Meet Jacqueline Mathews | Tattoo Artist

We had the good fortune of connecting with Jacqueline Mathews and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Jacqueline, can you tell us more about your background and the role it’s played in shaping who you are today?
I moved from Arcadia Park in Dallas, Texas to Red Oak, Texas right before starting kindergarten, back when Red Oak was mostly open fields and quiet country like living. There wasn’t a whole lot around at that time including internet. So we mostly played outside, made up games or went places to explore nature. I consistently doodled in my past time including on the walls which luckily my parents didn’t seem to mind as long as I kept my decoration in my room only. Which I don’t know if they knew it at the time but allowing me to have that outlet instead of suppressing it helped me grow as an artist. Growing up in a time when autism wasn’t recognized, I often felt a little different than everyone, but art quickly became my way to cope and express myself. I’d paint along with Bob Ross on Channel 13, completely absorbed in the calm and color. In school I never missed a chance to be in art class every year it was offered, I was there. After graduating I continued to paint and draw. Went to art school for a little bit but it didn’t feel like it was for me. When I finally decided to pursue art as a career it was through art conventions renting booths and hustling non-stop. Then something amazing happened. I was offered an apprenticeship.

Can you open up a bit about your work and career? We’re big fans and we’d love for our community to learn more about your work.
Art has always been my outlet. How I made sense of the world when words didn’t work. How I coped and still cope with the stresses of living. I grew up painting, drawing, covering my bedroom walls with drawings, and soaking up every art class I could get into. I even tried to tattoo myself when I was 13, my mom was furious! My style of art has always been colorful even though my wardrobe is mostly black. I love blends surrealism, newschool, graffiti, and color realism. I love mixing soft, emotional elements with bold, sometimes melting or trippy visuals. It hasn’t been an easy path for me. Growing up undiagnosed on the spectrum came with its challenges, especially socially but art gave me a way to connect and communicate. I’m most proud of staying true to myself and creating pieces that reflect both my inner world and the wild, colorful things I love. I want people to see my work and feel something when they look at it. Whether it’s joy, curiosity, or even a little weirdness. My brand is about embracing individuality, being bold, and turning struggle into beauty.

Any places to eat or things to do that you can share with our readers? If they have a friend visiting town, what are some spots they could take them to?
If my best friend came to visit we’d kick things off with a Dallas Stars game because nothing beats that energy. I absolutely love watching hockey. With the Stars in the playoffs right now the energy is even higher as well as my heart rate. The next day, we’d go ice skating (even if we fall a bunch) I love ice skating! For dinner we’d go to Oni Ramen in Dallas! I love me some noodlage. It’s my favorite and can be customized soooo much. The next day we would go thrifting around Dallas, hitting all the quirky vintage shops, and finish with dinner at Billy Can Can for that cool western-vibe. I’d definitely take them out to the stables where I ride horses maybe take them on a trail ride. At least one day would be dedicated to a fishing trip on my boat! Fishing is so relaxing and being out on the lake is the best! I definitely like to be outside and in nature so a relaxing hike would be cool and recently exploring abandon old houses has been interesting. Before they left I would probably talk them into getting a tattoo of sorts because why not?!

The Shoutout series is all about recognizing that our success and where we are in life is at least somewhat thanks to the efforts, support, mentorship, love and encouragement of others. So is there someone that you want to dedicate your shoutout to?
Of course before I started my apprenticeship I talked to my husband about it. I knew what it takes to be in an apprenticeship and the time that you have to devote. So I owe a lot to him and the support and guidance he gave me and still continues to give to this day. My mentor the one who gave me a chance is/was Mo Southern. She owns Satori Tattoo Collective in Waxahachie, Texas.

Website: https://www.jacquetatts.com

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