Rising Stars: Meet Jonathon Anderson of Sarenity Tattoo & Body Piercing

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

Hi Jonathon, I am so excited to have you on the platform. Before we ask about your work life, you can bring our readers up to speed on your story and how you got to where you are today.
I began my journey into tattooing in 2002 when I turned 18 and got my first tattoo. I remember naively thinking, “I could do that.” Because I had some skills at drawing, looking back now, I can see how novice of a thing that was to say. I got some tattoos done, and we’re generally happy with them. Then, a friend of mine introduced me to a friend of theirs who was a tattoo artist and happened to be looking for someone to train with. Steve “String” Guenther was the artist who brought me into the art & craft of tattooing. String worked at the most prominent tattoo shop in town, Black River Tattoo Company. They were around for a long time, and many artists got their start there. I’m proud and grateful that I was a part of it.

I wasn’t doing a lot with my time or life back then. I was working midnights, playing in some bands, and not progressing in any direction, good or bad. Once I started tattooing, I discovered a passion for it and have been pushing myself through further education and practice. I enjoy the challenges it brings and the satisfaction you get when you can sit back and look at the tattoo I made and know that I did my best and it came out nice. I love it. Since then, I have spent the last 14 years building my tattoo studio, which is where it is now. We currently have 14 tattoo artists and two body piercers. We offer traditional & modern tattooing styles and techniques, precision body piercing, and permanent cosmetic & paramedical tattooing. I’m organizing and hosting a tattoo convention at the end of June this year named the Black River Tattoo Convention to honor my roots in the industry. I named my tattoo studio after my daughter Sarenity, who is a significant facet of my drive and determination to grow and build the life I have today. I’m excited to work every day and love what I do.

Can you talk to us about the challenges and lessons you’ve learned? Looking back, has it been easy or smooth in retrospect?
Some struggles were adjusting to new techniques, equipment, practices, and the overall approach to the industry and the service. When I first started, it was very cut and dry. The customer would come in and pick out a design. We would price it and tattoo it then and there. You would do the same design as many times as it was requested. Some shops still operate like that. Today, more clients are driven to get custom work with a significant meaning they want to convey. It takes more time and effort to do this work than the old flash days, but the rewards are more important in helping people heal or honor the ones they loved & tell their stories. It’s still lovely to do flash work and have fun doing smaller tattoos. Breaking the cycle of how I was taught and then expanding into the techniques of how I work now has been one of the most challenging and ongoing aspects of my career.

Thanks for sharing that. Can you tell us more about your work next?
My work is a reflection of my passion for various expressive forms, including tattoos, paintings, and drawings. I specialize in a realistic style, but my true passion lies in a unique abstract style known as Bio-Mechanical or Bio-Organic. This style, characterized by visual effects, practical techniques, and skillful application, creates a free-flowing, dimensional, and aesthetically pleasing design that harmonizes with the body. Similar to the tribal designs of the past, bio styles guide the viewer through the piece with intention, creating a unique and memorable experience.

The tattoo industry is full of such massive talent that it’s hard to feel like you’re ever known for anything. But if you keep pushing yourself and working with your clients, you can quickly build a name and a good reputation. I’m known for communicating well with my clientele and taking their vision, putting it through my artistic filter, and coming up with something unique, custom, and creative for them.

There are many aspects of my journey that fill me with pride. Artistically, I’ve achieved a lot, but my true passion lies in building my business, Sarenity Tattoo & Body Piercing, over the past 14 years in the Blue Water Community. I’ve strived to create an environment where artists and clients feel comfortable and inspired. My personal growth and development have been ongoing, and I’m proud of the progress I’ve made. Every day, I challenge myself to become a better version of myself, to make my parents proud, and to contribute positively to the people around me.

Let’s talk about our city – what do you love? What do you not love?
What I like best about my city is the creative community in the area. There are a lot of talented artists, photographers, musicians, and innovative individuals in this region. It’s inspiring. A relaxing stroll on the beach or hike in a forest is only minutes away. Some lovely art pieces are on the boardwalk and the Blue Water River Walk. It’s a very expressive area, and I’m proud to be a part of it. There’s not much I don’t like about my area.

Pricing:

• Day Rate: $2,000

Contact Info:

• Website: www.SarenityTattoo.com
• Instagram: www.instagram.com/SarenityTattoo
• Facebook: www.facebook.com/SarenityTattoo
• Other: www.BlackRiverTattooConvention.com

Image Credits
Photo of me taken by Cameron Grenstiner, Dark Horse Studios, Melvin MI (All others taken by myself)