How I Started Tattooing

[@definitionz]

That's some real personal stuff you're sharing James. Doesn't change my opinion of you. The way you deliver your fresh insight on tattoos is awesome! Completely different from other channels. Man what a journey.

[@JamesWithee]

Thanks, that means a lot. More videos are on the way!

[@SpacePizza247]

These are the types of success stories that should be out there. Much respect man. Looking forward to getting tatted by you in the future

[@ambi8822]

Thanks for sharing your story! Your videos are always really well thought out which is rare to see these days. Really inspirational to see people turn their life around.

[@JamesWithee]

Thanks. I thought very carefully about how much of my private life I want to share on KZbin before making this video. I've told this story in more detail in real life many times to clients.. the hard part was stripping it down to avoid getting too personal on the internet

[@Cass63450]

James, I have a deep respect for your way and how you turned your life around. Thank you for sharing this - very brave. All the best from Germany!

[@JamesWithee]

Thanks! Tattooing literally saved my life. I'm very grateful for being lucky enough to randomly discover my love for art during such a tough time

[@jenniferolson5345]

I am a middle-aged woman searching KZbin for information for my first tattoo when found your channel. I just wanted to say that I was moved by your story. You are a great example of the saying that your past does not dictate your future. You are clearly and very intelligent and driven human being. I have been binging on your videos because they are so articulate and informative. I wish you continued success!

[@itskitty808]

Damn, you lived a hard life! The fact that you came out on top makes you 100x cooler.

[@Choco77880]

inspirational story! I was addicted to drugs myself for 10 years. and im currently back at school to become a patisserie chef and to realize my passion for food. I have a lot of respect for you that you have improved your life. stay busy with your art and keep inspiring people. ohhh and by the way I hope to be able to get a tattoo from you (but paid!) greetings from the Netherlands!👍🏽

[@erickaguilar2134]

Damn dude I thought you were super young maybe about 24 or 25 years old it all makes sense now that you seem really young yet you got yourself well put together what you shared about your experiences that led to your career is pretty admirable congrats man.

[@JamesWithee]

Everyone thinks I'm young but I'm 32. All that time spent in the dark preserved me lol

[@jasd1183]

You’re so fucken professional bro

[@koolama147]

I'm as beige as they come and will probably never get a tattoo but I came across your videos and started watching out of curiosity for the art. I watched all of your videos over the weekend and am now subscribing purely because I find the way you talk and carry yourself to be very grounded and calming. You don't seem to try yet you're still able to build a rapport through a screen. It's a rare thing to find and it's no wonder you're so successful in a business that relies on strangers trusting you.

[@JamesWithee]

Thank you for subscribing. It feels good to get positive feedback when all I'm doing is being myself

[@jessicacarrasco1306]

I started as a nail tech, my dad was a tattoo artist but unfortunately was always getting into problems that had him in and out of prison, he got deported but when he was in California I remember as a kid his drawings and the tattoo he’s did he always wanted more but unfortunately never took the good route he just passed away on Monday from Covid, I am now considering tattooing due to the fact that when I’m working on nails the only part that fascinates me and I love doing is the art (drawings) I’ve done. My dad before he passed sent me a message and saw my work, whenever i draw on nails I feel like he’s with me. So we will see. Thank you for sharing your journey.

[@quintinking3057]

I respect you for going out of your way to share what parts of your life was like. Whether it was your life on the streets or facing time in prison. I would just like to say that it took a lot of integrity to keep your experiences in prison to yourself. I can imagine a do-zen other Yt's that would share every detail of that. I've never done time myself but I do know from people close to me that it's a whole different world in there and sometimes you're forced into a catch-22 type of situation. You have good one and best of luck on all your endeavors. Looking forward to your next video as well.

