From an early age, James Hurley loved art. He can’t remember a time when he didn’t know how to draw. By the time he was 21 he was offered an apprenticeship at a local shop in his hometown, Bryan, Ohio. “My apprenticeship was janky and very reckless to say the least,” he admitted, “I had to learn a lot of things via fellow artists, books, magazines, classes, and internet to make amends with a new beginning. I actually had to give tattooing a break for about 8-years.”

Out of necessity, James decided to go back into tattooing and a whole new passion ignited. For the past 7-years, he has thoroughly enjoyed what he’s doing and it’s reflected in the artwork he puts out there. To James, from the construction of the design to its application, so much had evolved since he left; and while tattooing is becoming more mainstream, James still feels it is an underrated art because the mainstream fails to capture the multitude of nuances that, “…hide behind the curtains so-to-speak when you don’t choose to study a piece.”

Now James works with 4 other talented and hardworking tattoo artists at Eclectic Art Tattoo Gallery in Lansing, Michigan. This private studio provides clients with a laid back atmosphere and little interruptions; which makes Eclectic Art Tattoo Gallery enjoyable for the artists too as it’s accommodating and James really enjoys the, “good tunes and good people.”

His style has evolved over the years and he enjoys being a rather versatile artist. However, he really enjoys doing animals in an illustrative, yet realistic way, “if I could point out what speaks in my tattoos it would be rendering shapes pretty decent and a high contrast look.”

The artists that have been influential James include Adam Hughes, Alex Ross, James Tex, Scotty Munster, Timmy B, Kelly Doty, Teresa Sharpe, Geary Morrill, Mike Riina, Sean Peters, Leila D, and last but not least, the great artist and architect in the sky.”

James’ advice for someone looking to get their first tattoo:

“Look at portfolios and choose an artist that will best suite the style of tattoo you are looking for. I also feel like pricing shouldn’t be a deal breaker. Save your money to get the art that your body deserves. Make sure that you are in a well-established studio that is clean, clean, and even cleaner. Don’t get a basement tattoo from Dale who just got his first tattoo kit and is awesome at drawing wizards.”

James advice for a tattoo artist just getting started:

“Draw a lot. I’m talking about boot camp style. Study artists, color theory, composition, and anything that pulls you in. Pay attention to what works for you. Put in everything every time. Also, learn to paint if you don’t already.”