We caught up with the brilliant and insightful James Hall a few weeks ago and have shared our conversation below.

James, thanks for joining us, excited to have you contributing your stories and insights. Alright – so having the idea is one thing, but going from idea to execution is where countless people drop the ball. Can you talk to us about your journey from idea to execution?

In 2011, I was in pursuit of using my creative perspective not yet developed by traditional education systems, to give me a path of opportunity. This briefly landed me in the field of graphic design and print/media production. However around that time as I was 18 and starting to get tattooed; I found myself working with an incredible artist in Austin Tx, and friend to this day, Michael Williams.

Michael showed me tattooing as an art form, and through a series of events gave me direction towards my own potentials in tattooing. I landed myself an apprenticeship in a high-end studio in Austin. Quickly I used my skillsets and what conscious ability I had to prove myself an asset; after a 2-2.5 year apprenticeship I started my tattooing career and quickly became a business owner helping with the operations and expansion of the studio I was a part of.

Years later, now 2023, I have created Aura IV Tattoo Gallery here in Austin Tx; a premier studio both functioning as an example of what modern tattooing can be for both artists and clients, and creating a community driven environment. Art Exhibitions with over 100 incredible tattooers and artists form around the country, and nationally recognized breast cancer event, and an open door for all walks of life interested in what we are doing for our creative community are defining points of Aura IV.

This was no easy path, and currently I am over a decade into my career with a mission of pushing what tattooing can be for both creatives and community members. The idea was formed while starting in a more high end studio environment where artist both expressed their creative perspectives through other mediums outside of tattooing; which also helped to educate and guide clients down a path of understanding what is possible beyond the more classical approaches to tattooing.

Early on I thought, “how far can this go?” In 2016 I organized my first art show inviting some local tattooers in Austin to participate. That was approximately 16 artists and a decent turn out helping to create connections amongst ourselves and clients wanting a better window into our creative visions. Most recently we held our latest exhibition “PIXELS” which held 116 canvases submitted for our annual art shows with over 300 people in attendance as we welcomed in a newly upgraded gallery space at The Linc in Central Austin.

Idea to Execution isn’t always linear, and likely a breakdown of order is required to accomplish a sizable task personally, creatively, or in business. The constant factor, for me, is the discipline to hold myself accountable and show up for myself or others as needed. Every day, like every challenge, presents new obstacles; but aligning yourself properly against the breakdown of tasks leading to a larger goal is key.

James, love having you share your insights with us. Before we ask you more questions, maybe you can take a moment to introduce yourself to our readers who might have missed our earlier conversations?

I am a local Austinite, spending most of my childhood outside around a much smaller city at the time. I grew up outside, and eventually earned the rank of Eagle Scout as a kid. much of which prepared me for leadership roles and project management later on but more importantly seems to have really grounded me in an appreciation for the nature and the world around me. This inspiration can be seen in my work often depicting floral and natural subject matter.,

I got into tattooing about as quickly as I could, simply seeking the ability to express myself creatively while making a living. I have never fallen into line easily, and traditional education systems weren’t engaging my rapidly moving mind and body. I found tattooing as a new medium for art, and a modern way to create my own path without constraint.

I am very fortunate to have found tattooing, made name for myself and become a valuable member of my tattoo community, and continue to reach as far as my eyes can see at any point in time.

At this point in my career, with the creation of Aura IV Tattoo Gallery, I have found myself with an opportunity to work with some of the best artists to Austin and Texas as a whole. Psychological I am very social and high energy, given me to more natural ability of curating environment and experience; which is exactly where we are today.

Aura IV is an environment for clients to come as they are seeking a creative conversation. Artists who work within Aura both by residency or travel have an environment geared towards openness and creativity. Where constant growth is available, incredible things can happen.

Daily I am at a loss for words with what my Aura IV family is producing, the empowerment of clients within our space, and what we are doing as a whole as we grow towards something not yet seen in our locality.

Is there a particular goal or mission driving your creative journey?

While I have no specific “goal” or grand scheme of plans; I am always working to drive myself forward. At any given point I am working towards a new skill, a new painting, a creative twist on existing routines and events, or something I have yet to try or explore in my own personal life outside of my career and public image.

I work 60-80 hours a week (I thought working for yourself would be easy?), but have structured free time where generally I will paint. This is a safe and sacred process for me allowing time for me to create for myself, explore new concepts and themes, and generally sort my thoughts to check in with myself and ensure I am oriented as properly as allowing by current circumstances. Strategically having this conversation and checking with myself I believe has be key for my career, my success, and my value to others.

I am a firm believer in process, and goals. I am a physical note taker and am often seen crossing things off and adding to my rotating list of tasks, oriented towards the goal at the time.

Large goals are often broken down into more manageable tasks, which breakdown in to daily patterns and habits to ensure that a deadline will be met. Whether its a delivery of goods or service, a presentation, pitch deck, etc; I have helped a handful of people leave their existing circumstances of constraint, find a new path and trajectory more aligned to what they are wanting; or take a leap of faith to launch their own business. I am always excited to share my experiences thus far in hopes of helping someone achieve their own victory.

We’d love to hear a story of resilience from your journey.

As most people have experienced, whether personally or through business; life does not always offer the path of least resistance. Confronting yourself with purpose, or seeking to face challenges appropriately is no easy feat.

For anyone accomplishing a goal, starting a new job, trusting a new opportunity… the readiness required is almost immeasurable at times. The sweet spot of challenge paired with the creativity to solve it, met with the maximum amount of resistance has always been where I find my next road.

The almost unreachable.

I was told in a previous business/studio partnership that I was perhaps “too ambitious”. I have always known this to be part of my identity, but never considered it to be a negative trait. I have always made it a goal to bring those around me along for the ride, often praising them and their trust in me with mutually based decision making.

The above has led to some fallout over the years among interpersonal relationships which has caused me to realize that perhaps while my own dreams may be accompanied by a benefit to others; that not everyone requires that from me or perhaps even is worthy of that effort spent.

My journey has not been linear, and a lot of people have been a part of my success. I am honored to have a name for myself and to have done right by that, leading up the the creation of Aura IV and the incredible people that have participated in my journey helping us to get here.

Contact Info:

• Website: www.jameshallcreative.com
• Instagram: @jameshallcreative
• Other: www. Aura4TATOO.com @aura4tattoo

Image Credits
JAMES HALL Creative