Jeff Gault: From Prison Tattoo Machine to Master of the Craft and Built a Career

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Transcript

Meet Jeff And Amber

From Prison To Professional Tattooer

Running All American Tattoo With Pride

Partner Support Behind The Scenes

A Client Becomes A Partner

Designing A Welcoming Shop Experience

Ink Therapy And Nonjudgmental Support

Why Tattoos Fade And How To Avoid

Respecting Time With Flexible Scheduling

Tattoo Conventions Feel Like Family

A Hidden Gem In Gainesville

Giving Back And How To Connect

Final Thanks And Wrap Up

0:30

My name's Jeff Gault. I run All American Tattoo in Gainesville. Um. We do piercings, tattoos, coverups, all around fun. Awesome. Very cool. Very cool. I'm Amber. I'm his wife. I do paperwork and travel with him to conventions when he does that and talk to people. Okay. Just kind of making sure everything happens. Exactly. I love it. I love it. So Jeff, for listeners meeting you for the first time, can you share a little bit about your background and what led you into the tattoo industry? Uh, well, so I started, I got my first tattoo at 15 from my buddy's uncle that got outta a prison, showed me how to do make a prison tattoo machine. And I've been doing it ever since. Um, I ended up going to prison at 18 until early. Thirties, moved out here to Virginia and ended up turning it into a career. I love what I do. Wow. That's awesome. You, you, I feel like it was your calling in a way you started very young. Um, and look how it has just flourished and blossomed over the years. It, it, it's been a, an adventure. Definitely an adventure. I've met a lot of great people. I've helped a lot. I've helped a handful of people like get into the industry and start their careers in it too. Yeah. It's very fulfilling. Absolutely. And you've been running All American Tattoo for nine years now and have really become the heart and soul of the shop. What has that just journey been like for you over time? Oh, that's a rough one. I mean, I, I love what I do. The gentleman that owns the shop has, is an amazing person. I don't think I've ever met anybody that, that has treated me so good from the jump. He's family and he lets me run the shop how I wanna run it. It's very, uh, it's been very successful, rewarding emotionally and stuff. I'm 10 years sober this year, and he came into my life in my, my wife's life when our, uh, son was just born. And he's been there. You know, if, if anything happens, I know I can reach out to him and he'll be there. But it's nice to have somebody that can trust me to run a shop, how I feel it should be run. And for me that's. I worked at another place and I never felt appreciated Here. I feel very valued and appreciated. I think also a sense of belonging comes into play too. Yes. You know, you're in the right place and it was meant to be. He came in at the perfect time. It's that weird thing where, you know, one door closes another bigger and better one opens up. Absolutely. And. Amber, you've been such a supportive presence behind the scenes, both at home and sometimes around the shop. What has it been like watching Jeff pour so much of himself into All American Tattoo? You know, it's, makes me wanna cry'cause it's, I'm very proud of him and who he's become and he's grown so much since we've met, I actually met him because he started tattooing me and you know, it. I never thought that we would end up together. Like that is not how it, you know, is it was not planned or anything like that. And I wouldn't change it for the world. Like I definitely think that was God's way of like he knew what was right for me and for us, and I'm very proud of him. He has come such a long way. I think running all American helped him also be able to, find himself more and like be able to, you know, not only dedicate to our family but like dedicate more into what he loves to do and his passion and he can give it all to All American rather than, you know, at conventions and things like that. Like, being able to run the shop how he wants to and'cause he is very good at it. And you know, he's spent pretty much his entire life. Tattooing so he knows what's right and what people want. And I think that that's very important. And yeah, I'm very proud of him. So I think he does a very good job at being a husband, at being a father, and, running a business.'cause it's not easy, I was gonna say, especially just being at the forefront of everything, doing all the different things, tattoos, piercings, just, the managerial side of it. I think that's awesome. And if you're doing an amazing job, from what I can tell, and he does, and he does it all, you know, he doesn't, he doesn't have any really assistance there to, you know, do anything. He's juggling a lot of the stuff and make, and still accomplishing it. So I thrive on that. Yeah. I, I. I, I love walking into the shop. I'm the only one at, at the shop at the moment. I'm picky on who I wanna bring in'cause I know how I want the shop to run and how to treat the clientele when they come in. But it's I just love the, the go go go of it.'cause like earlier in life I was diagnosed with A DHD. So to being able to bounce from this, to this, to this it keeps me centered. You like to be busy? I do. Idle hands do not work for me. Yeah. And you mentioned, you know, a fun story of how you guys met, you know, with Jeff being your tattoo artist at the time. Would you mind sharing that little story with us? Yeah. Yes. Do, do. Tell. So when I was ready to get my first tattoo, it was a memorial tattoo for a childhood dog. So my brother and I were getting matching tattoos and my brother was like, well, you need to go to Jeff. You're not going anywhere else. You're going to Jeff. And I was like, okay, whatever. Like, I