Chris Jenkins is a tattoo artist from Richmond, VA. He’s been tattooing for over two years and specializes in Fictional-Realism/Illustrative/New School. He works as a resident artist at Loose Screw Tattoo, a studio owned by Ink Master legend, Jesse Smith. Check out some of Chris’s work below and make sure to give him a follow on IG.
What inspired you to pursue your career as a tattoo artist?
I finally decided to stop listening to what everybody wanted me to do and started pursuing my own goals.
How would you describe your style?
Fictional-Realism/Illustrative/New School
How many tattoos do you have?
I have over 250 hours on me
Most interesting/funny/awkward tattooing experience?
I was tattooing a petite woman, and, as soon as I started tattooing her, she ripped a huge fart! She looked at me and said, “I’m sorry. I fart when I get really nervous.” It was awesome!
What is one of your pet peeves as a tattoo artist?
One of my biggest pet peeves is when clients bring a bf/gf with them, and they start taking over the tattoo. It’s not your tattoo, bruh. Zip your lip…
If you could tattoo any person in the world, who would you choose?
My boss… I work for Jesse Smith, so tattooing him would be so incredible.
Besides tattooing, what are you passionate about?
I’m extremely interested in philosophy. I love asking the why questions and making people think deeper than they normally would.
Tell us about your studio – what can a client expect when they walk through your doors?
The shop I work at is Loose Screw Tattoo in Richmond, Virginia. It was created and is owned by, the one trick pony, Jesse Smith. It is probably the most professional tattoo studio I’ve ever stepped foot in. It’s, actually, more like a doctor’s office. Every single artist there is extremely passionate about our craft, and nobody will ever leave with a subpar tattoo experience.
Any advice for aspiring tattoo artists?
Focus on art… It sounds easy enough, but way too many artists that I meet are too focused on “tattoo art.” That’s all good, but, if we want to continue further our industry, we need people that are going to take it to the next level. I think it’s already heading in that direction, so artists looking for apprentices are going to be more focused on what you can bring to tattooing.
What’s the best way to book an appointment with you?
You can email me directly at [email protected] You’ll hear back from my incredible assistant, Kate, and she’ll walk you through the process.
1 comment
I personally have a half leg sleeve Chris and I have been working on for awhile… I’ve been able to sit longer (10 hours longest tattoo sitting with Chris Jenkins) for him than any other tattoo artist and I had a lot before Chris… I’m looking forward to sitting for him at the March tattoo convention in Detroit this year! If you’re in the Michigan area and want sick tattoo art then message Chris on his instagram account chrisjenkins_tattoos and grab a time slot with him for this up coming convention there is no style Chris can’t do… Glad to see him getting recognition!!