Daily Inspiration: Meet Jonathon Anderson

Today we’d like to introduce you to Jonathon Anderson.

Hi Jonathon, it’s an honor to have you on the platform. Thanks for taking the time to share your story with us – to start maybe you can share some of your backstory with our readers?
The story of the Black River Tattoo Convention begins with me—Jonathon Anderson, the owner. I’ve been tattooing in the Blue Water Area since 2002, with over 23 years of experience in the craft. The first eight years of my career were spent honing my skills, after which I transitioned into owning my own studio.

Since 2009, I’ve owned Sarenity Tattoo and Body Piercing in Fort Gratiot, Michigan. Around 2011, I was given the opportunity to take over a tattoo competition event called the Tattoo Showdown. A friend of mine, who was moving out of the area, wanted the event to continue and approached me to carry it forward. I ran that show for several years, and it was an incredible experience.

At the time, we didn’t have live tattooing—it was more about celebrating tattoo culture. We hosted tattoo competitions where people could enter their pieces to compete for trophies. The local community was incredibly supportive, and I’ve even considered bringing the event back someday.

As I traveled and participated in more tattoo conventions, I started to feel inspired to produce one of my own. In 2016, I launched the Great Lakes Tattoo Expo. We ran it for two years, and although it was a great time and well-received, I wasn’t quite in a position to grow it into what I envisioned. So I took a break, with plans to bring it back—until the pandemic slowed everything down.

When I finally had the chance to revisit the idea, I took time to reflect on my journey and where it all started—at Black River Tattoo Company in Port Huron, where I began as an apprentice. I decided to name the new convention “Black River” as a way to honor my roots and the place that gave me my start in the industry.

The support from this area over the years has meant the world to me. This convention is not only a way to give back to the community that has stood by me, but also to the tattoo industry that has given me the opportunity to do what I love for so long.

I hope people enjoy the convention and that it continues to grow every year!

Alright, so let’s dig a little deeper into the story – has it been an easy path overall and if not, what were the challenges you’ve had to overcome?
I wouldn’t say the journey has been particularly difficult, but producing a show and event like this definitely comes with its own set of obstacles—especially in this region. That said, we’ve been fortunate to have a lot of support, and last year, the community really showed up for it.

I think part of the excitement comes from the fact that there aren’t many large-scale events like this happening in the area throughout the year. People were genuinely excited to have something different, and now there’s a growing sense of anticipation for this year’s convention.

Working with the health department has gone smoothly as well. After owning my shop here for so many years, I’ve built a strong relationship with them, which definitely helps when it comes to putting on an event like this.

The venue—the Blue Water Convention Center—has also been incredibly accommodating. One of the biggest pieces of feedback I heard from the artists last year was how well they were treated. That really stood out, because in many cases, venues are more focused on profit than on the experience of the people involved. So I’ve got to give a big shoutout to the Convention Center staff—they did a great job, and it made a real difference.

Thanks – so what else should our readers know about your work and what you’re currently focused on?
As a tattoo artist with 23 years of experience, I’ve explored a wide variety of styles and subject matter throughout my career. If I had to narrow it down, I’d say my work primarily focuses on realistic effects, dark art, and biomechanical/bio-organic & abstract pieces.

I also do a fair amount of portrait work, which can be one of the more stressful forms of tattooing—but also one of the most rewarding. There’s a deep emotional weight when you’re creating a tribute for someone who’s grieving or mourning a loved one. Over the years, I’ve done many pet portraits as well, which I truly enjoy—especially as an animal lover myself.

I had a dog who was a beloved member of our family for 12 years. We lost him last year, and that experience made me even more empathetic toward clients looking to honor their pets. I currently have two cats, a tortoise, and two newts. We do plan to welcome another dog or two into our home eventually, but the loss was hard, so we’re taking the time we need to heal. When the time is right, I’m sure the right dog will find us.

