11/20/2025
Hey, guys! Bit of a reintroduction (and long, vulnerable post ahead)!
I’m Jaclyn Jeanae - owner and artist here at Black Oak Tattoo in Swift Current, Saskatchewan!
I’m “married” to the most incredible, fun loving, handsome, skateboarding, punk-loving human on earth. Our downtime (and I use that word so fu***ng loosely), consists of spending time with our kids, doing all the outdoor sports/hobbies and travelling for punk shows.
I’ve been tattooing for 8 years in Swift Current and honestly couldn’t think of a better little community for my studio to call home! I’m the luckiest artist, getting to tattoo the best clients ever!
Now for the vulnerable part……
I’ve been away from the studio this week, out of town, learning new styles and techniques.
I’ve always been a firm believer that if you ever think you know it all, it’s time to stop doing what you’re doing. There’s ALWAYS more to learn, and if you stop learning, you stop progressing.
I’ve spent my tattoo career trying to stay small, hidden, out of sight; only there for those that wanted to find me. I’ve turned down opportunities that could have done me well, only because I was afraid to be known.
I’ve never given myself enough credit and find fault in everything I do - not only in tattooing, but life in general.
I’ve stayed away from conventions and guest spots out of fear of other artists criticisms - I look up to these people and didn’t think I could handle what they might say about me.
Imposter syndrome is a real thing.
Over the last few days, Grant has shown me that I’m not an imposter; that I do belong. This experience has refreshed me and given me a new outlook on my career.
I even got handed a can’t-f**k-it-up tattoo to make (a design so simple and clean that if you f**k up, even a little, it’ll ruin the whole tattoo). It was my first time working in a different shop, with a new setup, none of my own equipment and two people who I look up to, counting on me to make it good. I was more nervous than the first time I put needle to skin but I think I did them proud ☺️ (well, not bad for a plumber, anyway 😉)
In the near future, you may not see me in the Swift Current studio quite as much - don’t worry, nothing that will make wait times for appointments longer, I’ll just be working harder 😉 I’ll still be there, doing my thing, but I plan to start travelling for guest spots, learning even more, connecting with artists, making friends, meeting amazing new clients, experiencing new things and busting out better work than ever! I’ve been small too long!
*Also, watch for some announcements for new artists at Black Oak Tattoo 🙂
