I’ve learned how better to connect with others and better apply criticism.

Kitty, love having you share your insights with us. Before we ask you more questions, maybe you can take a moment to introduce yourself to our readers who might have missed our earlier conversations?

I’m a tattoo artist about an hour south of Chicago. I’ve done art in some form my whole life but only recently delved into tattooing. My friend and mentor, Bri, is the owner of the shop Electric Lady Lounge where I work. We are proud in offering a safe and inclusive space for all bodies and skin tones where everyone can feel welcome in getting tattooed. Getting tattooed can be intimidating and I always want to make clients feel as comfortable as possible. From providing fidget toys and candy, to explaining everything I do thoroughly, being transparent and accommodating is as important as providing beautiful artwork.

I also pride myself on having a unique voice in my art combining elements of traditional style with my own color stories and style. I love loud colors, quirky images, and pop culture inspired pieces.

What’s the most rewarding aspect of being a creative in your experience?

There have been times where I’ve struggled to articulate my viewpoint through words or speech, that’s not the case with art for me. I get to share that unspoken voice with others. And with that, especially with tattooing, I get to connect with all different walks of life intimately through a shared love of either tattoo or my artwork. The idea of someone trusting me to put something on them permanently is huge, and bigger yet is them wanting something I designed in them forever. It is such an honor and I am beyond privileged I get to do such day in and day out.

What can society do to ensure an environment that’s helpful to artists and creatives?

We’re in a weird time for artists. On one hand we have a further reach with our art than ever before in history. On the other, that’s being suppressed with algorithms and AI programs. We’re also in tough time economically and art is a luxury. Online a like, a share, a comment cause do a lot to boost your creative friends endeavors. In person, going to art events such as art walks, galleries, or even craft fairs and making small purchases is appreciated. It can seem bleak out there, but art in all forms is what makes humans unique and the world beautiful. Any vocal support of art helps keep it that way.

Contact Info:

• Website: electricladytattoo.com
• Instagram: thegoblinqueenn

Image Credits
personal photo: akash wadhwani