Daily Inspiration: Meet Eric James

Today we’d like to introduce you to Eric James.

Eric, we appreciate you taking the time to share your story with us today. Where does your story begin?
My name is Eric James, I began my career as a tattooer in 1997 through an apprenticeship at a studio in Glendale AZ. I started out drawing tattoos for friends, the tattoo artist who was doing their work happened to be looking for an apprentice at the time. He asked one of my friends to invite me down to the studio to talk with him. After a brief conversation he offered me an apprenticeship, which I jumped at the opportunity and have been tattooing ever since. I have worked very hard at developing my skills as an artist in both tattooing and painting. Something I continue to work at to this day. Owning a studio was the natural next step in my career. In 2014 I opened The Blind Tiger Tattoo in the Arcadia area and operated there for ten years, at the end of 2024 I moved the studio to 7th Street and McDowell where we are currently located.

Can you talk to us a bit about the challenges and lessons you’ve learned along the way. Looking back would you say it’s been easy or smooth in retrospect?
Early on in my career there were moments where I had to deal with some unruly people. Which forces you to learn how to take control of the room before anything gets out of hand.

Thanks for sharing that. So, maybe next you can tell us a bit more about your work?
I consider myself to be a well rounded artist capable of doing a wide range of styles. Over the years I’ve become known for doing Japanese style tattoos, a style I really love doing. I try to truly connect with my clients and produce work that speaks to them. I put a lot of myself into my work so no matter the style it’s easy tell that it came from me.

How can people work with you, collaborate with you or support you?
I make myself very accessible to new and old clients. I still think word of mouth referrals are the best and most effective way to advertise. Being referred by a client is great compliment for any artist. I also will do commissions for paintings. I’m always interested in taking on any creative projects.

Contact Info:

• Website: www.Blindtigertattoo.com and www.Createlivedie.com
• Instagram: @theblindtigertattoo @ericjamestattooer