Meet Jenn Cordero, one of Syracuse's few female tattoo artists. She works for Carmelo's Ink City on Hiawatha Boulevard. Cordero is a 30-year-old artist, gamer, and proud owner of an ugly cat. In a tough, male-dominated field, Cordero employs her smart mouth and sharp eye to set herself apart and attract clients. In the decade since she first picked up a needle, Cordero has worked to elevate her craft. Cordero's small frame features pieces that illustrate her life story, but she's saving space for a few more chapters. She believes a good tattoo encompasses more than the artistry and execution of the design. The experience of getting each piece also plays a role. "I watch and I listen and I pay attention — even to the tone of the voice and stuff like that," Cordero says. "And being a female, I know how to feminize everything."

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