[@JamesWithee]

Thanks man. Yeah there are a lot of other youtuber's that have entire channels based on their experience in prison. I could exploit people's curiosity in the same way, but fuck that. I have more to offer other than telling a bunch of stories about what me or other people did behind bars. I'm not knocking what they are doing.. It's their choice to share or not share. But where I'm from we don't get down like that

[@1Skorpia]

My jaw hit the ground when you stated you didnt dabble into drawing that much until you were locked up. Woww! Especially when i see how beautiful you capture the essence of the personality in the pics. From the details in the pics to the shading..amazing! 😁

[@artfoex]

I'm currently a tattoo apprentice and I know how hard it is to get an apprenticeship. I've spent half a year looking for someone to teach me. I had asked all of my tattoo artists to take me on as an apprentice but they all told me no for various reasons. In the end I got my apprenticeship in a way I would never have expected. My mother (who doesn't have any tattoos and doesn't like them either) had a good friend, who had helped someone to get an apprenticeship several years earlier. She (my mothers friend) asked him for a favour and after looking at a few of my drawings, which I had sent to my mothers friend he (tattoo artist) said he would take me as an apprentice in his shop. Of course, I didn't believe my mother when she first told me. I started realizing it could be something serious, when I had an appointment made to show him my portfolio. I went to the shop and showed him some of my older drawings first, and he really liked them. When he opened the first page of my newest sketchbook, he closed it again and told me, I could start in the following january. Well I've been there for almost a year now and I've learned quite a bit :) There are a few differences between our stories, though. I'm a 21 year old female and live in switzerland (you know, cheese and expensive watches) and I've never been to jail or prison. But I really like your story, It's inspiring.

[@JamesWithee]

One thing I've learned is that tattoo artists come from all walks of life. The thing we have in common though is how much we enjoy creating art. My apprentice is also a young girl.. She's 20 years old and has had a completely different life from mine. But she loves making at and we understand each other in that way. Good luck on your tattoo journey and thanks for sharing your story

[@nicolealaniz4634]

The most surprising things is how you dealt with discrimination within the tattoo world and you look so young to have gone through all that😆. Thank you for your story though I appreciate what you share.

[@JamesWithee]

Right one of the reasons I thought tattooing was such a good idea is cuz I thought I wouldn't get discriminated against at all. I didn't realize tattoo artists could be so judgemental

[@NsIX3]

Very interesting story James, glad to see that you turned your life around for the better. Keep the videos coming man Shout out from Vancouver Canada

[@JamesWithee]

I definitely will keep making the videos. Thanks for listening to my story

[@jghim1994]

It shows a lot of confidence with yourself and your accomplishments that you’re telling us your story, I really respect and appreciate that.

[@ishax7597]

Thank you for sharing your story and for treating inmates with the human dignity that all people deserve regardless of their personal situations🙏. Really admire you respecting inmates right to some degree of privacy in a situation where they often get none. Great channel and content, James! You're a wonderful example of using hardship and motivation to fuel success and I wish you even more success in the future! 👌

[@ryanwsu4]

What really impressed me the most about this story is how you were smart enough and cognizant enough to go and improve your art skills outside of just tattooing. The foresight about how that would make you a better tattoo artist in the long run.

[@MegadethTillDeth]

My hearts with you brotha! Just finishing probation for a firearms charge. Have my own handyman company now. People can change, an diamonds are formed from pressure. Wish you continued success bruh

[@tamcar04]

👏🏿👏🏿👏🏿👏🏿👏🏿 You really turned your life around....I don't even know you and I'm so proud of you!

[@unicornpilot519]

James nothing but respect, knowing that side of you was a legit piece to the vid. I too was a punk ass kid doing nothing with my life. In and out with the law actually ended up on the FBI watch list ha. Finally said enough was enough joined the Air Force and now currently a pilot. People underestimate the power of motivation....NO ONE can want something for you more than YOU. I have no tattoos, I’ve been on the fence about getting some ink work done on me for awhile and have several ideas to express my hardships in life. Until I watched your vid “are tattoos a waste of money”...fucking sold bro...had my consultation by an artist Today that specializes in black/grey realism...starting my full sleeve tomorrow. Thanks for the push!

[@Snifffski]

The past is what forms us all, but it's still the past, and the past is gone. Massive respect to you. Awesome that you're now producing stuff of such beauty and skill, and which gives so much satisfaction and pleasure to people. Good on you, big time.

[@davebone8207]

Nice of you to share some of your past and to see where you are now. And i agree the detail's are not for us to ask. Much respect to you.

