Today we’d like to introduce you to John Griggs.
Hi John, can you start by introducing yourself? We’d love to learn more about how you got to where you are today?
Tattooing has been a dream of mine since I was a kid. Truly thought it was going to be a pipe dream, until the summer after I turned 18. A local underground artist out in Crowley gave me the opportunity of a lifetime. The chance to learn how to tattoo. I would then spend the couple years learning under him. There’s no denying I faced an “old school” apprenticeship. From doing all the cleaning and grunt work in the shop to getting hazed for anything or everything. After my apprenticeship I would move onto really pushing myself to be better as an artist and more personable. What better way to do that than jump feet first into a busy stockyards street shop! Roughly 3-4 years of the high pace I decided to slow it down. I moved to Dallas found shops that I could truly grow in artistically. It was then where I would run into Colin owner of Cloak Collective. We worked together for a bit until he went his own way to began really taking on the cloak brand. Unfortunately good things don’t always last I too found myself parting ways from the shop Colin and I met to pursue a the shot to assist in opening a brand new shop in Arlington. That went great hell I loved it even all until the vibe of the shop was no longer what it was promised to be. Which came at the perfect time. I was contacted about a spot at this upcoming studio space. A space which we would soon call our new home. Here in Duncanville. I now work full time as an artist at Cloak Collective. I get work aside some of the most talented artists in their perspective style.
I’m sure it wasn’t obstacle-free, but would you say the journey has been fairly smooth so far?
Struggles…… I’d say my apprenticeship was a struggle.
I was “a punk kid at 18 trying to tattoo to be cool”. That was what the general consensus about me. My parents/family gave little support especially before I was picking up machines. Not to seem like that guy but I’d even work 10hr shift at a factory/assembly job catch a ride home from someone then walk 3 towns just to put my feet in the door of the shop to prove I’d spend every free moment I had to learn this career. Only to be met with magnesium citrate challenges, taking a blow dart to the ass from someone hiding behind a display case, or being the test dummy for a taser. I mean to name a few things. There were some funny times like when I had my back lit on fire by the artist doing my back piece at the time.
As you know, we’re big fans of you and your work. For our readers who might not be as familiar what can you tell them about what you do?
I tattoo. Specialize is such a restrictive word. I’m known for traditional and neo traditional. Primarily with a color focus. However I like to remain versatile in my craft. I am capable of styles such as high contrast black and grey, Japanese traditional, as well as fine line, and script. I know to play to my strong suits and love a really good challenge however I’m quick to point someone in the direction of the appropriate artist if it’s something I feel someone would produce a better piece regarding particular styles. I also paint wood-cutouts along with wood burning occasionally.
I’d say what puts me apart from others is that I want to see all the people I work with or even am associated with to strive instead of survive. You know, get rid of the ol’ “starving artists” phrase. We as artists put in the time to build these careers, built the foundations of our reputations through our work.
What sets my work apart? Idk I aim to please all my clients and be as gentle as I can be. Talking about myself is weird lol
Where do you see things going in the next 5-10 years?
I see the industry leaning more into a digital era. Not to say I’m surprised with the invention of the iPad and wireless tech being so heavily infused into tattooing in the last decade alone. I doubt that tattooing will ever see the wash out the paper and pencil guys. Between them, you’re O.G. Sharpie on everything, and freehand artists alike the original tattoo traditions will continue to be passed on. I do on the other hand see tech really taking a hold from wireless machines/battery packs to everyone’s electric paper (iPads/tablets). Who only knows what’s next to come.
Pricing:
- Per piece-tbd
- Large project (half day/approx. 4hr)-$750
- Large project (full day/approx. 8hrs)-$1400
Contact Info:
Image Credits
Headshot taken by @meredithelisephoto (instagram)
Photos taken variously by myself
