Get to Know Your Artist
Today we sat down with Jessie and discussed why she decided to take up being a shop owner and her family life.
What made you want to be a professional tattoo artist?
-I grew up drawing. I took every art class I could get my hands on in middle school, high school and college. Once out of school, I tried my hand at graphic and web design, and was not finding what I was looking for. I had started getting tattooed and it clicked with me that tattooing was the path I wanted to follow. It seemed like a great way to grow as an artist and do something that I loved as a career.
Do you have a favorite style you love doing?
-I have spent a lot of time being a versatile artist, trying to become competent in as many styles as possible. I am starting to try to take some time to narrow my focus and find a more specific style to settle into, but for now I am unsure of what direction I will take that. I have always had heavy influences from art nouveau styles and illustrative, line intensive pieces with bright color. I spent a lot of time doing realism before becoming a tattoo artist, but I find it to be the most challenging to tattoo for me.
What do you like to do in your spare time?
-There isn’t a whole lot of spare time to go around in this line of work. However, most of my free time goes to spending time with my family. I enjoy spending time outdoors, especially in the fall. I love going to the movies, and I love to cook and bake when I can make the time for it.
How many pets do you have and names?
I have 4 pets. A rabbit named Chauncey, a small dog named Warrior, and two cats - Spraynard and Mr. Henderson.
Tell me a little about your immediate family…
-I am married to Nick Villars for 11 years now, and we have two sons together. My oldest, Lazarus is 7 and he loves music and also loves to draw and paint. Last year I had my youngest son Emerson who is now a little over 1. I have 3 siblings - my older sister Amanda (who actually works at Studio 85 with me), my older brother Daniel who lives out in Massachusetts, and my younger sister Whitney who is a nurse at a hospital. My mom and dad still live in Lebanon, where I grew up and they both keep up with everything going on at the studio.
Are you from this area?
-Yes, I was born and raised in Lebanon and I now own my own home here.
What’s your favorite local restaurant and what do you get?
-I have to go with the Village Ice cream parlor. It has been around for so long and is very nostalgic for me. I love their burgers, and their lime soda floats are my favorite. I also love going to the Breakfast Club and Roll on In.