[@robsonman976]

One word... RESPECT!!!

[@kendrellramsey7781]

I Love your honesty... Everybody knows being a young man with not much good to see or hear can lead them down a dangerous path... No judgement man you figured it out and look you proved many people wrong. I have sooooo much respect for you.. I am black and I am saying that to say I love the video you made about tattooing on dark skin. I am a woman so I want a full sleeve one day so thanks so much on all that info. Maybe I will be blessed enough to get tatted by you.

[@TetyV]

The celebrity drawings you showed are beautiful!! I would have never guessed all you have been through. You are so professional n succesful, I am very glad you have acomplished your goals. I wish you the very best and truly hope your channel becomes very popular.

[@allyf9047]

Thanks for sharing your story. I'm happy for you that you turned your life around! People can change and you're an example of it.

[@megalopolis2015]

I'm glad that you found your calling, regardless of where you were at that time. You had the opportunity to turn a negative to a positive, and you took it. Awesome story, dude.

[@PokeRetroFan]

You are the real deal man. You deserve all the success you have achieved. You earned that shit

[@nickj12]

Lots of respect for you for sharing this. It gives me inspiration for improving my own life. I haven't had any legal trouble, but I have made a lot of costly decisions that I am paying for now. It's nice to know that life can actually get better, so thank you for sharing the personal portions of your tattooing journey.

[@LeaFsinger74]

You are a GREAT example of how people can change their trajectory and be really successful. Good for you!! :)

[@gohanson8846]

No one is perfect. If you're willing to change yourself that's all that matters.

[@SP.Family]

Thanks for sharing ... it takes a lot to admit, share, etc about your life to anyone, including us who love and watch your channel.. we all have stuff in our lives we aren’t proud of... another great vid, I always admire people with artistic abilities... I have none🤣 this is a great vid to pass on to others to show hard work and determination get you places🙂

[@shaunrobitaille3780]

Hearing your story has definitely motivated me to start grinding harder on my portfolio. Thank you for sharing as well as your other content.

[@zombiehunter5923]

Really deep respect bro Everything takes sacrifices and rewards

[@PonchoKid]

James, I'm probably beating a dead horse here but just want to say I'm glad you turned your life around and have become successful. You seem like a really legit dude who survived the early tribulations that were presented to you. Just started watching your channel but want to wish you all the best my brotha'!

[@kennethpippin9324]

I appreciate your honesty James Whithee! I have a similar background but I'm just now, at 40 getting into doing tattoos on myself. I'm hooked and want to get an apprenticeship locally. Thanks for having the best tattoo channel out there!

[@nickle3411]

I know this video is old but I'm really glad I found it. I am trying to work towards becoming an artist, in the hopes of becoming a tattoo artist. I see so many videos where people were great at art since they were really young. I gave it up out of fear of not cutting it and convincing myself I wasn't naturally gifted. I'm at a point in my life where I have enough financial freedom to revisit old dreams, but I'm obviously a lot older. This gave me a lot of hope, which is what I needed. Thanks for sharing your story and good for you for not giving up and making some massive life-changing decisions. I legit look up to you.

[@biancas.6283]

Thank you for sharing (a bit of) your story, James. Glad to see what you've become - you're so smart, articulate and f*ing real! Would love so much for you to give me a tattoo one day..but for now I'm too far across the pond. Take care :)

[@Oangulo6952]

While I haven't gone through what you have, I've always been surrounded by it growing up. I was always fucked with, because I didn't "Rock wit" this or was "down", with that. Looking back, I can say that I made the right decision because of Brothers like you, who didn't want me to follow their path. Thank you for this video. Much love and continued success. 🙏🏻

[@markmaglanoc4439]

Great fucking story bro. I started following you last week. Anyone getting their first tattoo should be on this channel.

[@Hyperbole_Will_Destroy_Us_All]

I know this is an older video but just wanted to say thank you for sharing. This is a testament to the fact that if you’re willing to put in the work and believe in yourself you can turn your life around and make a positive impact. Love your art and I hope you keep making videos.

[@yellowlighter8242]

You know your drawing are good when cops steal them, amazing story and really inspirational of never giving up thanks for sharing!

