Today we’d like to introduce you to Jacob Williams.
Hi Jacob, so excited to have you on the platform. So before we get into questions about your work-life, maybe you can bring our readers up to speed on your story and how you got to where you are today?
My name is Jacob Williams. I was born and raised in Springfield, OR. When I was old enough to really start considering what I wanted to be when I grew up, I knew I wanted to be an artist. Beings that artists tend to struggle in their careers I figured becoming a tattoo artist would be the best approach to making a steady income as an artist. However at that time tattoos were not as main stream as they are today and were still rather frowned upon. The kid in me also looked at this as one of those impossible dreams that would be out of my reach.
Moving forward I got married at a young age. Had 2 kids, my daughter is now 24 and my oldest boy is 23. My ex wife’s Father actually bought me my very first tattoo kit when I was probably 24 or 25 years old. Being an avid collector himself he decided to make a small investment in me after seeing some of my doodles. While I was excited, tattooing required a license and I knew I didn’t want to get in any trouble and definitely had no idea what I was doing. In those days there was zero free content that one might come across for educational purposes. So I started on myself and even practiced on a lot of fruit and some fake skin. Eventually that led into a couple of friends and relatives.
After separating with my wife at the time I was left in an extensive rebuilding of my life. Having two young kids I felt I needed to do something with my life that would inspire my kids and make them proud of their father. At the time I was working in a mill and absolutely knew that was not where I belonged. Through a temporary relationship with an old friend I became part of an online marketing company. We marketed local businesses, bars, restaurants, band venues and focused on night life specials. Hosted community events and participated with the local Chamber of commerce while still also working in the mill. Tattooing at this time for me was barely a hobby at best. But through a local business group I met the owners of a tattoo shop and school. We quickly made friends and put together a marketing package in which we traded for part of my tuition to their tattoo school. So while working in the mill full time I started my apprenticeship nearly 16 years ago today. After getting my license I began tattooing in their shop. Shortly after I was forced to make the decision between my regular 9-5 and full benefits or the pursuit of this dream I had as a young boy. Being a stubborn and dedicated hard working individual you can guess what choice I knew I had to make.
It was a struggle at times in the beginning but I have always been told since a child that I would be successful at anything I put my mind to. I had always been put in leadership rolls of one sort or the other, wether that was captain of the football team, manager of whatever business I was employed by to eventually opening and running my own tattoo shops.
I opened my first shop with a business partner during the Covid shut down. Again risking it all for the pursuit of a dream that would show my kids that hard work pays off and you absolutely can chase your dreams. After opening three locations in 5 years I decided once again to chance it all. So I had my previous business partner buy me out and went out on my own, opening Black Forest Tattoo Company. We have been open for a year and half now and are current standing in the top three tattoo shops in town through the local community choice awards. The award ceremony is later this month in which the winner will be announced.
I currently have 8 full time resident artist including myself in the shop. We can produce all styles of tattooing and have a premier location in the heart of Downtown Springfield. The shop features burnt live edge wood and taxidermy, leaning heavy into the Pacific Northwest hunting and fishing vibes.
We all face challenges, but looking back would you describe it as a relatively smooth road?
It’s been a rather smooth ride overall. Being a local kid it was easy to start building clientele. The hardest part was the younger years. The sacrifices I made to pursue this dream went from the bottom to the top. The only things I held on to was my family and friends who certainly helped support me at times when I was first getting started. Some of which thought that I had lost my mind. Giving up everything in my life to walk this road that seemed rather bleak to most of them. My kids grew up in the shop with me because I had no choice. There was no plan B. It was time to sink or swim so I practically lived in the tattoo shop, eventually earning the nick name “Overtime”, which still holds true today. I can be found in the shop tattooing 5-6 days a week and my schedule stays booked roughly 6 months out at all times.
Appreciate you sharing that. What else should we know about what you do?
I have always made a point of being able to produce all styles of tattooing. At first I did a lot of color. I was known for my bright colors and smooth blends. But being a pencil and paper kid I always gravitated toward black and grey realism. These days I’m widely known for exactly that, high contrast black and grey. Since I’m an avid hunter, I’m highly known for my wildlife and nature tattoos. My true passion leans a little more into the darker arts and portrait work but I saw a need for a tattoo artist that really knew what a realistic deer, bear or elk actually should look like. I’ve received several awards through the years but am most proud of a couple recent 1st place awards for my realism at a couple reputable tattoo conventions surrounded by artists I admire.
I definitely don’t fit the stereo typical tattoo artist stigmata. I’m not wild, crazy or out spoken. I’m a family first, individual who operates as a respectable hard working business man that loves to help others on their come up. I focus more on marketing my artists than I do myself and strive to be known as a safe and respectable business owner.
Professionally speaking I would have to say Black Forest Tattoo Company has absolutely been my greatest accomplishment and we are still only just getting started.
What were you like growing up?
I have always been pretty adventurous but also very soft spoken. I’m more of a thinker than a talker. I was raised to respect my elders and Neighbour’s first. I’ve always had a passion for sports and fitness. Hunting and fishing has always been a passion but in more recent years I’m widely known for my love for hunting. I’ve harvested more animals than I could count at this point. Hunting multiple states every year with my bow and/or rifles. My biggest accomplishments there is a 6 point bull elk and a nearly 8 foot tall Alaskan Brown bear. Some of which are featured in the tattoo shop.
Pricing:
- 225/hr
- 1500/day
- Currently building vacation packages
Contact Info:
- Website: https://Www.blackforesttat2co.com
- Instagram: @jake.overtimetattoos
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/share/1EDcZ9QdBW/?mibextid=wwXIfr
