“I explore the connection women, trans, and nonbinary people have with tattoos and tattooing across cultures, borders, generations, and time. It’s about gender politics, body image, autonomy, and art.”
Meet Jenn—she’s found a fun way to mix her love for traveling and getting tattoos. Jenn has turned these two passions into an exciting lifestyle. From her first tattoo to her adventures around the world, learn how her love for travel and ink has shaped her journey.
This interview is part of her story.
How did you get into getting tattooed when traveling — was there a source of inspiration for this?
When I started researching tattoo artists to find the right one to do my head, I found so many amazing artists that happened to live all over the world. I already loved traveling, and I couldn’t stop thinking about traveling to these incredible places to get pieces of art. It just became something I couldn’t stop thinking about.
Were you tattooed before you started traveling?
I got a practice tattoo in my home city before traveling to Long Beach, CA for my head tattoo.
Tell me about the first tattoo you ever had done — when was it? What was it? Why?
In my 30s I became friends with a person who changed careers and became a tattoo artist. Tattoos had always scared me. What if I regret it? But when I saw what they were doing and getting on their own body, a new world opened up. I began to see tattoos as art, and I was especially drawn to color tattoos.
At 36 an ex contacted me after years of blissful silence to offer me a bogus miracle cure for hairless. Suddenly, filled with rage, I decided I was done hiding and letting people tell me that I needed to be fixed. It clicked in that moment that I could put a tattoo on my head. In a moment of anger, rebellion, and inspiration, I committed to the idea and never looked back. The first tattoo was done by my friend. It was a test tattoo to see how it feels and how my body responds before jumping in headfirst (pun intended). The tattoo is Crow T. Robot from the TV show Mystery Science Theater 3000. It had been something I turned to during depression, and it seemed like something I would always appreciate.
Do most of your tattoos have meaning? Do you think the meaning matters or changes over time?
Most of them have deeper meanings, but I don’t think that matters. I realized that I am more interested in collecting art. Every piece is beautiful to me, and that won’t change over time.
How many tattoos do you have? — are there any you call your favourites? What about ones you don’t like?
I have 19. I’m 41-years-old (42 August 13) and have only been collecting for 5 years, so all of them are still kind of new and loved. If I have to pick a favorite, it would be the lilies on top of my head, my 2nd tattoo, only because of the role it played in my life and love for myself.
I’m often inspired by the artists. I sometimes get their pre-drawn art or something similar to their best pieces. There are a few that are inspired by other things, like my Egyptian tattoo that is a replica of one found on an ancient mummy.
Are there other “tattourists” you’ve connected with? Anyone who inspired you?
Some inspiration comes from what I see on Instagram. Artists will post their work and say something like, “thank you for traveling from so far away to get this.” That tells me that there are plenty of other people willing to travel for their art.
about your upcoming book and documentary — if you could condense it into like 3 sentences, what is it about?
I explore the connection women, trans, and nonbinary people have with tattoos and tattooing across cultures, borders, generations, and time. It’s about gender politics, body image, autonomy, and art.
Can you give us some recommendations on how to plan for or choose an artist or shop or tattoo when you travel?
Instagram is a great place to start. I started by searching things like “head tattoos” and then digging deeper as I found art that sparked my interest, and then I usually choose the locations based on artists I like.
If you had to choose your top 5 places in the world you’ve visited, where are they and why?
Paris and so many cities in Italy are uniquely charming and filled with beautiful art and delicious food.
Egypt has breathtaking archeological sites and welcoming people.
The Philippines is fun. The people are outgoing and very social. That can mean that they make fun of you or it could mean that they embrace you, depending on the person. I believe I made lifelong friends there.
New York City is a former home that I now visit on vacations. It will always be the greatest city in the world to me. There are so many activities, and the arts are so vibrant.
The variety of cultures fills the streets with life. It is a place where you can find inspiration and beauty around every corner.
Some of our travellers struggle with the post vacation depression — do you experience that? What would you say to them?
I always feel a bit low for a few days after returning home. I like to reflect on everything I was able to do. I’ve been traveling alone, and that makes everything I accomplish feel extra special. It’s not for anyone else. I did these things just for me.
