A conversation with Jay Rose, new interviews every Monday.

You got your start tattooing in street shops in Edmonton how do you feel that shaped the approach you have toward tattooing?

I started with taking in any style that walked through the door. I think the pressure of knowing I only had a short period of time to draw something, has helped train me to make more decisions quickly without hesitation. 

It has also helped me understand the more general tattoo crowd, and the patience it takes when dealing with a client who’s new to the whole experience. I want everyone I tattoo to leave feeling good about their decisions, regardless of what I’m tattooing on them. 

Do you feel as though you had a ‘style’ of tattooing from the start or do you feel as though the influences you come into contact with have allowed a style to develop over the time you’ve been tattooing?

I definitely think it’s something that developed more over time. At first I was very drawn to biblical/pagan imagery from various engravings such as Albrecht Durer and Gustavo Dore. Blackwork when I started wasn’t much of a thing yet, so it was a very experimental time in trying to develop a voice within it. I would try on many outfits from overly bold coloured traditional to smooth blend grey washed as I developed.

As time went on and more blackwork artists started to develop, I’ve been influenced in so many different directions that it is still hard for me to feel like I have a definitive style. I basically just draw things tailored to each client weather that’s fine or bold. 

You’ve been doing larger scale ornamental backs/bodysuits for a little while now, what drew you to this type of tattooing? 

The movement and shapes. Ornamental style is by far the most exciting for me to make at this moment. I love how well you can utilize lines and black areas to contour waist lines and compliment each individual’s shape. Most of the illustrative stuff I’ve been making leading up to the bodysuits, was heavily dependent on drawing negative space and playing with the movement. I often get the feeling as though I’m sculpting when I draw large pieces that wrap.

Do you feel as though this is the direction you want your work to continue in?

Yes, most definitely. 

There's been a spotlight on tattooer/client misconduct within the industry a lot more recently and rightly so. How do you feel the exposure of this within industry has opened a conversation and allowed safer spaces within tattooing?

There is obviously a huge problem with misconduct in our industry. These people needed to be called out, but where do we go from here? 

I think it would be great if whomever has contact with these victims, could voice the concern to health and safety. Maybe with enough evidence they can ensure that there is video monitoring within every shop. For the safety not only for our clients but also for the shops. There needs to be a place in which these names could be pulled up from the internet so shop owners can screen guest artists before they come. I think our industry needs more protocols if we want to stop this from continuing. 

As a woman who’s been within the industry for some time now, do you feel as though the opinions on women tattooers has changed since you started?

Yeah I think so. I’ve had males in the industry who in the past have discredited me, questioned my sources on the things I knew. But would later relay that same information back as though they discovered it on their own. Some would question the things I would be doing but not my male peers who started tattooing way later than me. I had some coworkers in the past who would say some downright awful things to me. Like if I would have sex with some of the older men who came in, or if I bang every dude who is a fellow tattooer. As though I can’t have platonic male artist friends because I’m a female. 

I’ve never tried to let these things get to me, even though some days it did. I would use a lot of what I went through as motivation to earn their respect through my hard work. Those people have gotten very quiet over the years and some have apologized. 

The industry is changing, there’s a lot more shops with females running them. There’s a lot more people being called out when they’re being shitty. It’s nice to see this shift happening. 

We wanted to create a space with Delete After Death that felt welcoming and homey. As a young female I personally found when I started to get tattooing in traditional tattoo shops it was very intimidating. Having worked in traditional shops for so long and transitioning into a private space how have you found this?

I completely agree. I remember walking into shop with one or two tattoos and feeling too uncomfortable to voice up when I didn’t like something. I think the biggest priority is making sure clients are comfortable.

I think there are benefits to both shops and studios. I love working in open shops where clients mingle with the other artists; it feels like a giant hangout with all your close friends. 

On the other hand it’s a lot more personal when you’re in the room with just you and your client. A lot of the more sentimental sessions I’ve experienced with clients have happened when I’m alone with them. 

We are so excited to have you guesting here in September, what are you most looking forward to? (Other than being reunited with me obviously)

Honestly it’s never been about the place but rather it’s more about the people. I feel the most at home when all you guys are around, and me and Kev are so excited for you to share the things you love about TOR with us. 

Obviously we’re excited about all the fine dining and cocktail bars over there to!