Minneapolis is home to a vibrant tattoo scene, and at its heart is Jackalope Tattoo, a studio renowned for its exceptional artists and inclusive atmosphere. Leading this charge is Emi Nijiya, the owner of Jackalope Tattoo and a master of realism and portrait tattoos. For those seeking exceptional ink in a welcoming environment, look no further than Jackalope Tattoo in Minneapolis.
Emi Nijiya is not just a tattoo artist; she’s a lifelong Minnesotan with deep roots in the local art community. Growing up in Ham Lake, her journey into tattooing was somewhat unexpected. Initially, Emi didn’t perceive her art as tattoo-worthy. Her initial aspirations leaned towards piercing, leading her to pursue apprenticeships in body modification. However, fate, or perhaps a perceptive tattoo artist, had other plans. In 2010, while discussing a potential piercing apprenticeship with her own tattoo artist, he saw her untapped potential and encouraged her to consider tattooing instead. To Emi’s surprise, he offered her an apprenticeship, setting her on a path she hadn’t initially envisioned. By 2011, she had taken the plunge, inking her first tattoo on herself and diligently working towards her professional licensure.
Emi Nijiya showcasing her pet portrait tattoo style
Emi’s artistic passion lies primarily in realism and portrait tattoos. Her portfolio is filled with stunningly lifelike depictions, capturing the essence of her subjects with incredible detail. While realism and portraits are her forte, Emi is also versatile, occasionally venturing into geometric designs and accommodating requests from friends for various styles. Beyond the aesthetic, Emi is deeply passionate about using tattoos for profound personal transformations. She specializes in gender affirmation tattoos, 3D nipple tattooing for mastectomy patients, and scar work, recognizing the powerful impact tattoos can have on body image and self-esteem.
However, Emi’s journey in the tattoo industry hasn’t been without its challenges. As a gender non-conforming and queer artist, she has navigated a field that, unfortunately, has historically been plagued by discrimination. Emi openly acknowledges the sexism, racism, transphobia, and harassment she has encountered from fellow tattoo artists throughout her career. These experiences, while disheartening, became the driving force behind creating Jackalope Tattoo as a sanctuary – a safe and inclusive space for female, transgender, and non-binary tattoo artists and clients alike. While she notes a gradual improvement in industry behavior, Emi emphasizes there is still significant progress to be made.
Another hurdle Emi faced early in her career was the often-guarded nature of tattoo knowledge. She observed a reluctance among many tattoo artists to share techniques or mentor others. Emi believes that a more open and collaborative environment would elevate the entire industry. This belief is a cornerstone of Jackalope Tattoo, where fostering a culture of shared learning and mutual support is paramount. The artists at Jackalope Tattoo actively collaborate, exchanging knowledge and uplifting each other to refine their skills and deliver exceptional tattoo art.
Emi’s artistic journey has been fueled by diverse inspirations. Early on, she drew strength and motivation from women in the tattoo industry, who were a rare and inspiring presence at the time. She also sought out local tattoo artists, eager to learn by observing their techniques and asking questions. Art and tattoo books were another vital source of inspiration, especially before social media became a dominant platform for visual arts. Emi would study flash designs and realism paintings, analyzing styles, color techniques, and light sources to inform her own artistic development.
Emi Nijiya at work in her Minneapolis tattoo studio
Today, Emi continues to find inspiration from a multitude of sources. Social media platforms like Instagram have opened up a world of incredible tattoo artists, pushing her to constantly evolve and refine her craft. She also credits her Jackalope Tattoo coworkers as major sources of inspiration. The diverse skill sets within her studio provide a rich learning environment, where artists learn from each other’s unique approaches and expertise. Furthermore, Emi remains connected to her foundational inspirations – the LGBTQIA+ community, women in tattooing, local artists, and the timeless appeal of art museums and books. These enduring influences continue to shape her artistic vision and drive her passion.
When asked about tattoos she is particularly proud of, Emi finds it difficult to single out just one. However, she expresses immense pride in her work with the transgender community and mastectomy clients. Providing 3D nipple tattoos is especially meaningful to her. As a transgender person who has undergone top surgery herself, Emi deeply understands the significance of gender affirmation tattoos and the importance of creating a safe and comfortable space for trans clients. This ability to connect with clients on a personal level and contribute to their journey of self-acceptance is profoundly rewarding.
Beyond nipple tattoos, Emi cherishes her portrait work, both human and animal. Her early artistic explorations involved graphite portraits of loved ones, and she finds immense satisfaction in having honed her skills to translate this passion onto skin. While realism and portraits define much of her work, Emi recalls one particularly memorable, and unconventional, tattoo from her early career – a USDA Prime beef logo placed in a rather unexpected anatomical location. This humorous anecdote offers a glimpse into the varied experiences of a tattoo artist, even one specializing in refined realism.
Emi Nijiya showcasing a detailed tattoo piece
Outside of tattooing, Emi’s artistic endeavors extend to commissioned paintings, often animal portraits, and a past career as a drag king. When she’s not immersed in the world of art, Emi enjoys the tranquility of gardening and spending time with her beloved pets – four cats, a dog, and an axolotl.
To experience Emi’s artistry firsthand, visit her at Jackalope Tattoo located at 3753 Cedar Ave. S., Minneapolis. You can also explore her work and the studio’s vibrant atmosphere online through their website and social media channels. Discover why Jackalope Tattoo is a cornerstone of the Minneapolis tattoo community, offering not just exceptional tattoos, but a truly welcoming and empowering experience.
Find Emi and Jackalope Tattoo Online:
Jackalope Tattoo Website
Jackalope Tattoo on Facebook
Jackalope Tattoo on Instagram
Emi Nijiya on Instagram
