Today we’d like to introduce you to Jackie Rabbit.
Hi Jackie, we’re thrilled to have a chance to learn your story today. So, before we get into specifics, maybe you can briefly walk us through how you got to where you are today.
I grew up in East Oakland and the Mission District of San Francisco. Coming up, things were pretty rough, but the one thing I always had was a sketchbook. Art was the one constant in my life. I started working in tattoo studios mopping floors when I was 14. I couldn’t afford college, but I could learn to tattoo. Thankfully I’m pretty decent at it, and I’ve been able to make a name for myself in the industry. I’ve made a decent career out of it. Traveling and working all over the country taught me a lot about the craft and myself. In 2014 I moved back to California in the mountains north of Sacramento. I lived and worked in Paradise, California. In 2018 a wildfire destroyed the entire town, including my home and the studio I worked at. I got out alive but only just. My dog and I had to abandon the car and run safely through the fire. Rebuilding my life in the physical and material sense is one thing. Healing emotionally from that kind of experience is another. Like many of my friends from Paradise, I could no longer live in California with the constant threat of more fires. My partner and I decided that the St Louis area would be a great place to start over. He was a professor at Webster University for several years, and I did my apprenticeship in Missouri, so we both have some roots here.
We found a peaceful little spot just outside the city to call home. In the years since the fire, I have started focusing more on what makes me happy. Leaning into my passion projects. In addition to tattooing, I am a painter and illustrator. I’ve also published four coloring books and have a book of short horror stories called A Subtle Rot set for release in the coming months. In addition, I also read for and produce audiobooks. My partner, Kevin Taylor of Imperator Interactive, is opening a studio/gallery where I will tattoo and display my art and books. It is called Eldritch Brothers. It’s at 2218 Cherokee St.
I’m sure you wouldn’t say it’s been obstacle-free, but so far would you say the journey has been smooth?
I’m a domestic abuse and assault survivor. It has been a struggle, though one with a consistently upward trajectory. I grew up pretty poor. I was in the system as a kid. Spent time in confinement, was in a state ward and spent a couple of years on the streets. I’ve scratched and clawed and made a life. Every struggle taught me something and made me a little stronger and wiser. My life has left me with many scars inside and out, but it has left me knowing that I can survive and thrive through anything. It has taught me focus and compassion.
Alright, so let’s switch gears a bit and talk business. What should we know about your work?
I am known best for my tattoo work. Though I’m trained in all styles, I specialize in black and grey realism: predominantly animals, portraits, and nature scenes. I also excel at cover-ups. Those are particular passions for me. I do quite a bit of traditional art as well. As a painter, I’m known for my bright sunny paintings of crows and other birds. I also enjoy pencil drawing and digital design work. This past year I have been focusing on books and publishing. I have four coloring books published and a collection of short horror stories set to be released in the next few months called A Subtle Rot.
What has been the most important lesson you’ve learned along your journey?
Always lead with love to bring love and compassion to my fellow creatures and me. If we treat others with love, we will always find community; if I treat myself with love, then I can do anything.
Contact Info:
- Website: www.jackierabbittattoo.com
- Instagram: Jackie Rabbit (@jackie_rabbit)
- Instagram photos and videos: https://www.instagram.com/jackie_rabbit/?hl=en
