Exclusive Interview With Jenna Kerr

When did you decide to pursue tattooing professionally and what was your first shop experience like? I was a late starter in tattooing however, I was lucky enough to be introduced into tattooing by a friend who then introduced me to other artists and it developed that way. I very nearly gave up tattooing in the early days. The first shop I worked in didn’t have a lot of walk-in business, which I needed back then having just started out. It was really tough. The last week at that studio I only made £25, so I very nearly threw the towel in then. Thankfully, I didn’t because I couldn’t see myself doing anything else other than tattooing.

How would you describe your signature style and how has your style evolved over time? I’ve always loved art nouveau styles and baroque filigree, so these feature heavily in my pieces.

All my work has evolved mainly from pushing myself in what I can do and experimenting with new techniques. As an artist, there is no switching off. When I leave work, I’m still thinking about projects, drawings, ideas and I think that it’s only natural that when you give something your all, naturally, you progress.

If you were only allowed to tattoo one gemstone for the rest of your life, what would it be? It’s funny that you should ask that because recently I feel that I’ve been doing just that with heart-shaped jewels.There’s no doubt that I love doing them, though!