Inkwell Tattoo Company is Milwaukee’s Premiere Black-Owned Tattoo Shop with a Modern Touch

By Dylan Deprey

Among the many many twists and turns of opening a small enterprise, Jon and Amy present a brand new expertise for shoppers. (Picture by Laura Zastrow)

There’s having a dream. Then there’s manifesting future. Jon Johnson is doing each.

Earlier than “Inkwell Tattoo Firm” was a pearlescent marquee shining alongside West Greenfield Avenue in West Allis, it was a easy drawing in his sketch e-book.

At the same time as a tattoo artist’s apprentice over a decade in the past, Johnson knew he was extra than simply an artist. He dreamed of the day when he would open his personal house.

“Rising up in tattoo outlets, you see plenty of stuff that’s not cool,” Johnson mentioned. “You don’t wish to be part of it, however you don’t actually have a alternative as a result of it’s your profession.”

Over the previous 14 years, Johnson’s exact line work, and dedication to element have set him other than the on a regular basis artist. From conventional and fashionable, to tribal and water coloration, his artwork traverses the globe.

Throughout his time as a tattoo artist, Johnson took psychological notes and performed market analysis – generally it was the artists, different occasions it was the setting. He sought to push previous the stereotypical tattoo store and create an area that was pristine, low strain and laidback for everyone.

“I’ve seen it,” he mentioned. “I’ve seen that a part of tattooing, and it’s a detriment to individuals understanding and realizing that we have to be part of society shifting ahead. You received’t overlook the barbers, the hair dressers, the nail technicians, however you’ll overlook the people who have been imply to you.”

Tattoo artists witnessed this throughout the COVID-19 pandemic. Although society had modified its views on tattoos, getting authorities help or having the ability to safely open, didn’t come round till the very tail finish of quarantine.

Inkwell Tattoo Firm was a fruits of every thing Johnson realized over the course of his profession and COVID-19.

Inkwell Tattoo Firm is a high-end tattoo store with a contemporary really feel. (Picture by Laura Zastrow)

“There was no serving to hand for individuals like me rising up on this enterprise, so now that I’m right here, I’m like properly f*** it, I’m going to rewrite the entire enterprise,” he mentioned.

The previous Quiznos constructing was utterly transformed right into a full-fledged tattoo store. Amy, his fiancé, designed the structure.

“We wished to do issues completely totally different, hold every thing clear, and this provides individuals the sensation that they will breathe,” he mentioned.

In contrast to an open idea with blaring music, within the COVID-19 period, the partitioned rooms all through the store are devoted to privateness and luxury.

“Persons are already nervous after they are available in right here,” he mentioned. “It’s loads to absorb, and I wish to method this the place they will are available in and calm down. It’s simply you and your artist, not everyone else watching you.”

Whether or not it was a primary timer, or somebody getting ink on a delicate space, Johnson wished to create probably the most snug setting for them. From personalized chairs, to 55” TV’s with wi-fi headphones, every partition allowed for max leisure.

After 14 years within the enterprise, Jon Johnson remains to be able to study. (Picture by Laura Zastrow)

Johnson mentioned he additionally wished to create an inclusive store devoted to making a protected house for BIPOC, LGBTQ+ and the disabled neighborhood.

“The store is known as ‘Inkwell,’ so when individuals depart we inform them to, ‘be properly,’” he mentioned.

“I by no means essentially set out for this, however I knew I had the mind for it. The factor is once I make one thing, I don’t simply make it, I make it with intent. If I shoot this rocket into the sky, I need it to land someplace,” he added.

Though the store has a number of areas for artists, Johnson is the one one inking at the moment. He mentioned it wasn’t about hiring simply anyone, the artist needed to match the store.

Whereas he could be the one artist for now, he’s doing it in his house, on his phrases.

“You’ve received to humble your self. I’ve been tattooing 14 years and I nonetheless do infinity indicators. Bruce Lee nonetheless practiced his jab, I’m not above it. Some individuals get burnt out, or solely do larger items, however that tiny infinity signal may flip right into a sleeve, a again piece—a good friend. You by no means know.”

For extra info go to Inkwell Tattoo Firm at 7524 W. Greenfield Ave., West Allis, WI 53214.