don't care. I'm getting a tattoo. So didn't know him, didn't. I just went, I listened to my brother and it was cool. And then about a year later I was like, you know, I'm ready for another tattoo. And I reached out to him and. It was a big tattoo, so I was there for a decent amount of time and you know, we, we talked a little bit and stuff and then about a month later I went in just to get some touchups and, you know. Think about planning my next one. And he just kept talking and talking and I was trying to sleep actually. And uh, he was like, so when are you gonna take me out? And I was like, uh, when are you gonna take me out? And he was like, how about tonight? I get off at eight o'clock? And I was like, okay, cool. Uhhuh. And I left there and I was like, what did I just do? I was like, this is not, no, no, no, no. And you know, my mom was like, it's gonna be okay. You'll have fun. And I'm like, we're gonna have nothing. You at least get a free meal. I know, I, yeah. And I was like, we're gonna have nothing in common a huge age gap. And, we ended up going, we went to Longhorn Steakhouse and I ordered a very big steak and he ordered a smaller steak. And, uh. Like the ribeye. There you go. Before the server even brought the steak sauce back to him, mine was already gone.'cause we were talking the whole time and I was like, I cannot believe I just did that. Like, and he likes to tell everybody that I do every time we go out to eat. Like I like to, to tell if she licked the plate when she would've done too. I did not though. She did not. But every time we go out to eat, he's like. Eat like you did on our first date. And I'm like, Hmm. Funny. You know, that shows you're really comfortable with somebody. Absolutely. And it was instant. Mm-hmm. And I was so nervous. I was like, you know, like we're gonna have nothing in common. And it was just the total opposite. And then we've been together ever since. He kept asking me out and I kept taking it. The rest was history, right? Yeah. The rest is history. It's the cutest story. And Jeff, how would you describe the environment and experience you've intentionally created at All American Tattoo and what do you want every client to feel when they walk through the door? So we try to, it, it, it's a bright shop. I'm getting ready to redo the lights in there and repaint from other artists that have left. And, but we try to make it friendly. We joke a lot when you come in. We try to fill you out if how jokingly we can do with you. We try to make you feel welcome. I've had a lot of people, I have a lot, a lot of repeat clients. Piercings, tattoos, they'll bring their kids in after, you know, we do small children to 90 for piercings. Depends on what piercing it is, is tattoos. We do, you know, I just, I, I try to make it welcoming. I hear that a lot from people coming through the door. Oh, we like the shop. You guys are so funny. And some people don't like my joking, everybody has an off day. That's okay. Can always be funny. That's okay. Everybody's different, right? The experience you are able to provide. I think it's really awesome, seamless from, beginning to end and being able to create those relationships too with your clients. Like you said, I'm sure you've got a lot of friends over the years through this job as well, I have built a lot of friendships through the shop, through the conventions that we do with, with the shop and stuff like that. Um. I know if, if something happens, I can reach out to these people, it's, and they know they can come to me. I, I've had people that have had like issues and stuff. I have a kid, I've been tattooing since he was 15 and I covered up a tattoo of his, and he's almost 30 now. And he was he having some problems? With the drugs and stuff like that. And I, I've been supportive. He just went through like a rapid detox and everything, but I still keep in touch with him.'cause you know, I, I care. And he knows if he needs to talk to somebody, I'm there. Yeah. You know, it's we build some great friendships, great relationships, and it's nice that, like, you know, he, he knows a lot of struggles that. People go through and stuff and you know, and his clients and friends know that as well. So, not only do they go and get ink therapy, but they also get to have Jeff therapy because I, I'm not ashamed of my past. My past is my past. I moved forward from it. And if I can help somebody with their struggles, I, I've been there, I've done majority of the stuff that most people have gone through. I've come out the other side, never thought I could've been able to do that. Yeah. In my, in my wildest dreams, I would never think I'd have be living the life that I'm living if I looked back at the way I used to live and my mindset and stuff, it, I, I find it fulfilling. Being able to be that listening ear for those and be able to be relatable.'cause you understand you've been there. I think that that is just so wonderful and so full circle as well to see how far you've come and how much stronger you grew from those experiences to be the man you are today. Okay. Thank you Ann Amber from your perspective. What do you think clients connect with most when they work with Jeff? Is there any other particular thing you can think of that just really makes that connection with them? I think just because, like, so I call Jeff my Pop-Tart, like he looks hard on the outside, but he is super soft on the inside. Like he is the sweetest person and like I'm don't tell people that he is, he is he's so sweet. Like he's, he would give the shirt off his back to anybody like. Whether he's met you or not. If you needed help, he would do what he could to help. You know, he's had a, a lot of apprentices that, you know, nobody would give them a chance because of their