I’ve been called an artist for as long as I can remember. As a kid, I was constantly drawing, painting, making mosaics—anything I could get my hands on. My parents noticed and enrolled me in an after-school art program, and from there I was hooked. The more I learned, the more I wanted to learn. Every new technique and style felt like a new world to explore.

Art has always been the lens through which I see the world, and that never changed as I moved through school. I studied both art and science—AP Art alongside AP Chemistry—because I wanted to understand not just how beautiful the world is, but how it works.

When adulthood arrived, life became all about paying bills and keeping up with responsibilities. Art slowly slipped to the side, and I felt something missing. Then a few family members asked if I could create some pieces for them. I carved out time to draw again—and suddenly, that spark reignited. I remembered what I’d been missing, and I knew I needed art back in my life.

That’s around the time I decided to get my first tattoo—and met Zane Collins. During one of our sessions, we got to talking, and I mentioned I did art. He asked to see it, and after looking through my work, he offered me an apprenticeship. I couldn’t believe it. For years, people told me art was a dead-end path, that I’d never make a living doing what I love. But here was someone—an incredible artist—telling me I could succeed and offering to show me how.

In my excitement, I quit my job in aerospace a bit early—before Zane had a spot open—but he introduced me to another artist, Mitch Anderson, who took me on as his apprentice at Dark Arts Tattoo.

Fast-forward three years, and I’m still learning and growing alongside an amazing team of artists. Every day I’m grateful to be part of this community—pushing myself, exploring new ideas, and building on the craft that’s changed my life.

Tattooing, to me, is pure collaboration. Each design is a story, and it’s an honor to help people tell theirs through art we create together.

If you’re reading this, I hope I get the chance to work with you soon—and help you create your very own fairytale tattoo.

With Ink & Enchantment,
Jessica Sheahan