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JOHNNY JACKSON
INKAHOLIK ILLUMINATED
by Geoffrey Stephenson
From the June 2006 issue of Prick Magazine.
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Everyone at PRICK is always proud when we’re the first publication to expose
tattoo artists to a nationwide
audience. This month, we're pleased to present
Johnny Jackson, owner of Texas Body Art in
Houston, Texas. Although he has been tattooing
for fourteen years, this is his first national
exposure in a tattoo publication. Over the
years, Johnny has honed his artistic skills and
built a solid tattoo portfolio that deserves to
be unleashed upon the public.
First off, how long have you been tattooing?
Professionally, I've been tattooing here in Houston since 1992. My first tattoo experience was at 15. Most of my real growth occurred over the last 3 years. So in total, it's been about 14 years.
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How did you get started in the tattoo industry? Did you do an apprenticeship?
Not really, when I broke into the industry, information and ideas were a lot fewer and far between. It was very tight lipped and you had to apply yourself a lot more. I got my start at Larry Shaw's in Houston 1992 and I had to adapt to professional standards it made me respect tattooing as an art form that I could apply professionally while making a good living doing what I love most. I really owe my respect to that man for opening the door for me. I will always remember those that helped me.
When did you open Texas Body Art and how did that come about?
This location has been open since 2004. It was previously named Brand X Tattoo and was owned by Cory Rogers and Danny Armatrout (RIP). I bought the shop after Danny's misfortune and my main desire to keep it open was to keep it alive in memory of him. In fact after we opened there were times you could feel his presence in the studio. I didn't have a personal relationship with him but he was an amazing artist. Now I am focusing on making one solid studio with top-notch artists.
Who would you say are some of your major influences?
There are so many to list. My earlier influences would be Larry Shaw, Bert Grimm, Colonel Todd, Richard Stell, Chris Trevino, Dave Waugh, Filip Leu and all the amazing portrait artists, Jime Litwalk, Tony Ciavarro, Cory Cudney, Mike Devries. The list could go on and on. It is so hard to hone in on one specific artist because the talent out there is so versatile.
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How would you describe your style? What are your favorite subjects to tattoo?
I am very versatile but my favs are gore and Neo traditional. I really enjoy drawing my own stuff and never reduplicating it. So, anything custom is fun.
After tattooing for 14 years, how do you stay creative? And, how important do you think it is to evolve your style?
It is very important to evolve, and if we are not evolving then we grow weaker and weaker. There is so many ways to create art if you just seek it out. I strive to stay alive and stand out from the ordinary. I stay creative by always drawing and I know that is the only key to success in this industry. Otherwise, one can politically ride the coat tails to get places but never be respected. The younger generation and the added access to so much information on the Internet keeps me inspired and fuels my creativity.
What do you think about the current trend towards commercialism in the tattoo industry? How do you think that this will ultimately affect the biz?
I like that the industry is more socially evolving, and that is why it is so important to get better in the biz with so many shops opened. People are opening their eyes to quality more and more. I think tattooing will be more respected as long as we shop owners tighten up on our studios by keeping them clean and treating our customers with respect.
I am glad commercialism is growing but at the same time it can have its downfalls.
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We're very honored to be your first exposure in a national print publication. How do you feel about magazine coverage?
I respect it and for many years I delayed sending in my work because I am so critical of myself, and I was not ready for the world to see me. I really felt as if I owed the world my best so I refrained from submitting my work. I am more than honored to be included in PRICK.
What's your favorite part about being a tattoo artist?
Summertime... [laughs]. No seriously, I really enjoy the freedom to do what I love for a living. The best part of it all is the fact that I love to wear my ink and in this profession I can have my entire arms and throat tattooed and it is natural.
What do you think you would be doing today if you weren't a tattoo artist?
Lying in my grave ... nah I would probably be doing graphics.
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What do you like to do outside of tattooing?
I like playing Xbox 360, fishing, chilling with my woman; just hanging out relaxing is good (when I have the time.)
Do you have any future plans?
Hell yea! Texas Body Art is full swing for the summer with a killer line-up of artists and piercers. We will be launching a huge advertising campaign to support our website renewal, and I will continue to cover all the Texas conventions for the time being. I have way too many responsibilities to take off for the circuit or guest spots. I welcome guest artists all summer long as well.
Any final comments or people you wish to thank?
I am very grateful as well to all the support of my crew at TBA.
My wonderful charismatic woman who makes front counter work look corporate and makes everyone feel comfortable. My other coworkers and friends Darin Clark, Ronnie Hadley, Dzine26, and my wonderful apprentice Rikki keep the ship tight and I am thrilled to be surrounded with so much talent. My head piercer Kieran Diedrich and Jamie keep the piercing studio up to code with amazing service.
One very last comment I want to say is thank you to all the clients that have supported me and most of all thanks to PRICK for the exposure!
Keep up the great service to our industry.
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If you would like to schedule an appointment or know more information on Johnny Jackson you can check him and his crew in Texas out at www.texasbodyart.com, or www.myspace.com/johnnyjackson.
Johnny Jackson
Texas Body Art
12537 Jones Road
Houston Texas
(281) 894-2282
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