past. And he, they would come to him or people would recommend them go to Jeff and, and Jeff would give him a chance. Like, he's like, I'm not gonna judge you for your past. I'm gonna judge you for who you are now. You know, so show yourself. So I feel like. When people do come in and they can get that connection with him, like, he's not gonna judge you for what you've done in your past and he's not, you know, he's giving you a chance. And that should be very comforting. And that's one thing that I really love about him is like, I know that he's very caring and genuine and that people that meet him. Can have that too. They can, they can see that too and know that, you know, he's there for them. Whether it's strictly just being a client or if they want to have a friendship with him. Like he's very, he's just there for you. He is just a very sweet and genuine person. And I feel like that's a good connection to have. Like, especially'cause when you think about it, like some people don't get those connections with, you know, people that do services for them. You know, it's just like a go in, get your service and leave like a job and Yeah. Yeah. Whereas like, it's. It's more than that for him. And that's nice. Like coming from a client,'cause I was a client and I just, I enjoyed just going in and, knowing that he was cool and easy to be around and Yeah. Oh, you say that now, just a easy going, nice person to talk to. Yeah. And, and I love how you meet people where they're at. You don't judge. Exactly. And that's awesome. Exactly. Tattooing is such a personal art form because people are often honoring meaningful moments, memories or parts of their identity. How do you approach that responsibility as an artist? Oof, so I have, everybody has their own styles and stuff like that. I try to take what you're bringing in that's on you permanently and I tweak it to my style. But I always know that I do my best. I give it my all. If it's a small little tattoo or if it's a big tattoo, um, that person's wearing a part of me for the rest of their life and I try to give'em the best that I can. Absolutely. It's such a personalized and customized experience, you know? And to be able to create that art that will be with them pretty much forever. How cool. How neat. Yeah. And you've seen the tattoo industry change a lot over the years. What are some trends or shifts that you think clients should understand before choosing an artist or a style? Well, every, everybody has their own styles. Everybody has their own knowledge of what they're doing. It took me a long time when I first started to figure out what's going to last in a tattoo, what's gonna look good over time, not just for the short term. I'm not a fan of this. What they quote is fine line tattoo, like I just had to cover some up. This week because it, they're two months old and so light because the person that executed the tattoo isn't experienced enough to make sure that it's gonna stay forever. And I, and I see that as a huge fad with the, the fine line stuff when I first started learning. So lines are your foundation. It's like building a house if your lines aren't solid and good. Your tattoo's not gonna look good. Your and your, if your foundation on your house isn't solid, your house, is it gonna come down? That's one of the very first things that I learned in the industry, and I still thrive for it today. I can do a very thin line tattoo, but the tattoos that I do are gonna s. They're going to stay with you. They're not gonna fall out and fade and stuff like that. They're gonna last. Mm-hmm. Wonderful. The good old ad is bold will hold. That's right. That's right. It's a good piece of advice too for anyone thinking about getting a tattoo and listen to your artist. Yep. Listen to your artists.'cause for the majority of the people. Majority of the artists, they know what they're talking about. What's gonna look at fingers? Everybody? I want this little thing. Okay? It's not gonna last long. It's gonna be spotty, it's gonna be this and majority of people will listen to you. Then you have the ones that like, no, I absolutely want it. Alright, I'll see you back in a couple months. Uhhuh. Uhhuh. It's best to just leave it to the pros. Listen to them. They know what they're doing. They do this every day. Yeah. And you're known for prioritizing your clients and being as accommodating as possible with their schedules. Why is that flexibility so important to you? I like to be busy for one, the way the, I like to operate. If you have an appointment, I am ready. When you walk in the door, we'll fill out your. Your forms and stuff like that and we will get you in the chair and get you done started and get the process started.'cause your time is just as valuable as mine. The way that I schedule my stuff, it's typically back to back with a small break in between.'cause I know how to, I try to manage my time to where if my day doesn't right run right, your day's not gonna run right. And I don't feel that's fair to other clients and, and you or myself. So, I mean, I, I do have children. I work every day noon to six, except for Tuesdays. Tuesdays are my day off for me and my wife. Um, I do take vacations once a year and I do conventions, but other than that, I'm at the shop, and I, so I try to take care of what I can, but I am accommodating'cause I drop my children off at school at seven 30 in the morning. So I have that leeway that I've. Might or might not be doing something other than sleeping on the couch at the shop, getting ready for the day. But if you can't get in after 12 o'clock, I'll try and fit you in before I've done it quite a few times. Yeah. Or stay late. Or stay late if people can't get off work. You know, I try to be accommodating'cause I want you to get your