Today we’d like to introduce you to Tyler Jenkins
Hi Tyler, can you start by introducing yourself? We’d love to learn more about how you got to where you are today?
My name is Tyler, also known on stage as “Dominink”. I grew up in the mountains of North Carolina originally, and now reside in Orlando Florida. My upbringing was pretty rough, actually, with an abusive Father and an incarcerated Mother. From the time I was a little boy, I always remember turning to art as an outlet for my emotions because everything around me was way too complex to understand. I actually remember how I would draw faces of beautiful women every time I sat down to create art, which makes total sense now that as a tattoo artist I specialize in realistic portraits and also do drag full time!
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?
Some of the struggles along the way I would say we’re definitely the lack of support at home as a kid. Coming out to your Parents is never easy, especially when they just don’t accept you. I ended up actually running away and making a home for myself in Florida after meeting someone online back in 2011. I hopped around renting different bedrooms as a young adult in survival mode until I finally found tattooing, which ultimately saved my life!
Can you tell our readers more about what you do and what you think sets you apart from others?
So in the day time I specialize in black and grey realism. In the night time I specialize in being the prettiest drag queen to ever exist… Hahaha, just joking… Well, not really.
I found drag only a few years ago, and quickly realized that I was really great at it. As I mentioned earlier, I turned to art as an escape from a very dark childhood. I was never allowed to “act” gay or do feminine things, so finally being able to express myself has been a euphoric experience for me. I created my own show here in town two years ago, which has really taken off. I also won a National beauty pageant in drag last year known as “Miss Continental” in the newcomer division that I’m also proud of.
Is there anyone you’d like to thank or give credit to?
Oh, there have been several role models in my life along the way. I’ve shared my story with countless women I encounter, normally the Mother’s of my close friends who I’ve made along the way. They always take me in as their “adopted child”. Many of these women I owe my life to, whether it was a hot meal or a place to sleep when I had absolutely nothing. My tattoo mentor and I met in 2018 when I was serving tables, which is where I finally got my start in the tattoo industry. I’m thankful for him taking a chance on me, despite me being a black sheep in this industry. It’s not common to see a gay tattoo artist these days, especially one that is also a drag queen. It’s really quite the combo!
Contact Info:
- Instagram: www.instagram.com/thehandsomeartist and www.instagram.com/thedominink
