Black Kimono Tattoo Kely Gurgel

JON LEIGHTON

Hi, my name is Jon Leighton, and I’m a nerdy tattoo artist from Southern California. I specialize in bright, bold color tattoos, but what I am most known for is my pop-culture designs. I grew up reading comics and watching Saturday morning cartoons which have been a huge influence on my art and have helped get some of the best clients in the world that allow me to come up with unique and exciting designs that help me stand out from the crowd. I take pride in my work because I truly have the best job in the world. I get to draw on people for a living. What else could I ask for?

What is the most important advice you can give someone new to the art of tattooing?

Always stay humble and treat your clients well. Be a good person. Respect the artists who came before you and the history and the road they paved to help you get here, all while reinventing the future of our industry.

Who and what influences you to

create your work? I am inspired by so many artists inside and out of the tattoo industry. One of my biggest inspirations growing up was this artist named Tony Ciavarro. He was doing art I had never seen before; it was a new school, but it was also really bold and bright; he was using colors that nobody else was. And I was lucky enough to get tattooed by him a couple of years ago, and it is one of my favorite tattoos.

What would you say is your favorite part of

the job? Everything, I love my clients. I love that I get to draw on people for a living. But most of all, I love creating; that has to be my favorite part of the job.

What did your family and friends think about you getting into the

tattoo business? Oh, my husband was the person who inspired and supported me, and I’m infinitely grateful to him. Support is very important at the beginning of your path, and I’m very happy that I had it!

What advice would you give to someone about getting his or her first tattoo? (A tattoo virgin)

With all the social media these days, make sure you do your research and find somebody you vibe with; really look at their Instagram or their website to see what they like to do and see what they’re posting. Because with so many great artists these days we really can’t find somebody that really fits what we’re looking for. Good artists aren’t cheap, so don’t go looking for the best deal; look for the best quality. Be willing to travel with fantastic artists all over the country tattooing at tattoo conventions; you may not be able to find somebody local that appeals to you, but I can guarantee that you can find some at a close by convention. ✕

Fallen Crow Tattoo Co.

Owner/Artist

Murrieta, CA

Location

Pop Culture/Bright bold color work

Specialization

jonleightontattoo

@gmail.com

@jonleightontattoo

Instagram & Tiktok

fallencrowtattoo.com

www