Speakeasy Tattoo Gallery Jay Micalak

SPEAKEASY TATTOO GALLERY

Peabody, MA

Speakeasy Gallery is a private tattoo studio and fine art gallery operating on the North Shore of MA. This hidden gem is tucked away in Peabody’s historic industrial buildings and is the only full-service, appointment-only tattoo parlor offering customized work across a variety of tattoo styles, including permanent makeup and hairline restoration. Owner Jay Michalak opened the shop in 2020, and with over 20 years of experience in the tattoo industry, he quickly assembled an elite team of world-renowned, highly skilled resident and guest artists. They pride themselves on creating unique pieces that meet an expected high standard of quality and offering great customer service, all while providing the client with a positive and memorable experience.

Speakeasy culture originated in New York during the prohibition era of the roaring twenties and has evolved to mean speaking quietly of a place so as to not alert or inform outsiders of the secret society within. This private, appointment-only booking practice allows for a more collaborative and personal experience, where clients feel welcomed and important rather than as a stranger that will come, get tattooed, and be on their way. Booking inquiries are easily accessed via the shop website’s booking form or email and are available to those who have a specific artist in mind, as well as anyone looking to be referred to a trusted, talented tattooer specializing in their requested style.

The shop crew is composed of owner Jay Michalak, specializing in black and grey realism; Nathan Godfree, in blackwork & neotraditional; kit Marlow, illustrative black and grey; Marco Reboke, neotraditional, resident guest artists Schrail Edmund, black & grey realism; and Pierre Bustos, illustrative color work. And regular guest artists, including Carl Grace, black & grey work. ✕

Owner/Artist JAY MICALAK

@jay_michalak_tattoos

Instagram

I’m Jay, and I specialize in black and gray realism with a strong focus on and passion for portraits. I was born and raised just outside Boston and began tattooing at 18 while also attending Butera school of art in Boston to learn how to pinstripe and airbrush motorcycles. After almost twenty years in the industry, I opened my own private studio ⸺ Who/ where do you get your inspiration from? Fine art, photography, and movies ⸺ What advice would you give to someone about getting his or her first tattoo? (A tattoo virgin) To go big or go home, make sure the tattoo is going to be something you would also still choose 10 years from now, and don’t get tattooed by just anyone, but pick a quality artist ⸺ What would you say is your favorite part of the job? Getting to design custom pieces and do portraits for clients ⸺ What was it that initially sparked your interest in tattooing? I started drawing tattoos for a local tattoo artist before it was legal to tattoo in Massachusetts, and he let me tattoo him a few times, and from that point on, I knew I wanted to become a tattoo artist ⸺ What do you think is in store for the future of tattooing? Tattooing has come a long way since I started, and the progression of the industry is impressive. I can only see the art and styles of tattooing and products I’m the industry getting even better over time ⸺ Have you ever had a bad tattooing experience, and what was it? I have had clients pass out and throw up numerous times. Or someone coming into the shop intoxicated and having to be thrown out of the shop ⸺ What is the most

important advice you can give someone new to the art of tattoo-

ing? I would tell them not to rush the process, to listen to their mentor, and learn as many styles and techniques within their ability as possible. The more tools you have in your toolbox, the better off you will be, and you can use them to develop a style of your own. ✕