Today we’d like to introduce you to Jenna McCloskey.
Hi Jenna, please kick things off for us with an introduction to yourself and your story.
For a long time, I’ve felt like an artist without a place to belong. From always feeling like the odd one out in my neighborhood in Orange County, I moved on to finding my way through two very different rounds of art school. Still not feeling like I found where I belonged, I dived into the interests that made me the happiest, like fashion, drag, film, and video games, and I’d be my happiest If I could build a career involving these things. My trajectory moved to work in the entertainment industry, but I began to feel disillusioned by the idea of getting swallowed by the pressure of “making it”. I honestly never anticipated becoming a tattoo artist. I assumed I’d never get any tattoos, but it turns out that I keep surprising myself! I became entirely inspired by other tattoo artists who could turn their individual passions and illustrations into a very special interpersonal craft! This is the first time I’ve felt like I’m an artist who belongs.
Would you say it’s been a smooth road, and if not what are some of the biggest challenges you’ve faced along the way?
It truly has been a struggle of identity and believing in myself. Imposter syndrome is real, which I feel I’ve struggled with since I was young.
As you know, we’re big fans of you and your work. For our readers who might not be as familiar what can you tell them about what you do?
At the core, my work is about the beautiful and weird. I design characters and tattoos that might not be generically beautiful, but rather unconventional. I can’t explain why I find beauty in darkness and strangeness, but I take great inspiration from things that don’t fit the typical mold, and I’ve found that through tattooing, I can decorate and be decorated by like-minded people with a mutual appreciation for the strange things I find beautiful. I’m constantly learning about myself through the process of being a tattoo artist, especially a new one. I’ve been proud that even through periods of uncertainty, I’ve stuck to my guns and created work that I want to create for the people I want to connect with through my art.
How do you define success?
For me personally, I’ll deem myself successful when I’ve overcome my own insecurities that put myself in my own way. Having an artistic career is risky, and it’s really damaging to place your “success” on how much money you’re making or how many big names in your industry know who you are. I just want to get out of my own way and pursue what I’m passionate about, and cement myself in the communities surrounding them, make meaningful connections, and fulfill all of my needs to express myself.
Contact Info:
- Instagram: @viscera.tattoo
- Other: linktr.ee/viscera.tattoo
