JACLYN BERGANTINO

I was born in Houston, Texas. At the age of 12, I moved to South Texas and later to Corpus Christi. At the age of 18, I was introduced to tattooing while I was getting my architectural degree. I started tattooing later that year at a shop with really no formal training other than the Huck Spaulding book “Tattooing from A to Z.” The rest is history.

Who or where do you get your inspiration from? I get inspired by the artists in my studio mostly. Also, from numerous artists I’ve worked with throughout the years working at tattoo conventions across the country.

What advice would you give to someone about getting his or her first tattoo? (A tattoo virgin) Be sure it’s what you want, and seek a professional/reputable artist. People should actually go in and speak with the artist. Too many people just want to rely on the internet to find one, but it’s also about the vibe the artist gives you.

What was it that initially sparked your interest in tattooing?

I saw a friend of mine get one and thought it was cool. To make a drawing on something that was so permanent!

Was it hard getting an apprenticeship? How was yours? Never had one. I would definitely have preferred to, but it wasn’t in my cards!

Are there any tattoos you would refuse to do? (face, private areas, etc.) I don’t like tattooing faces or private areas, for sure! I think my favorite place is the hand. Not sure why.

What do you think is in store for the future of tattooing? I think with all the new formally trained artists entering the industry, I think it will and has definitely upped the bar. It’s hard to keep up.

Have you ever had a bad tattooing experience, and what was it? Usually, it’s just been hard to please customers! But I seem to always get through it.

What is the most important advice you can give someone new to the art of tattooing? Seek out an apprenticeship from a reputable artist and not just someone at a shop that says they will teach you. Tattoo studios are filled with not-so-great artists. Do your research. Has anyone followed in your footsteps? My son has been tattooing since he was ten. Now he’s a 25-year-old artist with 15 years’ experience. Plus, he is a phenomenal tattooer! ✕