Ciara Meyer Dunedin, FL

I’D LOVE TO MERGE DRAG AND TATTOOING TO CREATE AN INTERESTING FRESH TAKE ON THE INDUSTRY. ”

TYLER JENKINS

Painter Tyler Jenkins grew up deep in the heart of Asheville, North Carolina. In his decade of practice, he has explored everywhere, from realism sketching to acrylic abstract painting, through various materials and mediums.

His work often involved images of human emotion, highlighting sadness as a common theme. In 2011 as a high school senior, he became an American Vision Nominee and received a Golden Key award at Asheville, North Carolina’s Scholastic Art Awards. After relocating to Orlando in 2011, Tyler fell heavily into the art scene and studied his craft up until exploring tattooing in 2018 ⸺ What was it that initially sparked your interest in tattooing? After painting and draw-

ing for so many years while being encouraged by those around me, I decided that it was finally my time. I always painted an image in my mind of what tattoo shops looked like- chipped-up walls, biker artists, bad customer service, etc. Walking into a studio with the OPPOSITE image really opened my eyes and sparked my interest. This particular studio was enormous and decorated like a museum. The pure allure really just captivated me, and I never wanted to leave! The presentation and customer service inspired me more than ever, and I knew at that moment that I would have a tattooing career ⸺ How does being openly gay affect your life in the tattooing industry? It’s caused difficulty at times but also made life both fun and interesting. I’ve, of