[@SydneyyAlexa]

Your story is so inspiring, really makes me believe it’s never too late to pursue your passions and go for your dreams. Especially when faced with difficult circumstances 👏🏼

[@e.nguyen2412]

High respect for the disclaimers in terms of what will and what will not be discussed for the purpose of this video. Your past offences has nothing to do with who are as an artist. Skills are skills. Your videos are very informing and very well explained for both beginners and experienced people to understand. Thank you for sharing.

[@jstarASMR3103]

Damn, this was inspiring! Mad respect for you James😇

[@SpaceBunz4Life]

Respect to you and your work. I can't imagine how hard that must of been. Your art it pretty awesome

[@Bangandthedirtisgone]

What a story. Respect for being straight up.

[@gillian1272]

The good and the bad, keeps it real for actual motivation. There aren't many decent KZbin channels where the artist has stuck with it that I've seen so far. Hearing your story gives me hope you'll power through here too. Thanks for the honesty and thanks for all the time you take to make this shit happen.

[@JamesWithee]

You're welcome, and thanks for the feedback. This stuff does take a lot of time and I'm already hella busy and stressed as it is. But I enjoy it so I'll keep doing it. KZbin feels pretty natural to me

[@livvlivingintokyo]

Thank you for telling your story! From the first video I found of yours I felt like you had an old soul. Now I see why. You’ve been through a lot. Much respect to you for turning your life around.

[@lindapriest9779]

I have nothin but respect for you! You could have so easily fallen back into your old ways. Loving that you turned yourself around with hard work and natural talent. I wish I didn’t live so far away, as I would love my next tattoo to be down by you. Well done for what you have achieved and wishing you more and more success in the future! Xxx

[@jamie48442]

I love that you were able to turn your life around!!! Life can be crazy and we all have our own story. Sharing your life story will absolutely help others. We all gotta stick together and help each other. People can change and you are proof of that.

[@mustydustyy1691]

much respect for you, this helps add on to my motivation of getting into the tattoo business. i’m 16 and have also done some crime in the past being real stupid but after watching this ik there’s truly nothing that could stop me!❤️

[@Rachelofarc333]

i hope this isn't too offensive but i have so much more respect for you after hearing your testimony. your channel is really helping me. your content is informative but also relatable.

[@jean-patrickgrunewald8730]

The story resonates with me heavy. Just what I needed to hear. Appreciate the videos.

[@matthewbacani2553]

Hi James, thanks so much for sharing your story. It’s amazing how much passion you have & hard work you’ve put in to get to where you’re at now. I’m a new viewer and I literally binged watched most of your videos these past days I’ve been off from work. Definitely will be watching your videos because of how informative they are. I’ve checked out your work and really dig the Japanese temple, Hanya sleeve you finished. Concept is definitely similar to what I have in mind for my second sleeve. If you’re ever in LA or SD in CA I’d love to inquire or setting something up. Maybe I can plan a trip sometime to AZ and will definitely hit you up to book something when the times right. Thanks bro, keep killing it!!!

[@JamesWithee]

Thanks for the feedback Matthew. Sure, I'd be down to do something with u if I'm out there. Keep an eye on my ig for travel updates

[@crushingization]

Ok man I freakin love you! Absolutely one of my favorite artists. So ligit! Thanks for being so damn real.

[@JamesWithee]

Haha thanks man

[@crushingization]

@@JamesWithee lmao couldnt contain it bro! Hahaha

[@Rachelofarc333]

id love to hear more about what your apprenticeship was like, the process of opening your own shop as well as what your first few years were like as a tattooer.

[@MonochromeRainbowz]

This was very inspirational! I just noticed that this was coincidentally posted on my birthday and the message that you conveyed in this video was something that I really needed to hear. Thanks so much for sharing your story and I have no doubt that your channel will continue to grow.

[@mizo9339]

Amazing how you were able to turn your life around like that. Keep grinding and killing it buddy. Hopefully I’m next

[@MsZaneta123]

Just wanted to say thank you for sharing your story. I have a record and just like you, no one wanted to give me chance just because of that. And just like you, I had to prove to people that that is not what I am about. Your story is inspirational.

