Conversations with Jess McQueen

Today we’d like to introduce you to Jess McQueen. 

Hi Jess, so excited to have you with us today. What can you tell us about your story?
Since I can remember, I’ve always loved drawing and used it as an outlet for my own expression. Throughout high school, I wasn’t sure how to make a career out of art and although I loved and respected tattooing and tattoos – I didn’t even have one! nor did I know at that time how to pursue that as a viable option. I ended up choosing a career in hair which was great for a while but I lost steam really quickly. In my fourth year as a hair colorist, I was bringing my sketchbook to work every day and doodling. I worked with an amazing girl named Hayley and she pretty much gave me the pep talk of my life about pursuing what really lit me up inside. I think I quit a week later and just decided I would have to make it work! I worked on building a portfolio of art and went to go work at target in the meantime. Over time, and plenty of rejection, I was given a shot as an apprentice at Ink Junkies tattoo in Arvada with Jeremy Sramek, I worked there for six years until my time with the Think tank crew at Broadway and then now at Think tank South. 

We all face challenges, but looking back would you describe it as a relatively smooth road?
In the scheme of things, I would say my overall tattoo experience has been a good one. There are a lot of stories about how tough apprenticeships can be and how mentors can be really hard on their young grasshoppers. My mentor was really patient and cool with me and never asked me to do anything I wasn’t comfortable with. I would actually say that tattooing was probably one of the few escapes I could lean into when life outside of it was challenging. 

Thanks for sharing that. So, maybe next you can tell us a bit more about your work?
I tattoo! I don’t know if I really specialize in a particular style, but I would say I gravitate more toward an illustrative look. I enjoy line work and details! I tend to do a lot of flowers so I would say that might be what people know me best for or come to me for the most. I really enjoy just creating anything that makes my clients feel happy and maybe more confident when they leave. I guess that ties into what makes me most proud – sometimes this work can really help people on some level and getting to be a part of that experience is so humbling. 

In terms of your work and the industry, what are some of the changes you are expecting to see over the next five to ten years?
I can’t even begin to predict! There’s been so many improvements with many facets in the industry over my short time in it. I’m sure numbing products will continue to improve and machines will get smaller and even quieter. 

Contact Info:

• Email: jj.mcqueentattoos@gmail.com
• Website: www.Thinktanksouth.com
• Instagram: @jj.mcqueentattoos