tattoo and I've learned, oh God, it's been since COVID. Yeah, everybody is like out for themselves and very demanding on their time and I don't know how to say it. It's like everybody's out for themselves. I'm trying to get you what I can when I can, yeah. Having that strive for, you know, those early mornings, those late nights, being able to accommodate to people's busy schedules. Everybody's got a million things they're doing. Mm-hmm. They have kids, you guys get it? Mm-hmm. Um, so yeah, I think that's a great way to, to be able to run it. And like you said, you have the West Virginia Tattoo Expo coming up in Morgantown West in August, I believe, right? Yes. What can people expect from that experience? I've done conventions, New York, Baltimore, Philly, Richmond, the West Virginia one, the guy, the gentleman that puts it on Rockwell Cunningham. It's more of a family affair. I've been doing it, what, 14 years? I think. 14, 15 years for the August show, and it's like. In the industry, it's got to where every, all the artists kind, like don't get along, but at, at, at the shows, everybody comes together. It's like, it's like seeing family. Mm-hmm. You know, every, every time we walk into the West Virginia show, everybody's like, Hey bro, what's up? How you doing? How's the family? How's the kids? And it's the same thing every show. I met a bunch of new clients at the April show that we did. And tattooed a bunch of repeat clients. I have some that will actually come from West Virginia to come to the shop to get tattooed. Wow. Yeah, and the conventions are just, they're a lot of fun. Um, even if you're not planning on getting tattooed, just to be able to go and see all the different artists and their styles and stuff. It is a lot of fun. Like when we get there before he like opens up his booth, like we'll just walk around and look and say hi to everybody. But you know, we'll go and visit some conventions that he's not working just to go and visit'cause they are fun to like see everything and it's nice. These conventions seem like a great opportunity to just reconnect, regroup. Mm-hmm. Um, with old friends, clients, um, and just say, Hey, how's it going? How have you been? Yeah. They, they are a lot of fun. Yeah. A lot of fun. Yeah. Awesome. And for people who live near Gainesville or the surrounding areas and may not even realize all American tattoo is right there, what would you want them to know about the shop? That we're there, we, where we're located it, it's not in the cut, but it's in the cut and the property management like, won't let us put a sign out on the road and stuff. I have clients that live three, four miles from the shop. They'll come in for a Pearson like, how long have you been here for? Nine years? Like, wow, I never knew you were here, you know, so I'm trying to get the advertisement out. I'm trying to get work. More word of mouth. I mean, we do very, we're very successful. But we're just trying to get out there more. Yeah, absolutely. Kind of like a hidden gem, if you will. Yeah. Literally. I know I have to describe to people when they ask me like, oh, where'd you get your tattoos? And I'm like, oh, all American. Jeff does them. Oh, where's that? And I'm like, you know where seven 11 is on 29? Yeah. Across from the Wawa, across the Wawa. It's by. So that, that's the best way to describe it. And people are like, oh, okay, I know where the seven eleven's at. And then yeah. Super easy to get to. Yeah. Like he said, it's very, very close right off 66. Yep. Yeah, I mean it would be nice if they were allowed to put a sign out, but they're not, so it makes it a little bit more, you know, difficult unless you know what you're going in that area for sure. Um, but yeah, I mean, I think it's important for like potential clients that are in the area that would like to. Check out the shop like you're more than welcome just to come in and look and come in, look around, browse. Always have time for a conversation. I can multitask like the best of them for sure. Absolutely. Yeah. Good to know. And looking ahead, what are your hopes for All American Tattoo in the community? You're continuing to build around it? I'd like to do some like community service type stuff. I have a lot of friends that. Our veterans, um, when they do and they're in one, one of my really good friends is the head of a veterans bike club. When they ask, I will always donate gift cards to'em. And I try to do that with other companies and stuff, try to help them to help us. Word of mouth type stuff. Just, I just want us to stay and flourish. Absolutely. Hey, there's nothing better than that. And for anyone listening who wants to book a tattoo piercing or just simply learn more about your work, where can they find and connect with All American Tattoo? So I have, I have my personal Instagram. We have a Facebook page. I'm working on a new webpage. Webpage. Um, and I'm working on where like you ask your phone closest to. Tattoo shop that will be popping up that way too. Okay. Lots of ways to reach out. I love it. Yeah. Yeah. And his Instagram is, um, JG Inc. One. Perfect. Everybody's gonna have to check it out. Yeah. And see your beautiful work. I know. I was looking at it. Awesome. And you'll still let us in the door. You're awesome. As we wrap up, is there anything either of you would like to add that I haven't touched on today? No. I think. I think that's about it. Yeah, I think we covered it. Yeah, I think so. We're, we hope to see, see you guys. Yeah, absolutely. And thank you so much Jeff and Iber for joining me on the podcast today and sharing your knowledge and creative passion and stories with us. I wish you both the very best in all that comes your way in the future. Thank you. Well, thank you very much. Thank you. Thank you.