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JASON BROOKS
is on top of his game
by Mark Longenecker
Photos courtesy of Jason Brooks
From the June 2003 issue of Prick Magazine.
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I first met Jason Brooks when I moved to Key West about
eight years ago. We were roommates in a crazy party
pad that housed about 12 artsy, hippy types. He was one
of the top artists at Goldie's Southernmost Tattooing, and he
gave me my first large tattoo. I could see then that Jason had a
serious drive to become an excellent tattoo artist, and now it
looks like he has definitely achieved it. He has been working
alongside America's best Japanese style tattoo artist, Chris
Trevino at Perfection Tattoo. To work a gig like that you have to
be on top of your game.
Where did you grow up?
Well, I was born in Indiana, but I have lived all over the
place. My Mom worked for the government so we picked up
and moved every year or two.
Do you come from a family of artists?
Yes, my dad is a professional illustrator, and my brother
works for art galleries. He does a lot of sculpture and painting.
When did you get interested in tattoos?
Since way back in high school, I had a lot of friends
with them, and I knew a few tattoo artists. I started tattooing
back in 1993. I went out to Hollywood, California to try the
apprenticeship route, but that didn't work out. So I ended up
just coming back to Key West, Florida, where I started working
at Goldie's. I was kinda self-taught before I got there, but
working for Goldie really helped me get a better grasp on
everything.
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What got you into the Japanese style?
Reading Ed Hardy's Tattoo Times. When I would see
large Japanese style tattoos done, they just looked like what
tattoos should look like.
Who is your main influence for Japanese tattoos?
Horioshi 2.
So what brought you to Austin, Texas?
Florida wasn't working out and I had family
here. So I moved here and worked at Atomic Tattoo.
That's a busy street shop, but also can do a lot of custom
work. That's where I got the basis for most of
my clientele. We had a good crew there, Larry
Edwards has been tattooing since 1976.
Do you feel like you caught a big break
when Chris Trevino asked you to
come work for him?
Yeah, that's probably the best thing to happen
to me in tattooing. That's when all the doors opened
for me.
How has working with him been?
Awe, man, I can't even describe it. I went from
always seeking that knowledge on Japanese imagery
to finally having access to it. It was not handed to me,
though. I definitely had to earn it. It's always a learning
experience, and now it’s like we are learning
things together.
So Chris was really hard on you at first?
I always say it was like joining the marine core
of tattooing. He really breaks you down, either to the
point that you will try harder than you have ever
done, or you just quit. Its harder than boot camp.
What's up with your skateboard company?
Well, one of my customers was starting it and I was just going to do the graphics. Now
we're partners in the deal. I have been tattooing for 10 years, so its nice to have another project going on too.
What does the name
Elysium Skateboards mean?
Elysium means the state of total
happiness, for many of us that's skateboarding.
Do you want your kid to be
a tattoo artist?
Well, I don't pressure him, and
he hasn't shown too much interest yet.
He draws every day and is a great
artist.
Who would you like to give
props too?
To Chris first of all, its just been
great working with him and I have
learned a lot. I have taken my training
wheels off and I am doing my own thing
more these days. Leo for his killer tattoo
machines. And my wife too, just for
baring with me 'cause I am tattooing
everyday.
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You can reach Jason Brooks through his
website, www.jasonbrookstattoo.com or just call
him at Perfection Tattoo, in Austin Texas @
512.453.2089.
You can check out
Jason's skateboard company at www.elysiumskateboards.com.
For more Mark Longenecker visit www.goodmarky.com.
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