Today we’d like to introduce you to Erin Bouchard
Erin, we appreciate you taking the time to share your story with us today. Where does your story begin?
Ever since I was old enough to hold a crayon, I have been drawing. From stick animals in pre-k to full portraits at 22. My dad, who passed right before I started my apprenticeship, was a creative, outgoing, and loving person who doodled every now and again, and inspires me to keep drawing to this day. My caring, amazing mother has always supported my artistic endeavors. They sent me to art magnet schools here in Jacksonville starting in Elementary at Fishweir, all the way to high school at Douglas Anderson. Through the years I have had the privilege to focus on my art and develop my skills. Senior year, I ambitiously tried to get an apprenticeship- with no tattoos and still going to school virtually through Covid, I was denied. I wasn’t discouraged, I went and got tattooed a few times, as well as at the shop I was denied at to show I was serious. They noticed my perseverance and offered me a spot. I started Summer 2021 and did my first tattoo on myself October 2021. I’ve stuck with the same shop since and cultivated a creative community with the artists around me, as well as a clientele. Within my 3 years of tattooing, I have guest spotted in Los Angeles, Philadelphia, Miami, Savannah, St. Augustine, and continue to strive for more experiences and meet new artists along the way.
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?
No good things come easily. Although, if you’re willing enough to strive for it, anything is worth the struggle.
Due to my dad passing of cancer in May 2021, and starting my apprenticeship June 2021, I was powering through while grieving at the same time. I want to say part of me was utterly motivated by the idea that life is fleeting and to put your mind into your goals 100%. It was a blurry time, but it’s gotten me to where I am now. A much better sense of a work-life balance and steady clientele.
As for tattooing, the struggles are always there, as it’s an ever-changing job that you constantly learn from. New clients, new designs, new techniques. But it always keeps things fresh- even with the added stressors.
Appreciate you sharing that. What else should we know about what you do?
I tattoo primarily black work and black & grey. My style focuses on the nostalgia of Halloween related art, stylized portraits of ladies, including mermaids, fairies, and vampires, flowers and anything fantastical. I get a lot of inspiration from Tim Burton, vintage Halloween decorations, and religious imagery and architecture. It all changes throughout time as my style evolves too, but I think there’s beauty in change too.
I am most known for my heavy black work pieces with the whimsical aspects. Bats of course. Gothic imagery. I love it all. I am most proud of building my clientele here in Jacksonville and getting to know many of my clients on a personal level. Being able to connect with the canvas is by far one of my favorite parts. If I am able to make one more confident, or feel more themselves through art, I am beyond fulfilled. It’s an amazing privilege to get to know my clients. I also pride myself in making the environment as comforting as possible. I know getting tattooed is more than just that, but also the experience around getting permanent art.
We love surprises, fun facts and unexpected stories. Is there something you can share that might surprise us?
I struggle with my mental (sometimes physical) health and motivation to do anything at times. While having worked hard in the creative field basically my whole life, I have had to create healthier boundaries with my life and work the past few years. Even though I enjoy most every aspect of tattooing and it is easy to get addicted to “grinding” 5-6 days a week, you have to prioritize your health in the end. I have had to go to physical therapy for my neck, arms, and back and learn better techniques since tattooing is surprisingly VERY physical. I have had to take more time off than I’m used to so I am not constantly stressed. With working for yourself, you have the beauty of scheduling yourself, but with that comes the responsibility of being accountable for your whole level of income, advertising (social media), and so on. There is a lot of behind the scenes with being a tattooer, so finding that balance has taken my whole career thus far.
Pricing:
- Per piece ( if under a certain size )
- Hourly ( if large piece with multiple sessions )
Contact Info:
- Website: https://erinjeantattoo.com
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/erinjeantattoo/
- Other: [email protected]
Image Credits
Ian Carson
