Life, Values & Legacy: Our Chat with Jacki Fisk of Western Massachusetts

We recently had the chance to connect with Jacki Fisk and have shared our conversation below.

Jacki, a huge thanks to you for investing the time to share your wisdom with those who are seeking it. We think it’s so important for us to share stories with our neighbors, friends and community because knowledge multiples when we share with each other. Let’s jump in: Who are you learning from right now?
I am so early on in my new career as a tattoo artist, I feel like I’m learning from everyone in the industry. I’m learning tattoo techniques, I’m learning about different styles, I’m learning how to carry myself as female in a male dominated industry, I’m learning how to treat clients and how NOT to treat clients. There’s a little something you can take from every interaction and I try really hard to find that little kernel of information.

Can you briefly introduce yourself and share what makes you or your brand unique?
My name is Jacki and I’m a 34 year old tattoo apprentice. I left my job as a preschool teacher in 2021 to pursue a career in the arts after years of feeling a bit lost as a creative. My goal as a tattoo artist is to provide a safe space for clients to ask questions and be as involved in the tattoo process as possible. I want people to feel good about their bodies and the art they choose to decorate it with!

Amazing, so let’s take a moment to go back in time. Who saw you clearly before you could see yourself?
My husband. I was VERY hesitant to finally start exploring tattooing as an artist. It has been my husbands passion for a decade now and the idea of invading something that was so important to him was quite intimidating. Zoe saw my potential and pushed me to finally take that leap. He saw who I could be in this world of tattooing, even if it took me a bit longer to see myself the same way.

What fear has held you back the most in your life?
I’m afraid of failure, I think a lot of people are, it’s hard to try something new without knowing if you’ll succeed or not. This fear kept me in a career I wasn’t happy with for years. I was unhappy as a teacher but it was safer than trying something new. I had a consistent paycheck and health insurance, why would I leave that to possibly struggle and fail? Having a support system and my own personal cheerleader/teacher really made all the difference for me.

Next, maybe we can discuss some of your foundational philosophies and views? Is the public version of you the real you?
It’s pretty close to the real me! I think my “foundational philosophies and views” boil down to be good to people. What I post publicly on social media usually has very little thought or planning behind it. I think I spend the most time writing captions to go under my tattoo photos. But that’s just because I want to make sure each client can see how much I appreciate them in the words I choose. I don’t really filter or curate my social media to present myself as anything other than how I am, I don’t want folks to be surprised when they walk in for their appointment!

Thank you so much for all of your openness so far. Maybe we can close with a future oriented question. When do you feel most at peace?
When I’m in my studio at home, with a record spinning, working on designs for clients. There’s something about being able to bring someone else’s vision to life that brings me so much joy and kind of fills in all the little holes and cracks in my mind.

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