Iron & Pine Tattoo Co. Carol Jacky

KAYLA HETNER

How long have you been tattooing, and what was it that initially sparked

your interest in tattooing? My initial interest sparked when I was 13 years old and went with my brother for his first tattoo appointment. Instantly I became interested in the tattoo process ⸺ What advice would you give to someone about getting his or her first tattoo? (A tattoo virgin) Eat beforehand, drink water, and communicate with your artist. Most people make tattoos sound way scarier than they are, so just relax and have fun ⸺ What did your family and friends think about you getting into the tattoo business? At first, my family was very apprehensive about me becoming an artist. Over much debate, we had come to the conclusion that if I were to pursue my career as an artist, I would have to get some sort of formal education and degree. This May, I will be graduating with my bachelor’s degree in psychology and will continue my tattooing career ⸺ What would you say is your favorite part of the job? The opportunity to meet so many new people and create art for them that will last a lifetime ⸺ What is your favorite body part to tattoo and why? Hands! Absolutely love hands. The opportunities that hands provide, design-wise, are so vast. You can create a full and dimensional image on such a small canvas. There’s no limit to what you can put on a hand, and hands just look sick! ⸺ Who and what influences you to create your work? When I was around 7 years old, I spent a lot of time learning to create art with Frank Frazetta sr. He was a very close family friend and was my main influence as a kid. Now I would say my influences are my mentors and co-workers. My bosses, Brian Murphy and Jessica Lockard are both insanely talented artists, and I hope that one day my art can be as amazing as theirs ⸺ What is the most important advice you can give someone new to the art of tattooing? It can be stressful. For a while, in the beginning, you are going to have times where the money will be scarce. Make lots of relationships with the artists in your shop and the other artists in the area. If you truly are passionate about it, keep working towards the goal, and eventually, what you put into it, will return to you. ✕