[@thomassantomartino7337]

Thanks for sharing. Your story was inspiring. I thought about tattooing, but I've mostly met with discouragement. I love the tattoo culture and like getting tattooed and bidding shops.

[@jo0ls_dee]

Thanks for sharing your story so honestly. And I find it really inspiring that you took something you were good at and loved and used that to make your life better. I really like hearing inspirational stories like this. :)

[@HouseOfBees]

this gives me hopes for becoming a tattoo artist for sure

[@colourmequaint9690]

You can be so proud of yourself!!!

[@stiffy836]

I'm more motivated your story speaks to me mad respect

[@dwillr6]

Love the videos man keep up the good work ✊🏽

[@JamesWithee]

Thanks Darius, I'll keep em coming

[@thelonelyassassin8584]

this makes me want to pick up drawing. i used to love it when i was younger but once i turned 9 i stopped caring but now that im 16, i want to pick it up again.

[@JamesWithee]

If you want to you should just do it. There is no such thing as talent. Skill is developed through practice and motivation to practice comes directly from the urge to create

[@thelonelyassassin8584]

Thanks dude. Would love to see a video where you go more into detail about your art journey.

[@JamesWithee]

Sure, in due time I'll make more videos that go into a lot more detail about that stuff

[@artfoex]

Go for it! Drawing is the best hobby one can have. You can't play tennis once you're 80 but you still can draw! And you can do it anywhere

[@thelonelyassassin8584]

Especially in class. My term break will be finishing soon so I will have a lot of time in class to draw to my hearts desires.

[@NKNR-bd3bq]

I truly believe in hard work and I agree with you 100% . I am inspired to see that you've changed your life around . Being fresh out of high school for my first year I deciding to take a break to fully immerse myself into learning and improving my art . As a whole I'm been thinking about taking a GRAPHIC DESIGN career path. but seeing hearing your story really makes me consider on taking the tattooing route . But initially I feel insecure to an extent because I haven't even touched a tattoo machine . I also have an understanding that tattooing is vary competitive amongst social media platforms and dangerious . that If you have any advice to give me on pursuing an art carreer it will surely be appreciated.

[@brents2848]

You’re a success now brother that’s what counts

[@drugpeclo3780]

Very inspiringly story. Come from the same background just didnt wild out. My only focus now is money and my art to eventually get my apprenticeship.

[@kixxyoungmoney]

I just found this channel man and I’m extremely grateful for you telling your story. Good job turning a bad situation into something great huge inspiration

[@CalixtaVinca0217]

All I can say is RESPECT!!!!

[@CarminaVillamizarBeautyDiva]

🙌🙌🙌🙌🙌 what a great story.Keep up the good work. Love your videos

[@JayTee9092]

Hell yeah brotha, coming from a very similar background, I did my time and came home in 2017, while I was inside I got really good at lettering and portraits as well, I taught myself a tattoo style of making things flow together in one image, because deep down I knew I always wanted to tattoo, just not on the inside, I wanted to learn out here with the right tools and guidance. But your story is very influential, and inspire me to take a leap of faith and learn to do what I do on paper to skin. Thank you brotha for words of wisdom and giving somebody like me inspiration to start my tattoo journey, I’m from phoenix Az and look forward to meeting you day, just to shake your hand 😎

[@JamesWithee]

Hell yeah good luck on your journey bro. This comment made my day.

[@JayTee9092]

@@JamesWithee thank you for replying, that made my day ! Today ima go around to every tattoo shop I can find, I’ve been building a portfolio of my graphite art, over years, so feel I’m ready to stop being a scary ass and get shot down several times before someone takes interest in me lol, but your videos are very insightful for people like me who really show pride in their work and wanna take their art to the next level, stay up brotha and continue doing what your doing!

