Today we’d like to introduce you to JoMerra Watson.
Hi JoMerra, it’s an honor to have you on the platform. Thanks for taking the time to share your story with us – to start maybe you can share some of your backstory with our readers?
I like to describe my art journey with the visual of picking up a thread and just following where it leads. There have been multiple points in my life when I wasn’t completely sure what I wanted to do, but I’ve always followed that thread back to art.
Even growing up, I always liked my art classes more than my other classes, even if I didn’t necessarily like the teacher. In high school I did all the “right” things: played sports, took AP classes, did early college, and when it was time to go to university (because not going wasn’t an option in my house), I chose to study the thing I was most interested in, which was art.
College really expanded my understanding of what being an artist could look like. The work I was doing in college felt much more intentional than anything I had experienced in my earlier art classes, and I really appreciated the opportunity to explore that. I’m also very aware of what a privilege higher education is, so I don’t take that experience lightly. The combination of the people I met, the places I went, and the things I was exposed to in college all contributed to who I am as an artist and as a person today, so shoutout to education.
During my senior year of college I decided I wanted to be a professor, largely due to the impact my professors had on me. Teaching at the university level does require a MFA though, and after college had worn me out, I decided not to immediately enroll in graduate school. I packed up and moved to Texas, eventually becoming a high school art teacher because I figured that would be a good way to grow in art and education in the meantime. I ended up teaching for 6 years, coaching cheer, and building a community that I’ll love and cherish for threat of my life.
In 2023 while I was still teaching, the thread I was following eventually led me into tattooing, so I started the journey of becoming a tattoo artist. Fast forward to 2026, I’m currently at Formula Tattoo in Addison, surrounded by some incredibly talented artists and figuring out what this next chapter looks like.
When I look back, it’s funny because none of these steps necessarily felt like they were leading directly to where I am now. They were all just isolated decisions at the time, but now I can see how each one connected to the next. I’m grateful for all of it, especially the small moments and interactions that happened years ago that put me in a position to be where I am right now.
Alright, so let’s dig a little deeper into the story – has it been an easy path overall and if not, what were the challenges you’ve had to overcome?
No, the road definitely hasn’t been smooth, but I don’t think it’s supposed to be. I could sit here and list every inconvenience, major setback, or difficult season I’ve experienced. Some of those experiences genuinely changed my family, my understanding of life, and even how I saw myself, but ultimately I don’t think the struggle itself is the most important part. I think you learn a lot about yourself in difficult moments and what matters is how you respond to them. Suffering is inevitable, I’m not the first person to experience it and I definitely won’t be the last. What I can control is what I do in those moments, who I lean on, and what I allow to ground me when things feel uncertain.
For me, becoming more rooted in my faith has made a huge difference. It’s something I’ve taken more serious in recent years, and it’s given me a different perspective when I look back at earlier versions of myself. When I think about 2014 or 2020 Jojo, I can recognize how much I’ve grown. It’s not necessarily because I’ve become “more mature” but because I’ve learned different ways to move through difficult seasons.
So no, the road hasn’t been smooth. But I’m grateful for the things I’ve learned along the way, and I think the struggles are part of what shaped me.
Appreciate you sharing that. What else should we know about what you do?
If I had to identify with any medium, I’d definitely put myself in the painter category. I’m primarily an oil painter, but I learned to paint using acrylics and I’ve been experimenting with watercolor more recently. I love painting portraits because I think it’s kind of fascinating that every face contains the same basic elements, but the subtle differences in our shared features makes each face unique. I also like experimenting with light and texture, so I use a lot of gold leaf and glazes in my paintings.
As far as tattoos go, I don’t do portraits just yet, but my love for painting has translated into a love for color tattoos. I’m currently gravitating towards ornamental tattoos, especially gemstones, florals, and designs that combine geometric and organic elements. I’m really interested in the idea of tattooing as adornment. I want to create pieces that feel like permanent jewelry. I want them to look they belong there, instead of something that was just simply placed on the body.
What are your plans for the future?
The biggest thing I’m looking forward to is my MFA journey. I’ve wanted to pursue one for a while now and I think being immersed in that environment will be really important for my growth as an artist. I understand the value of being surrounded by other artists and having the opportunity for critique and mentorship that pushes me beyond what I already know how to do. I’m very much a lifelong learner, so I’m excited about putting myself in a place where I can really dig deeper into my work and see where it can go.
I also still love working with kids, so I plan to continue supporting the travel program I helped establish at my former high school. Last year we took them to Paris and next year they’re headed to Rome, so I just want to continue finding ways share my love for art with others. I think stepping away from teaching has actually given me a different appreciation for the parts of education I really loved. Beyond that, I definitely plan to keep traveling and exploring the world whenever I get the opportunity. Honestly, I’m not sure I have one perfectly mapped-out vision for the future. I just want to keep moving in the whatever direction allows me to learn. create, experience new things, and grow.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.jomerrawatson.com
