Jemima is a mixed race and queer handpoke tattoo artist originally from Sheffield, who will be exhibiting at the upcoming Sheffield Tattoo Festival. Her joy is rooted in creating a safe space for QTIPOC (queer, trans and intersex people of colour) first and foremost, where they can feel affirmed, heard and in control of marking their bodies.
1. YOU NEVER STOP LEARNING
I love my job and am always looking for ways to improve my work, expand my skill set and try new things. This applies not just to the artistic side of things, but to the emotional parts of us, too. Learning to be sensitive to the needs of our clients teaches us a lot about ourselves and our practice. I am relatively new to the industry myself, but within a couple of years of tattooing, I have discovered limitless new ways to connect and communicate with myself, others and the world around me.
@jemimakeziahtattoo
2. COMMUNITY IS POWER
Building friendships and strong links within the community is very special to me. It’s great to feel supported and held by those you work around, whether that’s within your own shop, within your city, country, or even across the world. I’m lucky enough to work with my best friends, and feeling like a valued part of the shop as well as the wider community of artists from Sheffield and Leeds makes every day inspiring, challenging and, most importantly, a good laugh.
3. IT’S NOT ALL ABOUT US
The process of tattooing is a collaborative effort. Amidst the existential doubt that follows the act of creating art, it’s important to remember that at the end of the day, it’s our clients who must be prioritised above all. It’s our responsibility to do what we can to ensure we create our best work, but also that our clients feel heard, affirmed and supported through their own choices. Tattooing is a transformative medium through which we can reinterpret and reclaim our own bodies; it’s a radical act of self-determination and autonomy. I think it’s lovely that our skill set can facilitate this for people.
“Tattooing is a transformative medium through which we can reinterpret and reclaim our own bodies.”
4. THERE ARE STILL THINGS TO UNLEARN, RESHAPE AND REIMAGINE
The western tattooing industry has a history of excluding people of colour, women etc., although, paradoxically, this is from whom the tradition originates. It’s important that we critically engage with tattooing history, to recognise and avoid perpetuating negative practices that can sometimes be taken for granted as ‘just the way it’s done’. Things are steadily changing, though, as we continue to uplift marginalised artists and do our best to ensure everyone is empowered to both get tattooed and, if they want, have the opportunity to pursue a career without barriers.
5. TAKE SOME BLOODY TIME OFF!
Balancing long days of tattooing with answering emails, drawing up designs, managing social media, creating merch, financial admin – it takes a toll on our minds and bodies. You’re just one person, so schedule some real time off – switch off Instagram, don’t answer emails for a week, a month, or whatever you want! I am very precious about my time these days. I think we all have to learn the hard way (burnout) that it’s okay if we need to reschedule sometimes; it’s okay to say no to work we don’t have the capacity to take on and we don’t need to justify it. Set those boundaries and stick to them – that’s what keeps our job enjoyable and exciting.
“It’s important that we critically engage with tattooing history, to recognise and avoid perpetuating negative practices.”
For the full line-up of what’s on at Sheffield Tattoo Festival, head here.
