Alright – so today we’ve got the honor of introducing you to Justin Walker. We think you’ll enjoy our conversation, we’ve shared it below.

Alright, Justin thanks for taking the time to share your stories and insights with us today. Can you recount a story of an unexpected problem you’ve faced along the way?

I set out on a mission with the intention of opening up Downtown Greenville’s first tattoo studio. When South Carolina legalized tattooing in 2004, the zoning laws that were created to regulate the amount of tattoo shops made it impossible to open one up within downtown. However, I believed it could be done and someone was going to do it so I was determined to be the one to do it. I put down a deposit on a spot that would be a newly constructed building in 2020. The building was supposed to be completed by the end of 2021. After every hang up imaginable, the construction did not get completed until summer of 2022. Within that time, we were able to pass a new zoning regulation that would allow for tattooing to operate within the Village of West Greenville, however we experienced a major hurdle. In SC, a tattoo facility must be located 1000ft or more from a church, school or playground. We had a discrepancy with an after school program because they offered a worship service on Sunday’s. Even though this entity is not an actual established church, DHEC was unsure if they were going to pass our application because they didn’t know if they were going to consider it a church or not. After a month of disputing, we won our case and passed the measurement. All we had to do now was wait for the building to be completed so we could start our operations. But yet another major hurdle. The building was burnt down 2 months before it’s completion in October of 2022. Devastated but hopeful, we waited as long as we could but when construction continued to be delayed, I was refunded my deposit because of no guarantee when it would actually be completed. So we found a new location and began up-fitting within the Village with the assumption that the measurement would pass. But to my surprise, DHEC had changed the way they measure and declined our application. So I had them measure a new spot within the area. It was our last option. But when they came to measure again, my worst fear came true. They were going to consider the after school program as a church again. When I asked why this was and where my approval the first time was, I was told “they could neither confirm nor deny they had enough evidence to support my claim.” Later I learned DHEC had a whole new staff over the tattoo facility department since October of 2022 as well as the top 3 executives resigned. So I had to fight this again. After a week of going back and forth, they finally were able to get ahold of the person who oversaw my case last year and passed our application. We spent the next month getting everything we needed to obtain our license and to up-fit our space. We passed our inspection May 15th, officially becoming the first tattoo studio in Downtown Greenville. It was the most stressful, challenging, trying and difficult time of my life. I had poured all my remaining resources and energy into this. But I grew so much within a short time span and found a greater sense of gratitude for what I do and what I have. This isn’t the final destination by any means. I plan to grow and to find us a “home” that fulfills our vision and the future of Blind Tiger Tattoo Co.

Justin, 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?

Originally from California, I grew up around tattooing. My father started tattooing when I was 10 years old. I fell in love with the counter culture that is tattooing. It was electric, exclusive and a little dangerous but that’s what made it exciting to me. At 13, I did my first tattoo on my dad. A kind of tradition amongst tattooers. I knew from that moment, I was in love and I would be a tattoo artist someday. At 19, I moved to South Carolina to learn under my father. After a year, I was tattooing full time at his shop. I studied the art form of traditional Americana and Japanese imagery. Completely infatuated with it, I had fully committed myself to my craft. Drawing day in and day out to understand everything that I could about my craft and it’s art form. What I am most proud of is the clientele I have curated, opening the first tattoo studio in Downtown Greenville despite the obstacles I faced and devoting myself to becoming a master at my craft and reimagining iconic imagery. My hope is that for those who choose to work with me or follow me is to understand how dedicated and determined I am to be the best version of myself possible. To provide the community with a proper tattoo experience in a safe and comfortable environment. To do my best to uphold the tradition of tattooing with pride.

What do you find most rewarding about being a creative?

The most rewarding aspect of being a tattoo artist is creating something for someone that they love and are proud to wear. Seeing them smile and show off their tattoo fills me with a great sense of pride.

Can you tell us about a time you’ve had to pivot?

There was a time when I had to really consider what type of imagery I wanted to produce. As a tattooist, you are a tattooer first and an artist second. However, you have a choice as to what you want to put out into the world. I made a decision that I was going to produce imagery that identifies more with traditional Americana and traditional Japanese tattoo art. It can be challenging to pivot who your clientele is especially when you’ve become financially dependent on certain kinds of tattoos but I believe it is important to keep the iconic look of tattoos alive.

Contact Info:

• Website: Blindtigertattoo.co
• Instagram: justinwalkertattoo
• Facebook: justinwalkertattoo

Image Credits
Kathryn Hughes [email protected]