Dark art has always spoken to me on a personal level. There’s something powerful about going against the grain—exploring themes like skulls, death, and the duality of light and dark. That contrast is something I find beautiful. I’ve been influenced by many incredible artists in this space, including Paul Booth, Victor Portugal, Josh Duffy, Brandon Herrera, and Ben Hur Leite.

Another style I’m deeply passionate about is biomechanical and bio-organic work. It’s a form that doesn’t just sit on the skin—it moves with the body, flowing in a way that feels natural, almost as if the tattoo becomes a part of the person. It’s a style I’ve worked in for many years, and it’s evolved significantly—not just for me, but within the industry as a whole.

In its early days, biomech often featured skin rip designs with gears underneath, giving the illusion of depth. But now, bio-organic has grown into something much more fluid and complex. I lean into that side of the style more these days. It’s ever-evolving and allows for limitless creativity, adapting seamlessly to the shape and energy of the body. I even have clients who are working toward full-body suits in this style. It’s one of my favorites to work in—always challenging, always inspiring. Artists who’ve shaped my approach in this genre include Guy Aitchison, Kurt Windish, H.R. Giger, and Ron Earhart.

What I’m most proud of, though, is my career and the shop I’ve built. I’ve poured years of hard work, stress, and passion into it. It’s something I truly enjoy being part of every single day. Creating a space that’s welcoming, relaxing, and supportive—for both my artists and our clients—is something I care deeply about.

Tattoo shops have carried a certain stigma for decades, and while that’s starting to shift, many people still feel anxious about stepping into one. That’s why I put such a strong focus on client care and experience. When someone walks into my studio and feels comfortable, welcomed, and well taken care of, that helps break down the negative stereotypes. I believe that atmosphere sets us apart and reflects the heart of what we do.

What were you like growing up?
Growing up, I’d say I was a bit of an odd duck, haha. I always leaned away from what was considered “normal” and found myself drawn to the darker side of life. I remember my dad had this collection of books—which I still have today—that were kind of like encyclopedias on dark topics. They covered things like witchcraft, the occult, demons, and ghost stories.

As a kid, I’d sneak peeks at the pictures, even though they weren’t anything too extreme. But when you’re young, your imagination runs wild, and those images left a big impression on me. Looking back now, it’s clear how much those early experiences shaped my interests and artistic direction.

My dad had a huge influence on me. He was always into music—rock ’n’ roll especially—and he loved horror movies, spooky imagery, and anything a little outside the mainstream. Halloween was one of his favorite times of year. He loved decorating and collecting things that were just a bit weirder than the norm. He passed away about five years ago, but his influence is still with me every day in the way I create and express myself.

My mom also played a major role in shaping who I am, especially when it comes to my work ethic and the way I treat people. She’s one of the hardest-working and most genuinely caring people I’ve ever known. I’m incredibly grateful that she’s still with me today, continuing to guide and inspire my future. Her example taught me how to be grounded, compassionate, and committed to what I do.

Both of my parents were significant in helping me become who I am. Their unique strengths and values—my dad’s creative spirit and love for the unusual, and my mom’s kindness and strength—have stayed with me throughout my life and career.

Pricing:

• $20.00 per day to attend the tattoo convention. $45.00 for a full weekend pass.
• We accept cash or card at the door, you can also preorder tickets on our website!
• Most artists prefer cash at the tattoo convention but many of other payment options as well.
• $100 base minimum on all tattooing at the show. The price goes up from there depending on the individual artist. Check our website for the artist list and reach out to them directly to book for the show. Most artists prefer to pre-book appointments but some reserve time for walk-ups as well.
• For my tattooing I charge a flat rate of $2,000.00 per day of work. Many of the projects I work on take several day sessions to complete.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://www.blackrivertattooconvention.com/
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/blackrivertattooconvention/
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/BlackRiverTattooConventionMichigan
• Other: https://www.sarenitytattoo.com/jonathon-anderson