About Me
I’m a tattooer, fine artist, and educator based in Chicago, Illinois. I’ve been tattooing since 2001. My work focuses on illustrative and bio-organic themes and often includes tattoo cover-ups, refreshes, or integrations. I work in both black and gray and color.
My background includes a tattoo apprenticeship, a BFA in oil painting, and an MFA in studio art. I draw on that formal training in my tattoo practice, along with long-term study of tattoo history, aesthetics, and technique. I aim to make tattoos that are structurally sound, visually distinct, and made to last.
I design tattoosfor fit and flow. I want to create a strong silhouette and clear contrast that flatter the form and read at a glance. We’ll start with a consult, plan sessions, pace the pain intelligently, and keep expectations clear technically, financially, and physically, from first sketch through aftercare.
Tattooing is a commercial service. It’s also an agreement between people that requires planning, trust, and a certain tolerance for discomfort. I take that seriously. Clients should know what to expect, technically, financially, and physically. I provide that clarity up front and throughout the process.
I reserve the right to decline work that doesn’t align with my values or judgment. My goal is not to persuade but to collaborate with people who are open to the process and willing to see where it leads.

This is James Wisdom's About section statement. Image taken @ Red Arbor Tattoo https://redarbortattoo.com/ courtesy of 📷 Cory Gross https://www.coreyjgross.com/ ...more
Drawing for Tattooers
November 13, 2025•1 min read

Tiger Tattoo 1/4 sleeve snarling tiger face tattoo ...more
Blackwork
November 06, 2025•0 min read

Grandma portrait tattoo: A tattoo portrait of my client#39;s grandmother. The reference image was not ideal, so I used AI to enhance it, making this tattoo possible. ...more
Black and Gray
October 13, 2025•0 min read

Gangar Pokeacute;mon tattoo: A tattoo of the Pokeacute;mon character Gengar reimagined in a more illustrative formmdash;more aggressive and deranged looking, as per my client#39;s preferred style. ...more
Color
October 12, 2025•0 min read

Flowers, gems, and ornamentals tattoo: A tattoo featuring flowers, gems, and ornamental designs suits my client well. ...more
Blackwork
October 11, 2025•0 min read

Dragon burns church tattoo: We depicted burning a church in this tattoo, featuring a Western/European-inspired dragon spewing flames alongside an intricate Gothic rose window. ...more
Blackwork
October 10, 2025•0 min read