We recently connected with JJ Johnson and have shared our conversation below.

JJ, thanks for taking the time to share your stories with us today Can you talk to us about how you learned to do what you do?

Tattooing has captivated me from a young age. Having the ability to put your art on skin where it will reside forever is not only an amazing concept, but a privilege to do so. Tattooing is an ever growing art form, constantly changing with new styles and techniques allowing you the ability to learn something new, challenge yourself and become a better artist everyday. Though at times frustrating sometimes the sense of accomplishment when you do learn and grow your techniques is an amazing feeling. Tattooing is a science, it isn’t a job where you just punch a time clock, do your time and collect your bread. It’s school, you learn and grow every day, which is what I love about tattooing the most.

Awesome – so before we get into the rest of our questions, can you briefly introduce yourself to our readers.

Out of highschool I went to a friend’s uncle who was a well-known tattoo artists to get tattooed. Little did I know my friend’s mother had been speaking to him about my artwork. After my tattoo was complete. My friend’s uncle Buster told me that I was starting as his Apprentice the very next day. Not knowing what to do or anything about the art of tattooing I decided to show up and see what it was all about. I was hooked from that moment. Watching him tattoo was one of the coolest things I had ever seen at that point and wanted to get involved myself. I’ve been hooked ever since and still learning more and more everyday.

What do you find most rewarding about being a creative?

Having the ability to provide for my family doing something I love is not a luxury many get to do in there lives. I would tattoo as an unpaid hobby of I had to, but being paid to do so is an honor and a privilege.

Have you ever had to pivot?

There where a few Times in my life where tattooing had gotten slow for me. Needing the ability to provide for my children superseded my love for tattooing forcing me to seek different avenues of income. For a few years i worked as a Project manager in the construction industry butting my tattooing career in hold. Though I was able to provide, I was unhappy and often depressed feeling like something was missing and never really feeling that since of accomplishment nor the list to learn like tattooing had given me. It finally got to a point where I was wanting and willing to do whatever I had to do to get back in a studio, push myself outside of the box and do what I had to do in order to get better and grow my clientele.

Contact Info:

• Instagram: Www.instagram.com/jdubz0317