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Beyond the Needle: Jes Valentine
Alright, fellow ink aficionados, grab a seat and get ready to dive headfirst into the vibrant world of tattoo artistry and stunning print.
Today, we’re thrilled to introduce you to the one-and-only Jes Valentine, a bona fide tattoo maven and the visionary behind Haven Tattoo Studio, a one-of-a-kind private studio nestled in the heart of Brooklyn, New York. With over 15 years in the tattoo industry and a decade dedicated to perfecting her craft, Jes has become highly revered, known for her specialisation in fine-line tattoos and her signature ‘Bubblegum Traditional’ style. But Jes is more than just an exceptional artist – she is a force driving change in the tattoo industry.
Fuelled by a desire to create an inclusive, empowering, and safe environment for her customers, she established Haven as a 100% women-owned and operated studio that welcomes all, an ‘about-time’ concept on the rise in the United States in 2023. In fact, according to recent statistics by Career Explorer, the female rise in the tattoo industry is staggering, reaching 59% of all US-based artists in 2023, an astonishing increase of around 34% based on 2013 statistics.
Jes’ dedication to her craft, commitment to creating safe spaces, and impeccable artistry have garnered much-deserved attention from esteemed press outlets such as The New York Times, Nylon Magazine, Inked Magazine, and many more.
As a tattoo artist, Jes knows the importance of delivering an exceptional experience to her clients, from the moment they encounter her work to the second they leave with their brand-new tat, which is why she entrusts Aura Print with her printing needs – we also understand that every detail matters.
So today, we have the privilege of diving into Jes’ world, exploring her unique style, understanding her motivations as a tattoo artist, and discovering exactly why she continues to choose Aura Print to help complement her remarkable talents.
Understanding the Artistry
It’s not often you get the opportunity to chat with a New York Times-featured tattoo master, but when that opportunity comes along, you grab it with both hands.
At Aura Print, we’ve had the pleasure of knowing Jes Valentine as a long-time customer and artistic genius. Choosing us as her tattoo printer, bringing to life everything from tattoo cards to tattoo aftercare instructions, the pleasure is, and has been, all ours. So, get ready to dive into the world of Valentine and uncover the captivating essence of her tattoo style, as she shares her inspirations, artistic evolution, and the distinctive elements that set her apart in the industry.
Diving straight in, we asked Jes about her journey as a tattoo artist and the evolution of her art over the years, Jes shared, ‘My best friend’s Grandfather was covered in tattoos, and I was absolutely obsessed with them. As soon as I turned 18, I got my first tattoo, and at 22, I landed a job as a shop-girl in a tattoo shop. Since then, I’ve worked my way up to where I am now, and I feel incredibly lucky to be doing what I love every day”.
Regarding her tattoo style and what sets her apart in the industry, Jes explained how she has a hard time describing her style, explaining that it “doesn’t fall into any specific categories”. “I call it Bubblegum-Traditional because it has its roots in traditional Americana but incorporates a lot of neo-traditional values as far as line weight goes. I focus on creating pretty, cute, and whimsical subjects, so I think “Bubblegum Traditional” describes it best”.
Jes went on to explain, “Recurring themes in my tattoo designs include stars and hearts, and I often use a lot of pinks in my work. I like to do the opposite of what I was taught, which was not to draw girly. My favourite subjects to draw are typically pretty lady heads, animals, and pop-culture tattoos”.
Looking ahead, Jes expressed her vision for her business, stating, “My hope is to keep doing the best work that I can and to expand. As we open more shops, I already know that all my printed materials are going to come from Aura Print, so it’s nice to have one less thing to worry about”.
Capturing an artists unique style and translating it into seamlessly printed materials is a crucial aspect of enhancing your brand and promoting incredible tattoo work. For Jes Valentine, Aura Print has been the go-to print partner, perfectly capturing her artistic vision and elevating her brand presence. When asked about the specific print materials she relies on Aura Print for, Jes enthusiastically shared, “I’ve been getting my business cards done with Aura since I started my business in 2019. I love the foil cards so much I have ordered business tattoo cards, stickers, and tattoo aftercare instructions from Aura Print. I also use them in my personal life! All of my wedding invites, save the dates, thank you cards etc., are from Aura Print as well as my wife’s and friend’s business cards! I’ve turned everybody onto Aura because the quality just can’t be beat”.
