JESSE BARKSDALE

From the time he was six years old, Jesse was immersed in the world of ink, art, and the steady buzz of tattoo machines in his uncle’s shop. Whenever visiting artists asked what he wanted to be when he grew up, his answer was always the same — “I want to be a tattoo artist.” Most laughed, thinking it was just a childhood fantasy. But for Jesse, it was the spark that would shape his life.

At just 14, Jesse’s mom took him to Colorado, where he became certified in tattooing — years before most artists even pick up a machine. His early start drew attention from local media, earning him the title “Tattoo Prodigy Goes Pro.”

Now, with nearly two decades of experience behind him, Jesse has transformed that early passion into mastery. He’s spent 19 years honing his craft, specializing in black and gray photorealism and fine-line work, while maintaining a strong command of color tattooing. Each piece he creates reflects the dedication, discipline, and love for the art that’s been with him since childhood.

As a part owner of Line and Legacy Tattoo Shop, Jesse is on a mission to reshape the way people see tattoos — not as rebellion, but as meaningful, personal expressions of story, faith, and identity. Through a business built on Christian values, he strives to create an environment rooted in integrity, compassion, and respect. His goal is to turn every client experience into more than just a session — to make every guest feel like part of the Line and Legacy family, united through art, community, and shared purpose.