Ballarat tattooist Jamie Lee Robinson is embracing her family legacy and industry experience to create a studio that breaks with tradition and appeals to the softer side of the market.
It’s no secret that the tattoo industry has changed over the last 50 years and no one knows this better than Jamie Lee Robinson.
Jamie Lee is a third-generation professional tattooist whose family members are trailblazers of their era.
Her grandmother is world renowned tattooist Cindy Ray, who rose to fame in the early 1960s as Australia’s first female tattoo model and the original Tattooed Lady, appearing in circus side shows.
Jamie Lee’s grandfather, Danny Robinson Snr, was among the first tattooists in Australia to lead the way for professional standards in the industry to ensure the health and safety of the tattooist and client.
Then came Jamie Lee’s father, an award-winning tattooist who opened Ballarat’s first professional shop and the place where Jamie Lee’s mother learned the trade.
“I have so many fond memories of my parents’ shop. I basically grew up there and it’s where my aspirations of becoming a tattooist began.
“I have worked in other industries, tried different jobs, just to be a part of the world outside tattoos, but I always knew I would follow my family’s path.”
Now, nestled among the trees in Winter Valley, Jamie Lee is forging her own path with Ballarat’s first exclusive studio, creating custom designs in an environment that’s far from what we know tattoo shops to be.
“I’ve been a part of the industry my whole life and the changes I’ve seen, especially in the last 10 years, have been incredible.
“The stigma around tattoos has diminished and the sheer scope of tattoo work has transformed. When my family started, tattooists were like a secret society and you only learned the trade if you were already somehow connected, like I was.
“Today we have tattoo artists – people with fine art or graphic design degrees and they are from varied backgrounds. They create true works of art on skin. It blows my mind.”
Jamie Lee specialises in fine line designs, bringing a delicate and feminine approach to what has traditionally been a male dominated industry, depicted by dark and heavy images.
“Fine line tattoos have been around for decades but we now have needles that are much smaller and they don’t hit the skin as hard, meaning I can create a thinner, more delicate line.
“The end result isn’t so much a tattoo. It’s more like a piece of jewellery that hopefully makes you feel prettier and love yourself and your body just that little bit more.”
Just as important as the design is the experience that Jamie Lee provides. Her studio is a place of relaxation, much like a day spa, with music, candles and an abundance of natural light streaming in the windows.
“Tattoos are generally emotional. They can represent a personal experience or a transition in life and when you have several people in a room all going through something, as you have in a street shop, it creates a dramatic atmosphere.
“My sessions are private and I aim to create a space that is healing and therapeutic. The experience adds to the meaning of the tattoo and I want every client to leave in a positive frame of mind, feeling proud of their tattoo.
“I put value on the work and I like my clients to do the same. It’s an investment.”
Jamie Lee’s philosophy on tattoos stems from her 15 years’ experience as well as a lifetime in the industry and the wise words of family.
“They’ve always been very clear – only get a tattoo if you can commit to it for life. It’s why I don’t have many myself. It’s also why I have a consultation process for my clients. It avoids the walk-ins and the impulsive decisions that people end up regretting. I never want someone to regret my work.
“I’ve become pretty good at reading people. I will always try to guide a client to take more time if I think it’s needed and I won’t tattoo someone I don’t believe is 100% committed to the design.”
Through Jamie Lee’s website, clients are asked to complete an application and this helps her to know if she is the right tattooist for them.
“I recommend sitting with a design or idea for at least three months before having it tattooed.
“Ideally clients will come to me with a clear idea of how they want the tattoo to look and what it represents. Then we discuss it and I can create an original piece, something that is just for them.
“Images from the internet are great for inspiration but I prefer not to replicate a design unless the client has obtained permission from the original artist.
“Mostly, you have to love it because it’s there for life, and beyond when you think about it. It’s the only thing you can take to your grave. It has to bring you joy.”
Enquiries for a tattoo by Jamie Lee can be made online. You can also follow Jamie Lee on Facebook and Instagram.
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