Today we’d like to introduce you to Jay Hall.
Alright, so thank you so much for sharing your story and insight with our readers. To kick things off, can you tell us a bit about how you got started?
Hello. I’m a tattoo artist, here in Orlando, FL. I specialize in black and gray realism and portraits. But I’m not only known for just my artwork. I’m also known for being an advocate for polyamory and the kink lifestyle. Both of which I live very proudly and open. I noticed my love for art at a very young age. Art in many forms has always been my escape. Growing up, I lived life in my head and in my drawing books. I remember friends use to ask me to draw little tattoos on them with markers. One of my brothers used to always joke about how I’m going to be a tattoo artist one day, I obviously did my best to prove him wrong. After meeting my current wife, I had decided I wanted to give up my job where I was making a decent living to pursue tattooing full time. I had already been tattooing years prior, but after getting turned down time after time again for an apprenticeship I found myself becoming discouraged. I started tattooing and learning on my own. Probably wasn’t the best idea back then because I did many unfavorable tattoos on friends and family, even on myself. But at some point I did something right to land me where I am today. When I met my wife she believed in me wholeheartedly and it showed. We had only been together for maybe a few months at that time, but she was willing to take as much as she possibly could off of my plate so I could focus on my passion, tattooing. It was the first time in my life that I had someone that believed in me the way she did, and continues to do. My first year as a full-time tattooer, I made roughly 10K. Finding myself discouraged again, not knowing if this is the way it’ll always be, I was completely ready to pack it up and go back to my old work but she stopped me every single time, and little by little, I began to believe in myself the way she believed in me, and the more I did the more it began to show in my work.
I’m sure you wouldn’t say it’s been obstacle-free, but so far would you say the journey has been a fairly smooth road?
It’s been very difficult. Most days are still a challenge. Being a tattoo artist, you basically have to grind, all day and night. The hustle never stops. From practicing new skills to reaching new clients, and dealing with slow seasons.
In the lifestyle, it can be a constant roller coaster of emotions, especially when juggling multiple relationships simultaneously.
Appreciate you sharing that. What else should we know
What sets me apart from many other tattooers is the fact that I genuinely love and cherish what I do. The road to get here was treacherous and I’m beyond proud of myself and what I do.
Do you have recommendations for books, apps, blogs, etc.?
I begin each day with meditation and journaling. I then listening to motivational speeches and I workout almost daily. Some books that has really really helped me in my lifestyle and work is The Ethical Slut, more than Two, The Four Agreements, The Seven Spiritual Laws of Success, Emotional Intelligence Mastery, Rich Dad Poor Dad, and Critical Business Skills for Success, Talent is Overrated, and The Five Major Pieces to the Puzzle. to name a few.
Contact Info:
- Email: Jayhalltattoos@yahoo.com
- Instagram: www.Instagram.com/Jayhalltattoos
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