Stepping into an art museum, you’re immediately surrounded by creativity hanging on the walls. But sometimes, the most compelling art isn’t confined to frames; it’s walking right alongside you. For those who appreciate body art, the skin itself becomes a canvas, telling stories through ink. In the spirit of celebrating diverse artistic expression, we spoke with Emi Nijiya, the owner of Jackalope, a unique tattoo studio in Minneapolis. Jackalope stands out as an all non-binary, trans, and female-identifying artist space, a significant step towards inclusivity in the tattoo industry. Emi’s journey and artistry offer a powerful perspective on tattoos as more than just decoration – they are deeply Inspirational Tattoos that reflect personal identity, artistic passion, and a commitment to creating welcoming spaces. As we delve into our conversation with Emi, we uncover the inspirations behind their work, their thoughts on art, and the profound impact of creating truly inclusive environments within the world of tattooing.
Emi’s connection to art extends beyond their tattoo studio and into the museum world. As a frequent visitor to art museums, they find a wealth of inspiration in the diverse collections and rotating exhibits. “I like coming to a lot of the special exhibits that come into town,” Emi shared, reflecting on the importance of art, especially during times of isolation. The museum offered a safe and enriching space, particularly during the pandemic, allowing for connection with art and culture even amidst challenging circumstances. Emi particularly enjoys the Asian exhibits, finding new and familiar pieces that spark their artistic curiosity each visit. This engagement with diverse art forms outside of tattooing directly fuels their creative spirit and provides a constant source of inspirational tattoos ideas.
One piece within the museum’s collection holds a special place for Emi – a helmet crafted in the shape of a dragonfly. “Probably my favorite piece is one of the helmets. It’s like a dragonfly,” Emi explained. This particular artwork resonates deeply, perhaps due to Emi’s Japanese heritage, highlighting the personal connections we form with art. The dragonfly helmet, with its intricate design and cultural significance, serves as a reminder that inspiration can be found in unexpected forms and historical artistry, influencing even modern forms of art like inspirational tattoos.
Emi’s tattoo style leans towards realism, a choice rooted in their lifelong artistic journey. “Realism art is what I’ve been drawn to since I was younger,” Emi stated. From early graphite pencil drawings of friends to their current tattoo work, the desire to recreate the world as they see it has been a constant driving force. This dedication to realism translates into incredibly detailed and lifelike tattoos, showcasing technical skill and a deep understanding of form and perspective. The pursuit of realistic representation in tattooing is itself an inspirational path, demanding precision, observation, and a commitment to continuous improvement.
The sources of Emi’s inspiration are varied and rich, drawing from everyday life and artistic exploration. “Still-life type of things are fun for me to get different perspectives on things. Figure drawing is a really fun challenge, and then visiting a lot of gardens and things like that are really fun for me too,” Emi shared. Museum visits also play a crucial role in sparking creativity. Observing the techniques and styles of other artists across different mediums provides new perspectives and fuels a desire to push their own artistic boundaries. This constant seeking of inspiration, whether from nature, human form, or museum masterpieces, is essential for any artist, especially those creating inspirational tattoos that resonate with personal meaning.
Jackalope Tattoo is more than just a business; it’s a mission-driven space intentionally created to address the lack of inclusivity within the tattoo industry. “The tattoo industry is very far behind the times, even in regards to having non-cisgender male tattooers,” Emi explained, highlighting the historical dominance of cisgender heterosexual men in the field. This imbalance has unfortunately led to instances of abuse and discrimination against artists and clients who do not fit this mold. For Emi, establishing Jackalope as an all non-binary, trans, and female-identifying artist studio was about creating a sanctuary – a safe space where both artists and clients could feel respected and comfortable. This commitment to creating an inclusive and safe environment is profoundly inspirational, demonstrating how art and business can be powerful tools for social change.
Emi’s dedication extends beyond general inclusivity to providing specialized and deeply impactful gender-affirming tattoos. Nipple tattoos, in particular, are a service Emi prioritizes, recognizing their profound importance for individuals who have undergone top surgery. “Being a trans person with top surgery myself, I know how important that stuff is,” Emi shared, explaining their personal connection to this type of transformative tattooing. For Emi, gender-affirming tattoos are not merely cosmetic procedures; they are essential steps in a person’s journey of self-actualization and body positivity. The willingness to prioritize and provide these services, even when fully booked, is incredibly inspirational, showcasing the power of tattooing to heal and empower.
The demand for Emi’s gender-affirming tattoos extends far beyond their local community. “People fly across the country to come and do it,” Emi noted, illustrating the scarcity of accessible and safe options for these specialized services. While acknowledging the positive aspect of being sought after for this work, Emi also recognizes the systemic issue it highlights – the lack of widespread availability of gender-affirming tattoo artists and studios. This situation underscores the importance of Jackalope’s mission and the need for greater inclusivity and specialized services within the tattoo industry, making Emi’s work even more inspirational in its impact and reach.
Another significant aspect of Emi’s commitment to inclusivity is their work in providing color tests for Black people and individuals with darker skin tones. Challenging outdated and discriminatory beliefs prevalent in the tattoo industry, Emi actively dispels the myth that color tattoos are not viable on darker skin. “I spent years of my career falsely thinking color tattoos couldn’t be done on darker skin, because that’s literally what I was told in my apprenticeship,” Emi revealed. Through experimentation and a commitment to challenging misinformation, Emi has expanded the possibilities of tattooing for a broader range of skin tones. This dedication to overcoming industry biases and expanding artistic possibilities is truly inspirational, fostering a more inclusive and diverse landscape within tattoo art.
Reflecting on their experiences in art spaces beyond their own studio, Emi offers valuable insights into the ongoing journey towards inclusivity. While feeling generally comfortable in art museums, Emi points out areas for improvement. “I don’t feel like it’s not an inclusive space. But it’s not necessarily a place that I would be like, ‘Yeah, this place is super queer friendly’ either,” Emi observed. Small but significant changes, such as more visible gender-neutral bathrooms and pronoun inclusion on name tags, can make a big difference in creating a truly welcoming atmosphere for everyone. Emi also suggests the powerful impact of dedicated exhibits showcasing queer artists, further amplifying diverse voices and experiences within the art world. These reflections serve as inspirational calls to action for continuous improvement and broader representation in all artistic spaces, both within and beyond the tattoo community.
Emi Nijiya’s work and vision offer a powerful source of inspiration for artists and individuals alike. From their dedication to realism and artistic exploration to their unwavering commitment to inclusivity and providing transformative gender-affirming tattoos, Emi embodies the spirit of using art for positive change. Jackalope Tattoo stands as a beacon of hope and progress within the tattoo industry, demonstrating the profound impact of creating safe, welcoming, and empowering spaces. Emi’s story reminds us that inspirational tattoos are not just about beautiful designs on skin; they are about personal expression, identity affirmation, and the power of art to build a more inclusive and equitable world.
