Meet Dot Jayei | Tattoo & Visual Artist

We had the good fortune of connecting with Dot Jayei and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Dot, how do you think about risk?
I think that a risk is necessary for growth. One of my favorite sayings is, “You miss 100 percent of the shots you don’t take.” I strive to live every day with this quote at the forefront of my mind because we will literally make it nowhere if we never try. When I find myself feeling stagnant or unchallenged in my career, I will search high and low for an opportunity or cast myself outside of my norm and take the risk to create my own. When I decided to become a tattoo artist I was taking a huge risk. I was 17 years old and in undergrad looking to step into a male dominated industry that was lack of female presence. More specifically, lack of the presence of black women. At that time, I was told by countless artist that there was no way I could be in school and complete a tattoo apprenticeship. I decided to take the challenge of doing both regardless of the advice thrust upon me. I took the risk of taking my tattoo education into my own hands. By the time I graduated I found myself in a space where I was able to look at my degree as the fallback plan and pursue my passion of tattooing full-time. I can’t begin to think of where I would be if had let those voices stop me from taking a chance on myself.

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.
When I create art for my clients, I always approach the request by trying to understand the purpose the tattoo may serve. The design might celebrate a memory, help aid through a healing journey, or simply put a smile on someone’s face. I used to be stuck on finding my signature tattoo style and found that the thing that set me apart from others is the client-artist relationship I foster. For years I would hear horror stories of how clients would find super talented artist that lacked personality. My clients would go on about how cold the artists were. How they would flash a sketch, put on their headphones, and then only speak to them once it is time to settle the bill. I knew immediately that was not the kind of artist I wanted to be. I put a big emphasis on not only allowing my clients to get to know me as their artist, but I also make sure I go the extra mile to get to know them. By providing a safe and free space, my clients are encouraged to get comfortable so that the lines of communication are wide open. This allows me to give them the art they deserve. Too often I feel artist get so lost in providing art that looks good that they forget the client matters. I like to focus on my clients’ complete tattoo experience. I love to see my clients leave with smiles on their faces. Of all the things that go into providing the ultimate tattoo experience, I know my energy and vibe will be the thing that keeps my brand alive.

Any places to eat or things to do that you can share with our readers? If they have a friend visiting town, what are some spots they could take them to?
My best friend and I are music loving foodies! We are definitely kicking off our weekend with some fish and grits at Ms. Icey’s. From there we shop because why not?! If one of our favorite artists aren’t on tour, we will find ourselves soaking up some art inspiration at MODA. I’m really a go with the flow type of girl if we don’t catch out next moves by ear, my bestie and I are always down to throw on something cute and go dine at Pasha’s and end our weekend with some bottles and our favorite music.

Who else deserves some credit and recognition?
I feel like my answer is a little generic but my special thanks goes out to my village. My family, friends, and clients deserve all the love and recognition. When I began tattooing, I gained an immeasurable amount of support and throughout my journey that support has never lessened. My mother and uncle were two of the first people that trusted me to tattoo them. My husband, boyfriend at the time, had only known me a short while before gifting me my first triple coil machine. My clients, allow me to grow as an artist by bringing me eclectic, bigger than life, ideas to turn into body art. My “framily”, speak greatness of my talents into spaces and rooms I have yet to walk into. My daughter, our shop baby, hovers over my shoulder analyzing everything I do, reminding me that someone is always watching and possibly learning from me. I am the artist I am today because I do not lack the foundation of love and support. Shoutout to y’all for holding me up and seeing great things for me sometimes before I see it in myself.

Website: http://uaink.studio

Instagram: @inkbydot

Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@dotjayei