Today we’d like to introduce you to Jennifer Borden.
Hi Jennifer, can you start by introducing yourself? We’d love to learn more about how you got to where you are today?
I am a 25 year old tattoo artist in Austin, Texas and this is my story!
Ever since I was a little girl, I always remember being creative. There was never a year in my academic career where I didn’t take an art class. I cared so much about art in different ways but always told myself I would never become an artist who can create to support herself. So, I decided I wanted to be a therapist; because what else would I want to be?
When I graduated high school I thought I had my life figured out; go to college, get my degree, and start making money. Well, 2 semesters into college, COVID occurred and I had made the financial decision to dropout of school.
I was about 20 when I dropped out and then started to just work to support myself. I was very lost and really had no ambition to strive for my own success. I worked as a bartender and served here and there to make ends meet for myself. Developing bad habits with not so great people really demotivate you for your own success, and that’s where I would find myself constantly. I was stripped away from my creativity.
Until I found my people. I was 23 when I met such wonderful and creative people. They became my friends and I finally felt allowed to be creative with them. My partner, who was my friend at the time, saw my creativity and my art and told me I had to do something with this. That my art was worth something more than what I could see. So that’s exactly what I did.
As I still continued to bartend, I was creating a portfolio on the clock. Every second I could, I would be drawing. I would reach out to other tattoo artist to look over my work; some cared and most didn’t. But that never stopped me.
Until I came across Aaron Dor. He gave me a tattoo, I asked him to look at my work and he said I needed some more work to do. I took his advice but he left his door open (no pun intended) for more input on what I can do to be a better artist. He gave me quite a bit of advice and I took it and ran with it!
I started painting more, drawing more when I was working, and devoted any free time I had towards this goal. It felt so right and it was something so exciting.
I had an injury at the beginning of 2025 which led me to stop working as a bartender so I was out of a job at that point. Which just gave me so much more time to focus on my art.
I eventually was offered an apprenticeship from a friend, and I took the opportunity because this truly was something I wanted. That apprenticeship eventually led me back to Aaron Dor and I then began working at Open Dor.
I am now here 9 months of officially tattooing and this is truly just the beginning of this beautiful journey. I don’t believe I would have ever been here if it wasn’t for the support system I have; my friends, my family, and my wonderful shop family. Without other people’s creativity, we would be lost. And I am no longer lost.
Would you say it’s been a smooth road, and if not what are some of the biggest challenges you’ve faced along the way?
This was NOT smooth at all.
You meet a lot of people that don’t support you, or don’t even want to try to support you. A lot of negativity and people who want to put you down. It’s a very competitive industry and not everyone is going to like you or your art, but you kind have to say, “Who CARES???”.
Staying creative 100% of the time can also be a struggle, especially when you don’t think you’re progressing. But there’s always progress, being kind to yourself is something you always have to remind yourself so you don’t struggle along the way.
Alright, so let’s switch gears a bit and talk business. What should we know about your work?
I am a tattoo artist!
I specialize in traditional, fine line or both! I love being able to take one technique and implement it in a piece where it doesn’t look like it would belong but it just ends up working so well. Being able to be creative but yet put something permanent on someone that they will love is just so rewarding.
I’ve only been officially tattooing 9 months but something I am so proud of is that I can say I don’t think I will ever stop learning. My mentor, Aaron Dor, has been tattooing for 30 years and when I talk to him I know everything is going to be alright because we’re always learning something new every day.
It may be silly to say that I don’t feel all too special but if I had to say something that sets me apart from others is that I listen. I listen to you before the appointment, during, and after. I want everyone to feel that they are special when they walk into our shop. If you don’t feel like you belong anywhere, you probably belong here with us. I also do not use generative AI, which has been a big trend of tattoo artist, I actually care about your tattoo and I will design it for you.
Are there any important lessons you’ve learned that you can share with us?
Who cares about what other people think.
Who cares if people do not want to support you.
You’ve got your art, your people, and this endless journey of creativity. Don’t ever stop creating.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.opendortattoo.com/
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/ladypokesalot?igsh=dW05amQ1bGZwMXI0&utm_source=qr
