Meet Jim Quinn, Amanda Ortiz & Lauren Sleeper of Ink Jam Tattoo Studio in Arlington

Today we’d like to introduce you to Jim Quinn, Amanda Ortiz & Lauren Sleeper.

The story starts with young Jim. Jim has been an artist since early childhood. He would be that kid in the back of the classroom that usually wasn’t even there (you would find him instead, in the art room). Art has always been an influence in the way Jim lived his life. As an adolescent, he recalled that his family moved around quite a bit. Coming from New Jersey to Massachusetts, Jim found inspiration through change and enjoyed making connections with various types of people. He believes that he is lucky to have the opportunity to hear so many stories, which has been a quality Jim has carried into the profession of tattooing. Through his dynamic lifestyle, a constant remained with creating art (he used to be a troublemaker).

Jim attended Butera School of Art on Beacon Street and started to practice tattooing on his friends. While he mentioned that this was quite a good time, he acknowledged the need to grow further. Later, he met some really talented tattoo artists who helped him shape his craft.

After tattooing his way through New England, he opened a studio in Arlington, and for the past eleven years, he continued to tattoo. Tattooing, for Jim, has bridged a gap between his affinity for creating art and his genuine interest in the stories of the people he has met. It is through tattoos that many people express themselves. Jim has been impressed with the community he has become a part of. He has been fortunate in obtaining a staff that has been loyal for many years as well as inspiring. Jim says that “You learn the most from your customers and your employees”.

Lauren Sleeper, a graduate of Rhode Island School of Design, has been an integral team member in creating a balance within the studio. Her unique and intricate style has brought an atmosphere all its own to the studio. Jim and Lauren blend well to serve the tattoo community.

People who have been tattooed at Ink Jam, are local residents who have become good friends. There are others who have trickled in from surrounding towns, cities, states, and even countries, such as Canada and Ireland. Some examples of the types of tattoos people received at Ink Jam over the years have included spiraling and detailed trees, the paw-prints of beloved pets, back-pieces that paint the portrait of a favorite place and time. The most meaningful tattoos, for Jim as an artist, have been memorial tattoos.

Ink Jam Tattoo strongly supports veterans. Tattoos have often been associated with the military. Tattoos have been able to allow veterans to wear their stories. Through tattoos representing both comrade and country, veterans have chosen to display their commitment on their skin. After hearing many reasons why veterans get their tattoos, Jim and the tattoo girl since 2006, Amanda Ortiz, started to establish fundraising events benefiting organizations such as The Semper Fi Fund (www.semperfifund.org) and Veterans Advocacy Services (www.veteransadvocacyservices.org). Although currently Ink Jam does not have any fundraising events planned for the year of 2017, they be supporting Boston’s Wounded Vet Run (www.theyfoughtweride.com) this year on May 21.

The events held throughout Ink Jam’s existence consisted of fundraising tattoo-a-thons and annual motorcycle bike runs, where bands such as Reddy Teddy and the Super 8’s have played. There are typically trophies awarded in a tattoo contest as well as raffle items. The funds raised to assist veterans and their families have been a driving force for the way in which Ink Jam serves the community. Ink Jam has a very strong network of support and friends that have made it possible to bring tattoos and people together for a greater good.

We’re always bombarded by how great it is to pursue your passion, etc – but we’ve spoken with enough people to know that it’s not always easy. Overall, would you say things have been easy for you?
The Arlington Board of Health regulations are an expectation, not a challenge. A lot of people thought a tattoo studio would not make it in this town, however, we meet their requirements. It is important for our safety as well as the safety of our customers.

Over the past eleven years the roads have been pretty smooth. Some other tattoo shops have sprung up around us, but we stay busy and we like that.

So, as you know, we’re impressed with Ink Jam Tattoo Studio – tell our readers more, for example what you’re most proud of as a company and what sets you apart from others.
Ink Jam prides itself on our ability to meet the expectations of our clients. We believe that respecting our clients and their time is important. We take tattooing seriously. The communication with our clients to achieve what they want is a priority in providing quality service. Certain types of tattoos we like to do are traditional, black and gray, neo-traditional and non-tribal.

Jim specializes in wild animals from the depths of hell (plus skulls), custom ideas apex predators, traditional and neo-traditional tattoos as well as cover-ups and more.

Lauren specializes in fine-lining, whirly, twirly, girly designs that are floral and nice, custom ideas and more.

What sets us apart from others, is that we are your small, neighborhood-friendly tattoo shop. People stop by and say hi. We’ve been given home-cooked spaghetti and meatballs from the neighbors. Our shop is decorated with some gifts from our clients. We are genuinely here to give people something good that will last them a lifetime. We appreciate it all.

So, what’s next? Any big plans?
If we could plan the future, it would be, that things are to stay as great as they have always been here. We ultimately want to continue the support for our veterans, and clearly, to tattoo the f*ck out of anyone who walks in the door.

So, what’s next? Any big plans?
If we could plan the future, it would be, that things are to stay as great as they have always been here. We ultimately want to continue the support for our veterans, and clearly, to tattoo the f*ck out of anyone who walks in the door.

Contact Info:

• Address: Ink Jam Tattoo Studio
  12 Park Avenue
  Arlington, MA 02474
• Website: www.inkjamtattoo.com
• Phone: 781-316-2393
• Email: Inkjam12@gmail.com
• Instagram: @Inkjamstagram
• Facebook: Ink Jam Tattoo

Image Credit:
First image uploaded: Jim Quinn, Amanda Ortiz, Amie Perry in front of Ink Jam . By Kyle Cassidy
-Susanne Cabot client playing ukelele : photo by Iggy Barskov
-1950 Chevy in front of Ink Jam, Photo by: Jim Quinn
-Bike Run Photo by: Iggy Barskov
-Bike Run Photo by: Iggy Barskov
-Bike Run Awards Photo by: Iggy Barskov
-Tattoo : Photo by Jim Quinn
-Tattoo : Photo by Jim Quinn
-Tattoo: Photo by Lauren Sleeper