Hi, I’m Junekha Jacob, a professional tattoo artist. This is the story of how a childhood passion turned into a lifelong journey of self-discovery and transformation.
I grew up in Alappuzha, Kerala, a peaceful town known for its backwaters and timeless beauty. But for me, the magic was in the corners of my notebooks and on my friends’ arms. With a pen in hand, I would transform anything into art, drawing what I now realize were my first "tattoos." Back in school, my classmates called me the "pen tattoo artist", a title I wore proudly but never imagined would define my future.
In my slam book, a childhood treasure filled with dreams and aspirations, my friends wrote about how I’d one day open a tattoo studio. At the time, I laughed it off as a playful fantasy. Little did I know, those scribbles would plant the seeds for my journey.
The Spark of Curiosity
Life has a way of pushing you toward your purpose, even when you least expect it. For me, that push came when a friend sent me details of a tattoo workshop in Kerala. Something about it stirred my curiosity, and I decided to give it a shot. I didn’t have grand plans, just a desire to try something new.
The moment I held a tattoo machine for the first time, I felt a spark, a sense of belonging that I hadn’t felt with anything else. It was exciting and scary at the same time. I started practicing on skin pads with a basic tattoo machine, making mistakes, learning, and trying again. It was a cycle of starting, stopping, and starting again. But every time I walked away, something inside me would pull me back to tattooing as an art form. That’s when I knew, this wasn’t just a hobby, it was something much deeper.
Taking the Leap
In 2023, I took a leap of faith and joined Aliens Tattoo Art School mentorship. It was a turning point that changed everything. The school didn’t just teach me the art of tattooing, it gave me confidence, discipline, and a vision. It was a place where my passion met purpose, and for the first time, I began to see a clear path ahead.
But the journey wasn’t easy. Self-doubt followed me like a shadow. I’d question my abilities, feel overwhelmed by mistakes, and sometimes wonder if I’d ever truly succeed. Yet, every time I stumbled, my mentors at Aliens Tattoo Art School were there to pick me up. They believed in me when I struggled to believe in myself, pushing me to rise stronger after every fall.
Finding My Style
As a tattoo artist, I’m still on the journey of discovering my unique style. I am drawn to abstract tattoo designs, line work tattoo style, blackwork tattoos, sketch-style tattoo art, and detailed tattoo patterns. Experimenting with different tattoo styles keeps me inspired and reminds me that growth is an ongoing process.
What fascinates me most about tattooing is its power to tell stories. Tattoos reflecting personal journeys are deeply meaningful, and they are a reflection of someone’s emotions and memories. It is a privilege to be a part of that process, helping clients bring their ideas to life and creating something that becomes a part of their identity.
Inking Stories That Matter
One of the most fulfilling aspects of being a tattoo artist is the connection I share with my clients. Each tattoo comes with a story, a reason, and a purpose. I’ve had clients who wanted to honor loved ones, commemorate milestones, or simply express their individuality.
I remember tattooing a client who wanted her late parents’ names. After the session, she hugged me and said, “I’ll never forget you for this.” Moments like these remind me why I do what I do. Another client came back to the studio with a hand-drawn picture of me, thanking me for making her feel comfortable during her first tattoo session. These experiences fuel my passion for personalized tattoo stories and remind me of the emotional connection through tattoos.
What Keeps Me Going
Tattooing is more than just art for me, it is a state of being. When I tattoo, I am in my element, completely at peace. It is the only thing that never bores me, the one thing I keep coming back to, no matter how challenging the journey gets.
I am also a singer, and music is a big part of my life. Sometimes, I even sing while tattooing! But while I enjoy singing and have many hobbies, nothing compares to the sense of fulfillment I get from tattooing. It is not just about creating art, it is about creating an experience. Seeing clients leave the studio with a smile, especially those who were nervous or scared about their first tattoo, is a beautiful thing to witness.
Looking Ahead
Today, I stand as a professional tattoo artist, proud of how far I have come but knowing this is just the beginning. My dream is to continue creating meaningful tattoos that resonate with people. I want to help clients channel their ideas and emotions into designs that they will cherish forever.
Tattooing has given me more than a career, it has given me a purpose. It is about connection, creativity, and storytelling. Every tattoo I create is a piece of someone’s journey, and I feel honored to be a part of it.
Junekha's Journey is One of Transformation
As I reflect on this journey, I am filled with gratitude for every step that brought me here right from doodling as a child to holding my first tattoo machine, from moments of self-doubt to finding a family at Aliens Tattoo Art School. Each experience has shaped me into the artist and person I am today.
To anyone reading this who is chasing a dream, know that it is okay to stumble. It is okay to start and stop and start again. What matters is that you keep going. Passion has a way of finding you, and when it does, it is truly worth everything.
This is my story, and it is only the beginning. Here’s to many more tattoos, stories, and connections.
Comments