Meet Tattoo Artist Cally Jo
We’re firm believers in the idea that the best type of work is the kind that feels like play. In the spirit of being passionate about what you do, we caught up with one of our favorite creative tattoo artist Cally Jo. It’s hard not to fall in love with the British born stunner and it is not just because she is smart and beautiful but she is also killing it with her detailed and intricate signature style every time she creates a new tattoo.
With over 250,000 followers on Instagram Cally Jo has become one of the most in demand tattooists all over the world. She has tattooed multiple celebrities including no other than actress Sienna Miller, Alexandra Burke and Rihanna who flew her to the Dominican Republic to work on her henna inspired hand tattoo.
We recently caught up with the inked-up super girl to talk about what inspired her to become a tattoo artist, who she’d love to ink some day and a secret that nobody knows about her.
1. When did you start tattooing and what inspired you to become a tattoo artist?
I started tattooing in 2008 technically but I didn’t have a clue what I was doing! I was tattooing only close friends and had been turned down for an apprenticeship so I decided to go solo and just teach myself. I have always had a deep love for tattooing and tattoo art, I really wanted to have a job that meant I could make art, and have freedom so tattooing was always my first choice.
2. Which women of the industry inspire you the most?
There are SO many amazing female tattoo artists! I really love those who carry their own unique style and who’s personality really translates into their work, Aimee Cornwell is definitely a favourite and I love Em Scott- she’s given me some of my favourite tattoos.
3. In the last couple of years you’ve tattooed multiple celebrity clients such as Sienna Miller or Rihanna. If you can pick someone, who would you love to ink and why?
What a tough question... I think that probably the main person that comes to mind is Sarah Michelle Gellar... I am a HUGE Buffy the Vampire Slayer fan and I think that’s really the only person that I’d get truly starstruck by haha! Also Jennifer Lawrence seems like the coolest I'd love to tattoo her.
4. If you weren't a tattoo artist, what would you be?
I always wanted to be an archaeologist growing up, totally random. Now that I’m older I think that I’d love to just renovate houses and really stretch my artistic creativity in a totally different field from tattooing.
5. Tell us one thing that no one knows about you?
I am a horrible driver and I can barely park my car hahaha!
6. Do you have any advice for aspirating tattoo artists?
I think that the best advice I can give is to draw, and I do say this a lot but it is so important to have a great portfolio if you hope to get anywhere in tattooing!
7. What’s next for Cally Jo?
For the first time ever things are pretty chill for me and I have absolutely no idea what’s to come! I’m at a bit of a major crossroads in my life so I feel like whatever does come next is going to be something big..!