Aura Print takes immense pride in delivering high-quality print materials that perfectly capture the essence of our customer’s style. The attention to detail, impeccable print quality, and a huge range of customization options are why we think we stand out from other printers in our industry. As Jes further expressed,
“The quality can’t be beat! Every item is absolutely as expected. Aura products are above and beyond, and I love that there are so many options when it comes to foil colours! It makes it so easy to reinvent my branding because I know I can always expect top-tier products from Aura”.
One specific project where we beautifully translated Jes’ tattoo graphic skill into physical art is her tattoo aftercare instructions. Jes described her postcards, saying, “It’s pink cardstock with a very magical, pink foil bunny on the front. The pink just adds that special touch and makes it that much more whimsical. So on brand for me, haha!”.
Jes and Aura Print collaborate to demonstrate how tattoo art can be transformed into print materials that align with the brand. This collaboration showcases the fusion of tattoo art and print design. By combining their expertise, Jes and Aura Print illustrate the potential of incorporating tattoo-inspired elements into branding materials. The result is a cohesive and visually striking representation of the brand's identity. Our commitment to quality, ability to provide a wider range of options than our competitors, and expertise in incorporating exquisite foil elements have seamlessly brought Jes’ artistic vision to life, helping her create a cohesive brand experience for clients and admirers alike.
From Skin to Paper: The Crucial Role Print Plays in Tattooing
In the world of tattoo artistry, print materials play a vital role in helping tattoo artists build and maintain a successful business. These essential print supplies serve a variety of purposes, from facilitating seamless communication with clients to effectively marketing skills and establishing a strong brand identity.
Business Cards for Tattoo Artists
One of the fundamental print materials that tattoo artists still rely on, even in the digital age, is business cards. A tattoo business card is more than just contact information – it serves as a powerful networking tool, allowing you to leave a lasting impression on potential clients, fellow artists, and industry professionals. A well designed, luxuriously printed business cad not only provides essential information as you expand your network but also showcases artistic style and aesthetic, leaving recipients with a tangible reminder of your talent and professionalism as an established tattoo artist.
From eco business cards on recycled paper to rustic brown paper Kraft cards, whatever your statement, we’ve got the paper. And as far as luxury finishes go, metallic foil business cards for tattoo artists are a sure-fire winner, and adding smooth rounded corners to your business cards just tops it off. Keen to take it one step further? We’re revolutionizing the boring old business card by introducing painted edges to business cards, so why not give it a try?
Tattoo Aftercare Instructions
Tattoo aftercare instructions or postcards are another absolute must-have for those running a tattoo business where customer care is at the forefront. Aftercare is a vital aspect of the tattooing process, and providing clear and concise instructions to clients is essential for ensuring proper healing and maintaining the quality of the tattoo.
Consider every tattoo you create as a living, breathing, walking advertisement, where healing is of the utmost importance to ensuring your work looks amazing for years. Now, well-designed aftercare postcards not only convey essential information but also demonstrate your commitment to your clients' well-being, leaving a lasting impression of professionalism and care.
Tattoo Appointment Cards
Appointment cards are yet another print must-have for tattoo artists. These handy cards help both artists and clients stay organised, ensuring smooth communication and fewer missed appointments. By providing your client with an appointment card upon booking, you’re offering a tangible reminder of the upcoming tattoo session (woo, exciting!), which not only reduces the chance of miscommunication but also enhances the overall customer experience.
Tattoo Convention Posters & Banners
In addition to essential print materials, posters and banners are highly effective tools for tattoo artists, particularly when attending conventions and trade shows. Eye-catching and professionally designed posters and banners are a sure-fire way to draw attention to your booth, creating a visually captivating space amongst the masses, leaving a lasting impression on attendees. These large-format prints serve as powerful marketing assets, especially with your stunning tattoo artwork, attracting potential clients and creating an aura of professionalism and expertise.
