Rising Stars: Meet Jeremiah Jaroch

Today we’d like to introduce you to Jeremiah Jaroch. 

Hi Jeremiah, can you start by introducing yourself? We’d love to learn more about how you got to where you are today? 

I’m originally from Michigan, but at age 4 my parents moved us out to Philadelphia, as my dad had gotten into a grad program at UPenn. I lived in Philadelphia until I graduated high school and I moved back to Michigan to attend school at the University of Michigan to study art, where I focused on illustration and 3D animation. My goal was to achieve employment as a character modeler in the movie industry aiming high for Pixar. While at school at Michigan I always had interest in tattooing personally and thought it may be something I potentially explore down the line. I graduated in 2009 but was unable to secure a job in the movie or video game industry. In the next two years, I weighed my options and decided between going back to school to hone my digital modeling skills or pursue the path of tattooing. Ultimately, I chose to pursue tattooing as I had amassed a huge amount of student loan debt and was not keen to adding more on top. Eventually, I secured a somewhat unstable apprenticeship, which ended up being the door I needed to open and a stepping stone to becoming a tattooer. Eventually, I ended up leaving said apprenticeship because the shop was more focused on money versus creating art. I ended up seeking out a different art-focused environment where I ended up finishing my apprenticeship with Danielle Felzcak. From there I finished my apprenticeship and have continued to try to be a student of tattooing. Currently, I am in my 9th year of tattooing and recently opened Witching Hour with two close friends and fellow tattooers David Gee & Alissa Petelin. 

Would you say it’s been a smooth road, and if not, what are some of the biggest challenges you’ve faced along the way?
I would say that my path to my current place as a tattooer has been very tumultuous. There were definitely times that were very challenging along the way. Even from the start of my career in tattooing, the first shop I worked at was not really an environment that was art-focused but more financially driven. My goal was more focused on honing the craft than the financial gain. On top of that, my first mentor had a somewhat unstable life so I wasn’t always certain he was going to be at the shop. So, I ultimately left there and sought out other shops, which it can be quite challenging to go into another shop while an apprentice and try to explain why you no longer want to apprentice with your current shop and mentor. Most people don’t really give you a whole of time of day. After trying out 4 different shops I ended up finding Danielle who was compassionate and understood what I was experiencing and gave me the opportunity to complete my apprenticeship with her at her shop, but under the condition that I would have to unlearn all my poor tattooing habits. I ended up finishing my apprenticeship at that shop and went on my first guest spot at a shop in Philadelphia, only to return to my home shop closing. Being fresh off my apprenticeship and being a new tattooed with a small portfolio was the next major hurdle I experienced. Not many shops were willing to take on a fresh tattooer with minimal experience and a small portfolio. I was able to land at another shop shortly after the closing of the previous shop I was at, but only part-time as they had a full house. Eventually, I made it as a full-time artist and was set up there for a few years. That shop did a huge amount for my career, supported my growth as an artist, and became an environment to thrive in. Eventually, the opportunity arrived to move to a new shop. The situation was challenging to decide to stay somewhere comfortable versus taking a leap to move to a new shop, where the future can always be a little shaky. After weighing out all the pros and cons I made the choice to move shops again. To similar results, the move did great things for my growth as an artist and career. That shop became my home base for almost 4 years. The last major obstacle I’ve experienced to date was the initial quarantine shut down of that shop and making the decision to branch out with two of my friends to open our own shop, especially will during a pandemic. The decision to do so has been an amazing, fulfilling learning experience. I think overall a lot of the obstacles I faced were taking calculated risks that turned into opportunities to capitalize on. 

Thanks – so what else should our readers know about your work and what you’re currently focused on?
I enjoy doing both color and black & grey, although currently, I believe my black and grey is the stronger of the two currently. I do illustrative tattooing that is inspired my neotraditional. One of my absolute favorite things to tattoo is custom lettering, which unfortunately I don’t get to do frequently and would love to do more. Frequently people say they love my color blending and the variable line weight detail that I incorporate into my work. I’m most proud of my ability to tattoo hands. It’d, my favorite spot to tattoo on the body. I love working with the limited size canvas. Additionally, I love doing lettering for knuckles and palms. Generally, what sets me apart from others is the way I see the world through my own lens and the way I use that to create artwork for each individual project. 

What were you like growing up?
I was pretty easygoing growing up, motivated, picky with food and generally tried to be friends with everyone. I was also a bit conservative in the experiences I had, which is pretty different than the way I am now. To me, experiences are a great teacher and I try to have plenty of new ones to broaden my worldview. I’d say that I was somewhat shy, except to the people who know me really well, but I’ve heard people disagree with that. I did play a lot of sports growing up and was outgoing and took on a leadership role for the teams I was on. I also was always interested in art, drawing, and being creative. The things I enjoyed I gravitated to and latched on for dear life. 

Pricing:

• $200/hour
• Maximum session 6 hours

Contact Info:

• Email: [email protected]
• Instagram: www.Instagram.com/jeremiahjtattoo

Image Credits
@j.sangco