Make Your Mark: The Empowering True Story of the First Known Black Female Tattoo Artist

by Jacci Gresham, Sherry Fellores, David Wilkerson (Illustrator)

A picture book biography celebrating the first known Black female tattoo artist in the U.S., Jacci Gresham, co-authored by Jacci herself, and with stylish, accessible artwork by David Wilkerson

How to make your mark?
Express yourself: From coloring outside the lines to creating her own clothes, expressing herself through art made Jacci Gresham feel confident.
Keep an open mind: When Jacci started out, women getting tattooed was considered distasteful. Women giving tattoos was unheard of. And a Black woman tattoo artist? Jacci was the first.
Practice every day: Jacci studied her craft. She developed new inking techniques for Black and brown skin. And she welcomed everyone into her New Orleans shop, including women of every color, shape, and size.
Stand up for what you believe: From art class to artist, Jacci Gresham pushed boundaries, and she never took no for an answer. Jacci made her mark. How will you make yours?

Genres: Picture Books, Art, Biography, Nonfiction, History, Childrens

32 pages, Hardcover

Published January 14, 2025

Reviews

[Bookishrealm · Rating 4 out of 5]

Not me feeling seen as a tattooed Black woman! Once again, picture book biographies continue to prove why they are such an important piece of children’s literature. If this book didn’t exist, I wouldn’t have known a thing about the first Black woman tattoo artist. The emphasis on creativity and following your dreams is such a beautiful aspect of this book. The artwork was beautiful and complemented the story.

[McKenzie Richardson · Rating 3 out of 5]

For more bookish opinions, visit my blog: Craft-Cycle

Join Jacci Gresham, the first known Black woman tattoo artist, as she shares her story of following her passions, connecting to her community, and daring to try new things.

A nice story that follows Gresham's childhood, education, discovery of tattooing, opening her own shop, and some of the challenges she faced.

The book includes some great life lessons such as keep an open mind, stand up for what you believe, and express yourself.

I also loved the emphasis on taking into account skin color when creating tattoo designs and pointing out the ways darker skin has been overlooked in the tattooing world.

Beautiful artwork with great details.

As an autobiography, I found the format a little confusing. It is broken down into messages with a story associated with each message. This was a little hard to follow at times because it felt like some of the storylines didn't fully resolve.

An interesting read with some great lessons and lovely visuals.

[Madelyn · Rating 5 out of 5]

What a fantastic autobiography by an amazing woman!

[Donna Edwards · Rating 5 out of 5]

I love that this story of empowerment is told in the first person. Jacci Gresham nods at historical moments without bogging down her unique story and its sincere message to be yourself and to chase your passions. The artwork is vibrant and expressive, in conversation with the story itself. This book could open a lot of doors and catches a lot of interests -- art, history, belonging, trailblazing, community, Black women breaking barriers.

[Lisa · Rating 5 out of 5]

I have to admit I hesitated to read a book about tattoos. I don’t ever want to have a tattoo, but this book drew me in. Jacci Gresham, the hero in the story, actually wrote the book with Sherry Felores. There were several aspects of the book that caught my attention. First, her mother wanted her to go into architecture and engineering because she’d get a good paying job. But Jacci hated sitting at her desk, drawing straight lines. After she had moved to New Orleans, she and a friend started a tattoo parlor together. It was really cool to read about how Jacci discovered ways to highlight tattoos on darker skin tones.
Tattoos often looked better when they were bigger and had less detail and light colors instead of dark made the tattoo stand out and keep it looking good longer.
I also learned the tattoo sketches were called “flash”, and usually they were drawn on white paper. Jackie started drawing “flash” on brown paper as they would look on brown skin.

[Mary · Rating 5 out of 5]

Every once in awhile a book comes along that is entirely beautiful, empowering, important, and authentic. Make Your Mark is all these things and more. Jacci’s story is told in an accessible way for children to learn how the first known black woman tattoo artist paved the way for so many others. I highly recommend this book, not only because it is so well written and illustrated, but because it is an important part of history. It will make a wonderful addition to bookshelves at home and in schools and libraries.

[Rachel · Rating 4 out of 5]

A cool picture book about the first black female known tattoo artist. It had an interesting story and showed various obstacles she faced as a black women and tattoo artist. Pretty inspiring story for girls looking to do artistic jobs, or wanting to follow their heart. A great fun new bio picture book.

[Jolene Gutiérrez · Rating 5 out of 5]

This lovely picture book autobiography features gorgeous artwork and the important story of the first known Black female tattoo artist. Jacci Gresham is a trailblazer and her story will teach readers to follow their hearts. Highly recommended for all homes, schools, and libraries!

[Marcia · Rating 4 out of 5]

A cool picture book biography that shares the story of Jacci Gresham, the first known black female tattoo artist. A girl who loved art finds her passion in allowing others to express themselves through this art form.

[Cindy Schrauben · Rating 5 out of 5]

This empowering story is a must-read for everyone. Perseverance and grit are the important themes in this true tale.

[Y.Poston]

such a fun life story!

[LS Johnson · Rating 4 out of 5]

Some sections felt a little choppy, but overall, a great new story about an unknow "first" in women's history.

[wildct2003 · Rating 5 out of 5]

Good story

[Jenae · Rating 5 out of 5]

Beautiful and inspirational autobiography

[H · Rating 4 out of 5]

What a great book to start the year!