Tattoo Artist Art Prints
Undoubtably, art prints have become increasingly popular among tattoo artists who also engage in selling their artwork beyond the realm of tattoos. If you’re looking to swap skin for paper, tattoo art prints are the way to go. These prints allow you, as an artist, to expand your reach and provide fans with collectable and accessible pieces of art. By offering art prints, you’re committing to extending your artistic expression beyond the tattoo studio, building a loyal following and generating additional revenue streams elsewhere.
Print not only serves a functional purpose but also acts as an effective marketing tool, contributing to the establishment of a strong brand identity for you as a tattoo artist. From business cards to aftercare instructions, each print product reflects the artist’s style, attention to detail, and commitment to excellence. By incorporating your unique aesthetic into these materials, you can create a cohesive brand experience that resonates with your target audience and sets yourself apart in a saturated industry.
Unlocking Excellence: The Benefits of Collaborating with Aura Print
So, you’re a tattoo artist and you’ve made it this far, but why choose Aura Print?
Now, we think that partnering with Aura Print brings a multitude of advantages that align perfectly with the precision and dedication required in the art of tattooing, but then again, we may be biased.
As Jes, Aura Print stands out as a trusted print partner, not just because of our unwavering commitment to quality, but also our famed reliability and exceptional customer service. With stringent quality control measures in place, we ensure that every print is exceptionally printed and finished, delivering top-notch results every time.
At Aura Print, we pride ourselves on the sheer level of customization on offer, from our extensive choice of 30+ hand-selected paper types, including sustainable materials such as Recycled, Kraft, and Cotton paper, to our luxury laminations, stunning metallic foils, smooth rounded cornering, painted edges and much, much more. As a tattoo artist, we want to help you get your artistic vision down on paper, providing a range of options to help you reinvent your branding and leave a lasting impression.
Moreover, our exceptional tailored customer service further solidifies our position as a go-to print provider. Our knowledgeable team takes the time to understand the specific needs and requirements of each artist, offering expert guidance and support throughout the pre-press and printing process. Coupled with our fast turnaround times and shipping across the pond (Jes is in New York, while we’re printing away in Yorkshire, England), we ensure that tattoo artists in the UK and USA can rely on us with confidence, allowing you to focus on your craft while having confidence that your prints will be delivered to the highest standards.
Tattoo Potential Unleashed: Elevating Your Craft with Aura Print
And there we have it, our journey into the world of tattoo artistry has brought us face-to-face with the exceptional talent and unique style of Jes Valentine, and what a pleasure it’s been.
Throughout this blog, we’ve explored the importance of high-quality printed materials for tattoo artists and witnessed how Aura Print has become an invaluable partner for Jes and countless other artists. The testimonials from Jes herself have highlighted just why you should jump on-board the Aura train, including our unmatched quality, reliability, stringent quality control and level of customization. As an art form that demands precision and dedication, tattooing finds its perfect match with Aura Print’s unwavering commitment to excellence.
Jes has further emphasised the significance of leveraging other marketing strategies, with social media playing a pivotal role in expanding her reach and attracting new clients into her empowering space. Beyond print, a strong social media presence has become as necessary as business cards in today’s digital age, and although we’re in the business of that old-school paper stuff, we’re riding the wave too.
On a lighter note, Jes finds solace in nature when she’s not tattooing, recognising the importance of decompressing, and allowing creative juices to flow outside of the studio walls. This holistic approach to well-being contributes to her overall creativity and serves as a reminder of the interconnectedness of various passions.
As we bid farewell, we encourage tattoo artists to consider the impact of premium print on their professional image and brand identity. From business cards that make a lasting impression to aftercare instructions that showcase care and professionalism, every printed product you have attached to your utility belt serves to elevate the overall tattooing experience.
With us as your trusted print partner, you can unlock a world of possibilities, benefitting from exceptional print quality, personalized customization options, dedicated customer service, and swift turnaround.
Like what you see? Why not hit Jes up on Instagram? https://www.instagram.com/jesvalentinetattoos/
