James Miner Portland, OR

JAMES MINER

Portland, OR-based tattooer working in fine-line detailed ornaments ⸺ Who/where do you get your inspiration from? Nature, folk art, and psychedelic culture ⸺ What advice would you give to

someone about getting his or her first tattoo? (A tattoo virgin)

Trust your artist, avoid copying an existing tattoo, and don’t go too small ⸺ What did your family and friends think about you getting into the tattoo business? They were generally supportive with a few sideward glances ⸺ What would you say is your favorite part of the job? That I get to stay inspired by art; my head is constantly swimming with ideas for the next design I want to tattoo ⸺ What was it that initially sparked your interest in tattooing? My sister got me a tattoo for Christmas one year. We went to Saved in Brooklyn. I fell in love with it instantly ⸺ Who are your favorite artists? Stizzo. Max Brain. Marco Sergiampietri. Olivia Dawn. Flavio Cannata. Becca Genné-Bacon. Blum. Dino Vallely. Barb Rebelo. Katy Hayward. These people inspire me every day and never seem to miss ⸺ Are there any tattoos you would refuse to do? (face, private areas, etc.) I won’t do someone’s first face tattoo ⸺ What do you think is in store for the future of tattooing? I think quality is going to continue to soar as more artists flock to tattooing ⸺ Have you ever had a bad tattooing experience, and what was it? Not really! I am very lucky with all of the great people I get to tattoo ⸺ What is the most important advice you can give someone new to the art of tattooing? The same advice that was given to me; draw as long as you can before you ever pick up a machine. Once you start tattooing, you will rely on that experience, so don’t shortchange yourself ⸺ What do you want potential clients to know? I am as excited about your tattoo as you are, especially when I have the freedom to work from my ideas. ✕