Tattoo Machine: Tall Tales, True Stories, and My Life in Ink

It is not a perfect work of art, nothing is. Actually that sentiment is one of the topics covered in the book. However as a tattoo collector, and an avid reader, I found this book to be an entertaining diversion from my standard reading fare. Those who critique this book point to the idea that some of this stuff might be fabricated, but I do not find that a valid criticism. When a memoir has the words "Tall Tales" on the cover, you know that there is going to be exaggeration. Also Jeff Johnson's influence from the works of Hunter S. Thompson is readily apparent and he even admits to it in the third or fourth chapter. Thompson was a blatant liar, but we all still love his work.The goal of any writer, and any artist is to show the truth of existence through fanciful fabrication mixed with real world experience. Mr. Johnson certainly achieves that goal in this book.The prose is concise and fun, although at times slightly muddled. The narrator of the book is a likable person despite his "moral" failings, and the entire length of the book is a compelling read. I don't know if people who are not associated with tattoos or tattooers might enjoy this book, but I certainly did. At one point Mr. Johnson describes the armies of misfits who surround tattoo shops and develop relationships with the artists there, and I just felt that it perfectly encapsulated the relationship I have with my local shop. Some of the low star reviews that I have seen have said that the author is pretentious and does not care about his clientele, but it is obvious that he does. Throughout the book the relationship with tattooer and customer is visited upon multiple times. Mr. Johnson explicitly states that having such direct contact with his clients creates a very personal bond. At times he even admits that his first time impressions of customers are often wrong, and that they turn out to be endearing people.Ultimately all of the truth and experience of a piece of published writing is nil compared to the method in which it is delivered. To that I say, this is competent writing, very competent. Just as Jeff once showed promise in tattooing, he also shows promise in writing some excellent fiction and non-fiction.I highly enjoyed this book, and I recommend it to anyone who likes rebellious gonzo fiction.

And by that I mean, it is full of truth. JJ has given us a rare look into a fascinating world, and while I am no personal stranger to this world, I still found much that was noble and new, and I was very glad to hear it. I think there is a message in this book for everyone, regardless of your interest in art, or tattoos, or subcultures in general. Here is some anthropology of the soul, as expressed by a real working artist. Gods know there are few enough of them around. Thank you, Mr. Johnson. My next tattoo I hope to get at the Sea Tramp (if I can survive the waiting list!).I especially applaud the author's call to arms regarding information and education about tattooing as a technical art form. I have tried on many occasions to find ANY good information on the Internet for years now, and there is simply nothing but smoke and mirrors out there. This has got to change. I had a fantasy of becoming a tattoo artist once upon a time, but then I realized I can't draw worth a darn. While researching the field, I was truly appalled at the occult shroud of BS that is spread over the industry when it comes to the mechanics of the work. You can't learn to be a tattoo artist any more than you can learn to be a professional welder by only reading books, but surely one's apprenticeship would be all the more fruitful for having some facts straight from the outset? I truly hope that Mr. Johnson gets support from his peers in his quest to see more information out there, and I hope he continues to work towards this goal himself; because someone from the industry has to lead the charge, in order for this sad situation to change.Thanks again for a wonderful read.

Jeff Johnson started a spectacular writing career with this book and it lays the ground work for a truly unique and singular vision of what later becomes crime noir mastery. Taking full advantage of his unique perch in the tattoo parlor with countless fascinating and sundry characters revolving through...Johnson weaves the the tales that you won't hear anywhere else. Buckle up! You're in for a crazy ride!

I have been putting off finishing this book for several weeks....because I didn't want it to be over! Such an entertaining read and who knew a tattoo artist could write a book? AWESOME! It's rare i enjoy a memoir this much but this is truly a great one for the realness and every day life this book is.

Needs drastic editing To liven the book up. Potentially a fascinating subject drowned in the heavy narrative. Interesting characters reduced to being dull and ordinary

Absolutely amazing and well written, Kept the reader engulfed and always had humor involved when needed. Anyone looking for tattoo history, recommendations or just knowledge would benefit. Great job Jeff, he holds nothing back. Loved the lexicon also.

What a great book. Jeff Johnson story telling will keep you coming back for more.

Well written, funny, dark, occasionally profound, and mostly obscene. I want this cat to write my eulogy and finish my sleeve.

The tattoo business worldwide is experiencing some major changes with the influx of many new, fresh, and very talented artists entering the trade. The author describes how this new influx of talent is affecting the different tattoo shops throughout the United States. This is very interesting to UK tattooists because back in the day we used to say we were 10 years behind the United States, today I would say it's more like 3-5 years. As this book was written around 4 years ago, this stuff is happening in the UK right now! The author tells some great stories about his personal life and life in a tattoo "street" shop. I don't know the tattooists in the book personally, but as a veteran "Street" shop tattooist I can tell they are the real deal, firstly by the stories (it seems that the same or similar crazy things happen in street tattoo shops all over the world) and secondly they operate out of Bert Grimm's old shop. Bert Grimm was an old school tattooist that I remember when he died, somewhere I still have an original copy of the old "Tattoo Buzz" magazine with Bert Grimm's obituary. I thoroughly enjoyed the book and would not hesitate to recommend it.Sean Hobden Author of Tales from the Old School of Tattooing Tales from the Old School of TattooingTales from the Old School of Tattooing

A fascinating trip into a world that is becoming more and more accepted in mainstream society, that of the tattoo artist. This book pulls no punches in its language or imagery. If I was on the fence about getting a tattoo, this would be a good book to read as the writer’s love of his art is well articulated throughout.

A brilliant and funny book full of insights about tattooing and running a tattoo parlor.Laughed out loud many times.

I've read some of this book to date but I don't like the author's way of writing it; it doesn't appeal to me at all, but I am interested in the subject matter because so many people adorn themselves with tattoos on their bodies.