INTO YOUR WORLD:
JESS STRATTON
Interview & Photography By: Daniel Hammond
For the people that don’t know, can you tell us who you’re & what you do?
Hey! My name is Jess and I'm a tattoo artist who goes by the name @wellgoodmate_ (cause that’s what you want to say about their new tatt’ right?)
Can you tell us what tattooing does for you? & has it been hard over the past 2 years due to covid?
Tattooing really is my happy place. It allows me to be creative, social, independent, as well as a means of practicing mindfulness. In terms of covid, the lockdown period actually accelerated my tattoo career. I started learning at home before starting at the studio when things reopened.
As a tattoo artist do you sometimes dwell on past work? (criticise it or could improve it) or do you keep those sketches for the next flash sheet?
Always! I think its good to remain critical of your work to help you progress just as long as you also acknowledge your wins. I love going through old sketches as you can see the refinement or be inspired to pick up a past idea.
Can you tell us the type of style you do? & is it from your emotions? what you like? etc. or is it from what society is going for?
I typically draw most of my designs in a continuous line style, refining and defining certain areas with thicker lines. I draw a range of subject matters but my “self love club” concept is my favourite by far. This is when my clients get their nudes tattooed on themselves as a means of being body positive!
“I try not to dwell on the what ifs and focus on the why nots”
Since you’ve started tattooing, do you see tattooing more mainstream? How does that affect you?
I think having tattoos is becoming far more acceptable, which means more people getting them. I think it’s fantastic, express yourself! there are so many talented artists creating amazing works, go support them!
Follow Jess on Instagram to keep up to date with her latest work!
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