Meet Jenny Bunny Davis | Tattoo Artist & Business Owner

We had the good fortune of connecting with Jenny Bunny Davis and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Jenny Bunny, how has your work-life balance changed over time?
I’ve been in the tattoo industry for 20 years now. As I reflect back, my work life balance had definitely been a juggling act, and it’s evolved a lot since the beginning! When I first started out as an apprentice, I wasn’t being paid, so I decided to work odd jobs to pay my bills while keeping a flexible schedule to cater around my apprenticeship. I did freelance illustrations, painted murals, taught piano lessons, and had a part time adminstration job at an attorney’s office. I was in my twenties at the time, so I worked hard, but also played hard. But as my apprenticeship progressed, my work life balance changed as well.

For example, when I was taught to make my own tattoo needles (this was 20 years ago, so this is a dying practice amongst tattooers nowadays!), it was very time consuming, so I took my work home with me and would watch Netflix (back before streaming, when they first started out loaning out DVDs!) and make tattoo needles. I had less and less time for my freelance work, so I really had to practice my multi-tasking skills! List-making, constant calendar updating, etc. But in my twenties, I had loads of energy, so I trucked through it all. Once I was “cut loose” (ready to take in the public for walk-ins), I finally started making money, so I was able to release my part-time job. When I moved to a busier shop in the heart of Atlanta, it was like boot camp – during busy season, it was really busy! One tattoo after another – no complaints with that at ALL! But I really did have to rely on my ability to hyperfocus intentionally, and to focus on improving my skills. However, the consequence that comes with hyperfocus is burnout. To prevent burnout, I would do self-care in the form of traveling and non-tattoo art projects.

After building a clientele, branding myself, working and commuting up to 60 hours a week for years, I eventually got married and had children. That was the paradigm shift that really challenged my work life balance! I never knew what my limits truly were, until I had kids. Multi-tasking to the MAX! Owning my own studio was always a long term goal, but I stayed at the tattoo shop as an independent contractor, because raising babies/young children took up a lot of my energy and time (gladly so!). Once the kids got to the age where I felt that going off to start my own private studio would be a better investment for my family, I went for it! Having a private studio, afforded me more flexibility, freedom and independence – even though that also meant more responsibility and more business expenses! As my children grow older and change, my work life also changes to accommodate them and all the things I want to do as a family.

In 2022, I was diagnosed with cancer and an autoimmune disease, and since then, I’ve had to be very mindful of my energy levels. That has caused me to really assess what I want for my life and my family, and how to get to a good balance where I can be able to slow down. I have yet to resolve a career slow down (just because I love my job and it’s nearly impossible for me to stop doing things I love!), but I’m always adjusting aspects of my life in order to spend time with my family and do other things I love. I think the key to work life balance is to always have goals (mini goals make it seem less overwhelming) to self-care, and adapting to all of life’s surprises, twists and turns!

Can you open up a bit about your work and career? We’re big fans and we’d love for our community to learn more about your work.
I’ve been a tattoo artist for 20 years. I’ve had the honor of watching the industry grow and evolve throughout the years, including trends and social responses to tattoos in our society. What sets me apart from others are my years of experience, my non-traditional style, and the experience I give my clients. My studios are safe places for people of all walks of life, set in a boutique style private studio, and always willing for good conversations!
Was it easy to get to where I am now? Of course not! I’ve had to overcome the inequities of local regulations regarding opening my own tattoo studio, navigating as a WOC in a white male dominated industry, and my own mental roadblocks, which I’m sure many creatives can relate! But the lessons learned along the way is to be persistent, and make it so you keep yourself accountable so you CAN keep going and force yourself to improve as an artist and as a person. Let your passion fuel you and become reality for yourself – it’s not an easy road, and it’ll take hard work, but I always say that what you put in is what you get out!
With my non-tattoo art, I do a lot of digital and analog illustration. I also use a variety of mediums, from pencil, pen and ink to watercolors and acrylics. I also love to work with natural materials, delving into entomology, found nature objects such as pine cones, shells, and rockhounding specimens. It gets me out into nature, keeps me active and nourishes my mental and physical health while combining my passion for art 🙂

If you had a friend visiting you, what are some of the local spots you’d want to take them around to?
The first thing I’d take my friend is to explore the Duluth and surrounding areas. The Asian grocery stores, restaurants and stores are unique to that part of metro Atlanta. From H-Mart to Teso Life, I love sharing my love for kawaii, manga, and Asian food with loved ones! Kinokuniya, a Japanese bookstore in Johns Creek, is also a must-do – we’re so lucky to have one of these rare stores in the Atlanta area! I’d also love to take them to downtown Decatur – it’s my old stomping grounds from attending Agnes Scott College. Jeni’s Ice Cream is THE BEST and I will make an excuse to go there for a delicious treat! I also love Odd Bird for eclectic gifts and Little Shop of Stories for all sorts of books! I’d also introduce my visiting friend to my other friends in Atlanta – I’m lucky enough to have built a small chosen family full of talented, smart and sweet people <3

Shoutout is all about shouting out others who you feel deserve additional recognition and exposure. Who would you like to shoutout?
I always have to thank my mentors, Craig Foster of The Gilded Cardinal Tattoo in Carrollton, GA and the late Cap Szumski of Timeless Tattoo in Atlanta. Craig taught me profoundly foundational lessons and Cap demonstrated the importance of good business-ship and high quality work.

I’d also like to add credit to my husband, Josh, who has been my #1 fan, my cheerleader, my assistant in whatever I needed to do to help my business and family flourish, and my life partner. What qualities I lack, his fills in, and he has helped teach our sweet kids to be as supportive of my career as he is, making it feel more like a family business, even if they’re not physically at my studio.

Website: https://www.theinkbunnystudios.com

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/theinkbunnystudios/

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/theinkbunnystudios

Image Credits
Jenny Bunny Davis
Josh Davis