Words by Phoebe Robertson (she/her)
Tattoo artist Jamie Renee is a Wellington local whose work speaks volumes—not just in design, but in the way she approaches the entire tattooing process. Since 2019, Jamie has been working at Dr Morse Tattoo Studio, where her passion for both art and people has flourished. “There’s no other studio I’d rather work at,” she says. “It’s an incredibly friendly, creative, and warm environment for both artists and customers.”
Jamie’s creative roots run deep, starting with her degree in Visual Communication Design from Massey University, which she completed with First Class Honours in 2016. Her original plan was to enter the film industry as a prop maker, but tattooing soon became her calling. “I didn’t think of it as a career option until I saw a couple of friends go through apprenticeships and thought, What an amazing way to make a career from drawing and painting. I want to do that!” she explains. Fast forward a few years, and she’s now a well-established artist at one of Wellington’s most beloved tattoo studios.
Her love affair with tattoos started on her 18th birthday when she got a spider tattooed on the back of her neck. “I know…” she laughs. “But that was it for me—I was hooked.” It wasn’t long before Jamie took the plunge into the world of tattoo apprenticeships, learning under the mentorship of Dr Morse’s seasoned artists.
When it comes to her work, Jamie’s approach is all about connection and collaboration. She encourages clients to take their time, researching artists through social media and portfolios before making a decision. “Nowadays younger clients (and clients in general) have a great tool at their disposal—social media. But it still pays a lot to go into studios and talk face to face with artists,” she says. Building that trust and rapport makes all the difference in creating a positive experience.
Jamie is quick to say that she doesn’t have a favourite style, but the common thread in all her work is the energy her clients bring. “My favourite kinds of tattoos are the ones where the clients are just SO psyched about getting it,” she shares. Whether it’s bright, bold colour or intricate black and grey, Jamie finds joy in each piece.
But it’s not just about the ink—it’s about the whole process. “Honestly, I love everything about tattooing. The ritual of setting up, getting to know your clients, seeing their reactions to the designs, and even cleaning up at the end of the day. It’s wild that I get to do this almost every day.”
Jamie can be reached for consults or questions at jamiereneetattoo@gmail.com, and her portfolio can be found on Instagram (@jamiereneetattoo) and Facebook (Jamie Renee Tattoo & Illustration). If you’re thinking about getting a tattoo, you won’t find a warmer or more enthusiastic artist than Jamie Renee.
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