Today we’d like to introduce you to James Hughes.
Hi James, can you start by introducing yourself? We’d love to learn more about how you got to where you are today?
I grew up a DIY child of the 70s and 80s who rejected the first wave of the digital age. I desired to be a craftsman versus using a computer to do what my hands were capable of doing on my own. My father, a car restorer and my mother a master quilter. I grew up watching them, cultivate joy and accomplishment with their hands, and I wanted the same for myself. I became very familiar with tools and tinkering in my father‘s garage throughout my upbringing. Once I completed high school in lieu of a college education I chose adventure so I joined the United States Navy with hopes of traveling the globe. My final duty station landed me in Annapolis, Maryland, where I served aboard yard patrol ships. Once my active duty was completed, and I earned an honorable discharge I decided to make Maryland my forever home.
I’m sure it wasn’t obstacle-free, but would you say the journey has been fairly smooth so far?
It was not an easy road. In fact, it was very difficult to break into the industry back then it was still a fringe art under the control of a small handful of elite tattooers. I would work two jobs to pay my bill bills and keep me afloat while I learned the trade. And after scratching out some tattoos on friends and designs in sketchbooks, I finally landed a job in a busy street shop outside of Washington DC. I worked alongside of several young hungry, tattooers. We ground our fingers to the bone working every day, making multiple flash tattoos for people walking in off the street. The money was great and it really hounded in my technical skill. By this point I was in and started to build a reputation and had bigger aspirations to make larger work.
Can you tell our readers more about what you do and what you think sets you apart from others?
After 34 years of tattooing as a full-time career, my specialty is in the experience. I’ve honed in on everything from art of conversation between practitioner and client to the execution of larger formatted tattoos. I enjoy the interaction that leads to creating the best design I can from our discussions. Tattoos can be so many things. The comedy and tragedy of life distilled down into a design forever marked on skin. The best feeling in the world is when a client looks at their finished tattoo and says “it’s better than I thought it could be!” That is joy for me.
We love surprises, fun facts and unexpected stories. Is there something you can share that might surprise us?
People see my rough and tough exterior and can be intimidated but inside I’m a pretty nice person. I have loved and lost and most of time I try to be an open book. I’m a constant student of communication and love to be moved by art of all kinds. I love stories my clients bring Into the shop. I’m also a sucker for almost anything covered in dark chocolate.
Pricing:
- Multiple session tattoos are charged by the hour.
- Single session tattoos are priced by difficulty and how long it might take to complete
- Shop minimum is $185.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://Bethesdatattoo.com
- Instagram: Bethesdatattoo
- Facebook: Bethesdatattoo
- Yelp: Bethesdatattoo
