James’s passion for art and tattoos began at an early age. A lifelong artist, he spent his youth drawing and designing tattoos for friends, who would then take his creations to professional shops. However, James was often disappointed with the results, believing he could do better. That belief planted the seed for his journey into tattooing.

Life took a turn when James ended up in state prison for selling drugs. There, he found solace in art, spending his days drawing and refining his craft. His cellmate, a highly respected tattoo artist, became an inspiration, allowing James to observe and learn. On his 20th birthday, friends in prison surprised him with a homemade tattoo kit and encouraged him to try tattooing on them. That moment marked the beginning of James’s tattoo career.

From those humble beginnings, James has grown into a highly skilled professional tattoo artist, bringing years of artistic experience and a deeply personal connection to his craft. Today, he owns Real Ink Tattoos, where he transforms his clients’ ideas into custom masterpieces, driven by his passion to deliver tattoos that exceed expectations.