Meet Jordan Lentz | Tattoo Artist

We had the good fortune of connecting with Jordan Lentz and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Jordan, what inspires you?
I have always been inspired by nature and science. In my undergrad I studied scientific illustration at the Field Museum in Chicago and spent long days drawing and painting behind the display cases studying the specimens. From there I wanted to get into scientific illustration, but learned that a lot of it was gong the way of digital art and I’ve always been drawn toward 2D fine art mediums. I got my first ever tattoo in Chicago of a cicada on my thigh and that confirmed for me that I wanted to get into tattooing where I could work differently on skin and not sit behind a computer screen all day. Other than nature and science, I am a big dog rescue advocate and have volunteered, fostered and adopted rescue dogs for most of my adult years. Since working more closely with rescues in San Diego and Chicago, I have been drawn to tattooing animal portraits of people’s beloved pets. I connect with these clients on a different level and am honored that they trust me to tattoo their animals. I am constantly inspired be these folks who are so selfless with animals and try to help in any way that they can.

Alright, so let’s move onto what keeps you busy professionally?
Currently, I am working on a pencil drawing series in my limited free time, as I would like to have a solo art show at some point. This has been a goal of mine for a while and I’m tying to produce enough work to start applying to fine art galleries! I draw tattoos constantly so finding the time for other art endeavors is more challenging. In my career as a tattoo artist, I think I have really started to find my niche with the pet portrait tattoos I’ve been doing. As mentioned, I work with rescues often and I really like being part of the rescue community and helping animals. I’m excited to see my work with rescues and rescue advocates grow with tattooing and I think my passion for animals sets me apart in my work.

Getting to this point in my career has been anything but easy. I had a more traditional apprenticeship that was less than ideal as many tattooers are familiar with. I struggled to make a living and work full time apprenticing and when the apprenticeship didn’t seem to be progressing after 2 years, I left and essentially had to start over. I am thankful for those individuals that let me practice tattoos on them and for supporting me on this long journey!

If you had a friend visiting you, what are some of the local spots you’d want to take them around to?
I love this! If I had a friend visiting, I would definitely take them to some of the more touristy spots like La Jolla shores to swim with the leopard sharks and see the sea lions, see a sunset at Sunset Cliffs and walk around Balboa Park. I would take them to eat at Kindred, Sisters Pizza, and Yasai and follow that up with ice cream from Stella Jeans. We would do a Zoo day, maybe take a trip to Joshua Tree or LA and go to some of the weekly Farmer’s Markets.

The Shoutout series is all about recognizing that our success and where we are in life is at least somewhat thanks to the efforts, support, mentorship, love and encouragement of others. So is there someone that you want to dedicate your shoutout to?
I got my start out in San Diego at Buju Tattoo and I am forever grateful for my time and experience there! The owner Briana Robinson welcomed me with open arms and I have made many good friends and learned so much from working at her shop. Diana DeAugustine has become such a close friend and has been a wonderful tattoo mentor to me as well. Currently I work in a private studio and would not be where I am today if it weren’t for Nancy Ngouy, my friend and coworker/ the owner of the studio. She is a total badass boss, mom and good friend who has been an endless source of advice and support.

Website: jordanklentz.com

Instagram: jordanlentztattoos