BAW: Who are your influences and who do you trust with your own ink?
JS: I have been influenced by numerous talented tattooist, both living and dead, including Paul Rogers. I've also been inspired by the artwork and flash of the old timers. As for the artists that are still around, I'm very partial to Hori Yoshi III, Mike Wilson, Marcus Pacheco, and so many others. I have been fortunate enough to be tattooed by all three of them, as well as Tim Lehi, Jeff Whitehead, Clay Decker, Permanent Mark, Washo, Hori Ken, and Dave Lum. I'd also like to mention the important work that C. W. Eldridge is doing with he Tattoo Archive.

BAW: Do you have a particular artist you would be interested in working with or meeting?
JS: Unfortunately, again, so many of the amazing classic tattooers were gone before I even came around. However, the good thing about the tattoo community is that artists are very often readily available and I've been able to meet and work with so many amazing people.

BAW: What is your favorite style of work?
JS: That's a split between traditional American and Japanese. I'm really interested in anything backed up by tradition, styles that have stood the test of time. There's a reason that they have endured, and people keep returning to them because they're so good.

BAW: What is your most memorable / outrageous tattoo given and why?
JS: One balmy Southern California day, an "alternative lifestyle couple" (whom I'd been previously warned about) came into my shop. The woman was a mousy dominatrix in her mid-40s with braces and bad hair. Her gentleman companion looked like a woodshop teacher (crew cut and glasses, complete with missing index finger). The tattoos were arranged by Miss Mousy, and were received by Mr. Woodshop. Day 1: On his diaper-rash covered groin: "mommy's itsy bitsy, teensy weensy little baby" ("baby" was spelled out in baby blocks). Day 2: Our favorite couple returns for the following inscribed across his entire ass cheek: "my mouth is a complete and utter toilet for my mistress to deposit her golden champagne and caviar into". One could hardly forget that! (And I swear it's completely true. Sometimes I really love LA!)

BAW: Have you ever inked anyone famous and what type of work did you do on them?
JS: Tom Araya, lead singer of metal band, SLAYER. One of the nicest guys I've ever met. Tom got two dragons on his wrist and a big haida eagle on his chest.

BAW: What could you say was or is your greatest technical challenge in the business?
JS: It's really that, despite all of the information that's out there,
customers sometimes just don't get it. You know, sometimes they'll get the biggest piece of crap put on them just because it's $40 cheaper. There's an old saying that goes, "cheap tattoos aren't good, and good tattoos aren't cheap". Nuff said.

BAW: Is there a part of the body you won't Tattoo and why?
JS: Nope.

BAW: Do you support supply co. that sell to the public?
JS: Nope, again.

BAW: Do you feel that there now should be mandatory schooling for soon to be tattoo artists?
JS: If you're talking about bloodborne pathogens, CPR, and OSHA regulations, yes.

BAW: Do you feel Tattooing has changed over the years, and if so why?
JS: Yes, it has changed. The big reason is it's renewed popularity, and this is both good, and bad. It's good because there's so much information available as far as what's possible, and what artists are capable of. If people do their homework, there's really no excuse for getting a bad tattoo. Also, the inks and procedures from sterilization to healing are so much better. The negative side is that there's a tattoo shop on every corner, and they're not all worth stepping in to. So, not only do you see more GOOD work out there, but you see just as much scratch.

BAW: Do you think it is important to do as many conventions and shows as possible and if you do attend do you make it a point to attend guest lectures and seminars?
JS: For me, the conventions are really about seeing old friends and catching up, as well as meeting the other artists.

BAW: Do you support artists that can not technically draw but can trace and shade a tattoo stencil?
JS: I support those people as long as they know their limitations. There will always be customers who want nothing more than a piece of flash. That's perfectly fine. Fortunately, with the profusion of magazines and websites, the customers can educate themselves (hopefully), and find the right person to do the custom pieces.