Jingyue Huang - Being an Artist Has Been Such a Blessing and a Great Way to Meet So Many People in My Life (Tattoo Artist, Los Angeles)

Jingyue Huang

Hello! My name is Jingyue Huang, I am a tattoo-artist based in Los Angeles. I studied arts and design at the China Central Academy of Fine Arts as well as Zurich University of the Arts in Switzerland. I currently specialize in Asian fine art and fine line tattooing!

Tell us about your background and journey. When did you decide you wanted to become a tattoo artist?

When I was younger I studied art under my Uncle, who is an artist that specializes in oil painting. I then went on to study at the China Central Academy of Fine Arts and Zurich University of the Arts in Switzerland! At this time I aspired to be a merchandise designer or UX designer. In my spare time, I thought learning to tattoo would be a fun hobby and started an apprenticeship. I grew to love tattooing and thanks to my clients' support I was able to move to Los Angeles. Today, I study Asian fine arts and Chinese calligraphy along with fine-line artwork.

How has your profession as an artist impacted you and your life?

Being an artist has been such a blessing and a great way to meet so many people in my life. I love meeting new clients and talking to them during our sessions and hearing their stories. I also get to meet other artists and make new friends with who I share a passion!

What are your greatest achievements? When do you feel most satisfied with your work?

Instagram : @firstjing

My greatest achievements are when I can successfully create a work of art that tells my client's story and inspiration. To me, tattoos are a beautiful art form that allows our feelings and experiences to be captured in a beautiful, everlasting medium. I’m truly honored to be able to work with each of my clients to bring their visions to life. The happiness on my clients’ faces after receiving their tattoos are such special moments that I am thankful to be a part of.

You make tattoos come to life. What makes your art so unique and special?

The stories behind my client's tattoos truly bring them to life. I always work hard to make sure each detail is meaningful and unique to my client. The art itself shines and is truly beautiful because there is a genuine story behind them.

What does your typical day look like? What are your hobbies?

A typical workday consists of consultations, tattooing, and speaking with my clients! I like to have consultations with my upcoming clients so I can get to know them better as a way to make sure their design is as personal as possible. As for hobbies, I like to paint with my master, Pingguang Zhou, to help refine my skills. 

What are the biggest challenges you face? What motivates you to keep going despite the challenges you face?

There are so many challenges as a foreigner living here, all challenges in life & work are big. But I believe I could do it and have faith in myself, so I just keep going forward.

What piece of advice would you like to give to future and aspiring tattoo artists?

I’m still a student in this industry who is constantly learning and improving. Instead of giving advice, here is what I keep in mind at all times: Keep painting and designing. Tattoo technique is the basic requirement for a tattooist. And the fact that a tattoo artist is someone who creates art.

Interviewed By - Anushka