Name: Jasmin Austin
Age: 26
Location: Western Australia
Age: 26
Location: Western Australia
What attracted you to tattooing?
For as long as i remember i have loved art, without creating art in my life I don't think i could exist, my older brother started getting tattooed and he liked to draw tattoo related art and that's when i decided to get a tattoo back in 2000, that was the beginning of my interest in tattooing. I then turned my art in the direction of tattoo style drawings and paintings whilst continuing to be tattooed.
How did you get into the industry?
I was getting tattooed by a tattooist from WA named Plug who put in a good word about me to a shop who were looking for an apprentice. I took my portfolio in and started work the following week at Scarboro Ink which I think was in 2005. A year later I began tattooing and then on I was determined to learn and do my best in my chosen career. I have now been tattooing for almost 6 years I still have much to learn and am always excited about the years to come.
Was it hard to find an apprenticeship?
I didn't find it too hard but it seemed a matter of being in the right place at the right time. I was determined to make it into the industry and I believed if it's meant to be it will happen.
How many years have you been tattooing?
I have been tattooing now for almost 6 years.
What inspires you?
Getting to work with other amazing artists, doing conventions especially and seeing all the talented artists around defiantly makes me inspired, motivated and a want to work harder.
Who are your favourite tattoo artists?
My two good friends Dave Olteanu and Shannon Richmond who's work is amazing and they are both very down to earth and two of my favorite people.
I also love the artists Eckle, Uncle Allan, Derek Noble, Emily Rose Murray, Lu's lips.
How would you describe your tattoo style?
I guess it would be neo-traditional, I just enjoy nice clean bold line work and smooth shading.
What have you learned in your years in the industry?
That I love being a part of it and helping it grow and move forward, I have seem the industry grow in a good way especially in the last year the amount of new apprentices and people just starting to tattoo. I think in another 5 years the industry in Australia will have many more talented tattooists with a positive outlook on the industry.
What advice do you have to people considering careers in tattooing?
It's a hard industry unless your a talented artist, its definately the industry to be in if your passion is art and I'm sure every tattooists wants more talented tattooists to be around, so if that's you just be determined and work on your at and make yourself known.
What are some of the best things you have experienced as a result of your career?
Meeting other artists I admire and having the opportunity to work with them, and who give me inspiration and teach me things. I couldn't learn on my own, when it comes to art I love being around it and other like minded people that's the best thing to me because art make me happy.
Where do you currently tattoo?
WA Ink in Fremantle, Western Australia.
