“jeff, meet angel
angel, meet jeff
talk amongst yourselves.”
That was how my friend, Jen, had introduced me to tattoo artist Jeff Johnson over e-mail. It was 2006 and I had recently relocated to Portland. At the time, I didn’t know Jeff from Joe Q. Tattoodude except that Jen had raved about his work, and I loved the design he helped create for her.
Jeff and I exchanged e-mails, but another year would go by before I stepped into Sea Tramp Tattoo Company, where he’s a co-owner, on SE Grand to sit in a chair to get my tattoo from him.
Fast forward a couple more years to the summer of 2009 where I recently finished reading Jeff’s first book, Tattoo Machine: Tall Tales, True Stories, and My Life in Ink, which is just as much about his personal life as it is the experiences he’s had as a tattoo artist for nearly 20 years.
Whether you have one small, discreet tattoo, full sleeves, or absolutely no ink at all, you’ll find Jeff’s storytelling style quite engaging as he recalls stories of tattoos as well as relationships (personal and professional) gone wrong. He provides a glimpse into Portland that will have you nodding your head as you picture the scene at some of the people, places, and incidents that have occurred over the years. You may even let out a “Oh God, Gross!!!” in some instances. (But I won’t give those away.)
Although given more attention towards the end of the book, Jeff weaves his thoughts on the craft of tattoo artistry throughout the book — from where it’s been and those who came before him to an honest look at the state of tattoo design in the modern age. He shares his thoughts on the shoddy tattoo schools and the less than stellar graduates who don’t have the chops. He talks about the innovations made in colors. He thinks about the life of a tattoo and how it has a expiration date of sorts once the person wearing it leaves this mortal coil.
Jeff gives a very vivid glimpse into the people and personalities who are working in the tattoo industry. Sex, drugs, rock ‘n roll? Covered. Elaborate schemes? Check. Potential serial killer? Yep. People with a heart of gold? OK, they’re in the book, too. Jeff provides examples of all of these and many more who fall somewhere in between good and evil.
At the beginning of the book, Jeff ponders if after reading the book if the reader would consider getting a tattoo from him. Well, I’m just one reader, but I’m sure I’ll be back at some point in the future for another.
{ 3 comments }
Nice post, Angel!
I’m proud to say Jeff did my second tattoo. Swapped him an Elektra bass guitar for it nearly 20 years ago. My how time flies.
I think I’ll need to go pick up a copy of the book.
Thanks, morty! What was the tattoo you got for swapping the bass?
A.L.,
He put a wreath on my right arm. But, more importantly, he had me cracking up almost the whole time.
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