Daily Inspiration: Meet Katie Jones

Today we’d like to introduce you to Katie Jones

Hi Katie, so excited to have you with us today. What can you tell us about your story?
My name is Katie, and I’ve been tattooing since 2020. Originally from South Florida, I relocated to Denver, specializing in large-scale black and grey tattoos. Art has been a part of my life since childhood, keeping me out of trouble and shaping my creativity.

I’m always striving to grow, attending seminars to refine my craft. My goal is to be an an artist that other women can look up to in this male dominated industry. When I’m not tattooing, I love to travel and explore new places. I also have a three-legged Rottweiler named Hercules, my loyal sidekick on this journey.

Can you talk to us a bit about the challenges and lessons you’ve learned along the way. Looking back would you say it’s been easy or smooth in retrospect?
It definitely hasn’t been a smooth road. Getting into the tattoo industry was hurdle after hurdle, especially as a young woman in a male-dominated field. There’s no HR in tattoo shops, and finding a skilled artist in a reputable shop willing to mentor you for free felt nearly impossible. Once you do, you work full-time for a year—drawing, cleaning, answering phones, running errands, opening and closing the shop—without pay, all while holding another full time job just to cover bills.

When you finally start tattooing, the pressure is intense—every mark is permanent. Building a client base is another challenge. In today’s digital world, you have to be a content creator, essentially running your own business. You’re your own bookkeeper, receptionist, photographer, and social media manager, all while designing and tattooing. It’s time-consuming and demanding, but I love what I do, so every bit of effort is worth it. I’d do it all, all over again!

As you know, we’re big fans of you and your work. For our readers who might not be as familiar what can you tell them about what you do?
I’m a tattoo artist specializing in large-scale black and grey work. Realism and surrealism. My focus is on creating bold, legible, detailed pieces that flow naturally with the body. I strive for depth, contrast, and smooth shading that will age gracefully with your body.

What I’m most proud of is my dedication to growth. I’m always pushing myself to improve, attending seminars, buying webinars and refining my technique. Tattooing isn’t just a job to me—it’s a craft, and I take pride in giving my clients pieces they’ll love for a lifetime.

What sets me apart is my approach. I don’t just tattoo—I create custom artwork tailored to each client. I want each design to be unique, 1 of 1. I also understand the lifetime commitment behind a tattoo, so I make sure every piece is thoughtfully designed and executed with precision.

Have you learned any interesting or important lessons due to the Covid-19 Crisis?
The COVID-19 crisis taught me the importance of adaptability and resilience. Tattooing came to a complete halt during lockdowns, forcing many artists, including myself, to find new ways to stay creative and financially stable. It reinforced how important it is to have multiple streams of income and a strong online presence.

It also made me appreciate the value of human connection. Tattooing is such a personal experience, and after months without it, I realized how much I love the interaction and storytelling that comes with my work. The pandemic showed me that nothing is guaranteed, so I’ve learned to stay prepared, stay adaptable, and never take my craft—or the people who support it—for granted.

Contact Info:

• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/tattoo_katie?igsh=dXcwanBwZDB0bzU5&utm_source=qr
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/share/12FV3x9e7Zt/?mibextid=wwXIfr