[@JayTee9092]

Waddup Brotha, I know your busy man and it probably gets hectic with replying to the hundreds of messages you get not just here on KZbin but in your business life as well, but I wanted to give you an update with me, i got an apprenticeship at a tattoo studio in west Phoenix called WestSide Tattoo parlor, I started last weekend, I do Masonry construction Mon-Fri so I’m able to go on The Weekends. But I wanna thank you once again for this video Brotha, hearing your story which is pretty similar to mine, inspired me to take the leap of faith and get my ass in the water. But I Love it and it feels like it just flows naturally. Thank you once again Brotha. Keep doing what you’re doing. You’re very knowledgeable when it comes to shit, hats off to you brotha, keep inspiring these mothafuckas and I wish you nothing but success 😎

[@majormetacarpal960]

Great success story and inspiring. Everything is relative in life and makes us a stronger person. Looking foreward to getting some art work done soon. Lee A.

[@jodejack]

Much respect to you for your dedication to grow, and much respect for the mentor who gave you that chance.

[@tweetalig]

This video made me start following you homie! Some of the realist shit on the net! Way to inspire James.

[@JamesWithee]

Hell ya thanks for subscribing !

[@kleinwolfje]

Been following some of your stuff for a little while now, didn't know about the jail part.. and in some way reminds me of my mother's problems me having moved to Sweden coming back to the home country for a little while cause my mom's not well.. though then suddenly something good happens that wasn't expected.. realizing everything happens for a reason and you gotta make the most of even the bad roads you're on. In some way it was your destiny to end in jail and find your talent and desire to go in tattooing I like to think. Keep it up man! Can't change the past but you can make a hell of a future day by day!

[@noelarios9410]

You're an amazing person. Keep scaling up

[@erutannamuh8661]

Everyone makes mistakes and that doesn't make you a bad person. Love the videos and your art keep it up!

[@jesusalvidrez791]

Hey James, Thanks for sharing this information!! Really inspiring to hear what you were able to accomplish even with all the odds stacked against you. I'm a 25yr old graphic designer wanting to transition into tattooing. After working at this career for 3 years sometimes it feels like too much of an undertaking to start pursuing something I'm really passionate about. Listening to your story has motivated me to realize I can do this!

[@JamesWithee]

Nice. Good luck on your journey man u can do anything u put your mind to. Better to risk failure doing something you love than to sell your life for a paycheck and be unhappy indefinitely

[@mr.denversevyjr.843]

Your personal story is awesome man very inspiring

[@jessicaspencer82917]

Alot of guys in prisons are very talented artists. Its great you used that time to start working on your craft.

[@44icehouse]

Man i can dig it.. did 10 flat in Tx State myself. dope vid like always. Inspirational!!!

[@takoyakiman007]

Thanks for sharing man, I would really like to hear more your story when you were an apprentice and first few years as tattoo artist.

[@dreamytinge8129]

you are AMAZING!!! Your work ethic and story is all very inspiring. You deserve the world

[@markibanez7215]

Just here to show love and you did great! Fan since day one!

[@JamesWithee]

thanks mark!

[@charlesxavier2905]

Awesome story James! I am getting my first tattoo next year (It is already booked), I found one of your videos randomly on youtube a couple of months ago and let me tell you, I always enjoy all the info you share on the videos. Keep the hard work! Respect for you and your work from Calgary, Canada.

[@illikaspain]

Bro 1000% respect from The Bay

[@cocorodrigueztattoos4969]

Subscribed cause of this video today. I have always wanted to tattoo and I have decided to go ahead and give it a shot and tattoo on practice skins etc etc. This is the video that made me decide ultimately as OF TODAY

[@JamesWithee]

Al's Horror Shop good luck on your journey man where there’s a will there’s a way

[@miissjcl92]

Thank you, I needed to hear this. 🙏🏻❤️

[@gracedichoso7525]

your story inspride me james a lot..

[@sh1zuro]

Very motivational, thanks for sharing. Keep doing the videos

[@MinnyMoMe]

Wow! What a great story. Love your channel and I don’t even have any tattoos!

[@parkour2461]

what a story, i appreciate this video!

[@shane1078]

Thanks for sharing all of these, also side note your portfolio is gorgeous ,would love to get tattoo by you someday :)

[@nande5661]

Respect All I can say is I have so much respect for you James. Thankyou for sharing your story🌻. New subscriber here from South Africa🇿🇦🇿🇦

[@hellkat96]

congrats bro!