We caught up with the brilliant and insightful Jesse Reich a few weeks ago and have shared our conversation below.
Jesse, we’re thrilled to have you on our platform and we think there is so much folks can learn from you and your story. Something that matters deeply to us is living a life and leading a career filled with purpose and so let’s start by chatting about how you found your purpose.
I found my purpose by having to work through challenging parts of my life, feeling like I was inadequate as an “artist” because I didn’t have formal art training. I felt inadequate because of people around me who had more developed skills, but working hard and continuing to work on my passion as an artist has been a real drive for me. I have learned to push myself to draw every day, even if I don’t like the results it still moves me closer to where I want to be. Drawing something that someone puts on their body permanently and loves has been a massive source of drive for me since I started tattooing.
Appreciate the insights and wisdom. Before we dig deeper and ask you about the skills that matter and more, maybe you can tell our readers about yourself?
I am a tattoo artist, I provide body art for those who are 18+. I strive to provide a safe space for the LGBTQIA+ community within my hometown.
I opened this shop with the idea of being different than the other tattoo shops in the area, we provide a space where people aren’t going to be judged. We also provide an environment that is less over-stimulating than the typical tattoo shop.
I love doing my custom flash, as a tattoo artist it feels more rewarding to express my artistic abilities and have people appreciate them.
Looking back, what do you think were the three qualities, skills, or areas of knowledge that were most impactful in your journey? What advice do you have for folks who are early in their journey in terms of how they can best develop or improve on these?
My stubbornness has been a big factor in getting where I am today. Not letting outward opinions affect how I learned my skills has gotten me farther than I ever would have guessed. Having the internet (and knowing how to use it) has been hugely helpful in my journey. Many artists are willing to share tips, tricks, and techniques of the trade that have helped elevate my skill level greatly. One of the most important things about tattooing is depth control. Learning how the needle sits in the skin and lays the ink into the skin is crucial for proper tattooing and ensuring you don’t damage the client’s skin.
Through the beginning of the process, I felt that I didn’t have a steady foundation to help me learn the craft of tattooing.
I had to push myself to learn outside my mentor’s “guidance”. Research the shop you want to apply to for your apprenticeship. Knowing whether or not your mentor can teach the proper methods and support you along the way is key to a good apprenticeship.
Before we go, maybe you can tell us a bit about your parents and what you feel was the most impactful thing they did for you?
My parents have always supported me and have had my back my entire life, throughout hobbies and careers they have supported my interests without fail. The most impactful thing they have done for me is investing in my tattoo career. Without their help, I would’ve never gotten my apprenticeship, or been able to open my shop. I wouldn’t have been able to reach where I am today without their help and guidance.
Contact Info:
- Website: LibertyStreetTattoo.com
- Instagram: LibertyStreetTattoos
- Facebook: Liberty St. Tattoos, LLC
