Liana Joy’s journey into the world of tattooing began with a rebellious spirit and a teenage adventure. Skipping school with her best friend, she embarked on a train to Manhattan, fake ID in hand, with the youthful goal of getting her first tattoo. At just 16, that first experience ignited a lifelong passion.
“I chose a small tribal gecko from the designs on the wall, and my friend Kim opted for a little cross, which I actually covered up for her later,” Liana recalls. “The tattoo shop was tucked away beneath a clothing store off West 4th. Back then, tattoo shops in New York still had an underground vibe because tattooing had only recently become legal in the city. It was an exciting escapade for us both, and for me, it turned into my career.”
In her early twenties, Liana dedicated herself to honing her craft, completing a rigorous six-month apprenticeship. Her first official tattoo was a meaningful one – a Harry Potter lightning bolt for a longtime friend. Almost ten years later, with experience gained in New York, Colorado, and Arizona, Liana became a sought-after artist and one of the talented female tattooists at Jinx Proof Tattoos in Washington D.C. This renowned shop on M Street, established in 1996, holds the distinction of being the first tattoo parlor to open in DC since 1983, solidifying its place in the city’s tattoo history.
“Mountains, hiking, camping—everything I loved was in Colorado, except my boyfriend was here,” Liana explains, detailing her path to Jinx Proof. “We were debating about where to settle, and I remember saying that if I moved to DC, Jinx Proof was the only place I’d want to work. It just so happened they were looking for an artist. For such a bustling studio, the atmosphere here is remarkably smooth and organized. It’s genuinely the best place I’ve ever worked.”
Before relocating, Liana admits she pictured DC as a city solely populated by politicians and government officials in suits. She was pleasantly surprised to discover a vibrant city brimming with diverse professions, cultures, and lifestyles, all of which are reflected in the clientele at Jinx Proof.
“Tattoo shops have always been inclusive spaces, welcoming people from all walks of life. Now, with tattooing’s surge in popularity, and considering DC’s transient nature, we truly see everyone. It’s fantastic that tattoos are becoming increasingly accepted even in corporate environments.”
While black and grey tattoos are currently trending, Liana expresses a personal preference for working with color. She is drawn to creating crisp, illustrative, palm-sized tattoos characterized by detailed linework. Her artistic passion lies in depicting elements of nature—ranging from delicate flowers and intricate plants to majestic animals, towering trees, and serene mountains. Liana’s own tattoos are a testament to this love, with an entire leg adorned with floral designs and plans to extend the botanical theme to her arm.
“Sometimes clients share the personal stories behind their tattoos, which is always interesting, but for my own tattoos, I don’t necessarily need a deep meaning,” Liana shares. “I’m attracted to imagery of growth and life, and tend to avoid anything mechanical or robotic. I’m strongly influenced by my everyday visual surroundings, so it’s a real joy to be able to create art that reflects what I love.”
Liana acknowledges that she has found her true calling in tattooing, but is also aware of the physical demands it places on her body, particularly her back, arms, and hands. The tattoo industry, while evolving, still carries a legacy of being male-dominated, which can present its own set of challenges.
“Breaking into the tattoo world was tough in the past, and you had to be resilient to thrive in a tattoo shop environment. Women are still in the minority, but our presence is definitely growing in this profession. There are so many incredibly talented female tattoo artists now, and in some ways, that makes us stand out even more.”
Liana’s skill and artistry keep her in high demand, often tattooing up to 20 clients in a busy week. While she has created countless tattoos over her career, it was a seemingly simple request from her parents that proved to be the most daunting.
“As an only child, my mom wanted a henna-style swirl with my name on her back, and my Dad also wanted my name tattooed. I put off tattooing them for years! My Dad actually disliked tattoos when I first started, but now he thinks they’re cool and he loves his tattoo.”
For Liana, it’s the permanence of tattooing – whether on her parents or a new client – that holds profound significance.
“To leave your mark by creating art on people’s bodies… it’s truly an incredible craft when you think about it. It’s like sharing a piece of yourself with someone else.”
