JENNA SZERSZEN Artist

My name is Jenna Szerszen. I’ve been tattooing for 5 years and co-own a studio called Prairie State Tattoo Company in Carpentersville, IL. I love cats, drag queens, and naps ⸺ What advice would you give to someone about getting his or her first tattoo? (A tattoo virgin) If you’re looking to get your first tattoo, you should do your research. We are lucky to have social media, so take advantage of it! ⸺ What did your family and friends think about you getting into the tattoo business? My family was very supportive. My partner, Andrew, actually helped me get my apprenticeship because I was too scared to ask. My parents are my biggest fans. My dad has a full sleeve from me, and my mom has one of the first tattoos I have ever done! ⸺ What would you say is your favorite part of the job? My favorite part of the job is developing relationships with my client. It allows my clients to be completely comfortable with me and trust me with my vision for a design. I love seeing familiar faces come through the door and enjoying our time together while they get tattooed ⸺ What was it that initially sparked your interest in tattooing? My grandpa had a pin-up girl tattoo on his calf from when he was in the Navy. I wanted to be able to create pieces like that ⸺ Was it hard getting an apprenticeship? How was yours? I always tell people I was very lucky with my apprenticeship. I collected pieces from the same artist for a while, and I just had to be patient until he was ready to take on an apprentice. My apprenticeship was pretty standard. Cleaning, answering phones, scrubbing tubes, etc. Very happy with where it got me ⸺ What do you think is in store for the future of tattooing? As the industry grows, I hope the process becomes safer and more inclusive. I don’t want people to be scared to walk into a tattoo shop because of an outdated stigma ⸺ What are “Shy Girl” tattoos? During quarantine, I was able to draw a lot for myself. I came up with a design of a girl peeking her head out of a banana, so I decided to draw more like that. Once we got back to work, tons of my clients wanted these “Shy Girls.” It has evolved so much! The Shy Girls Club has a lot of members, and I am thankful for that! ✕