Jon Leighton is an illustrative tattoo artist who’s work is easily spotted because of it’s bright vibrant colors that truly stand the test of time. He works at an appointment only shop in Lake Elsinore, CA called Armored Ink VIP Tattoo Studio. This private shop hosts four other talented artists, providing an intimate setting for clients and artists alike. Although it took a lot of perseverance for Jon to get here, he managed to do it.

Flashback to when Jon was 13-years-old and a friend of his went to Hawaii for vacation. He came back with a terrible tribal skull tattoo; Jon admitted that, at the time, “I thought it was the raddest thing I had ever seen.” That’s when Jon’s tattoo obsession kicked off.

When Jon turned 18 he got his first tattoo and then quickly started finding any excuse to hang out in the tattoo shop. By age 20 he was getting his sleeve by tattooer Greg Bartz. After meeting Greg, Jon would spend nearly all his free time in the shop getting them whatever they needed. One day Jon asked Greg if he would be willing to apprentice him. The answer was yes and Jon became “a shop bitch in downtown San Diego at Fun House Tattoo.”

Unfortunately, Fun House Tattoo closed right as he was completing his apprenticeship. Absent of any substantial tattoo work, Jon had to go back to work as welder for the time being. He continued for about a year and half until the opportunity to tattoo came up again. His old mentor, Greg, left to work with Craig Driscoll at his new San Diego shop, Five Two Tattoo. Craig offered Jon the second apprenticeship and the rest is history.

Learning in a shop with great artists, in addition to regular talented guest spots, helped Jon get to where he is in a relatively short time. Jon’s been tattooing professionally for four years now. He moved up to Lake Elsinore about two-years ago to get to his present shop, Armored Ink VIP.

Many artists have inspired Jon. His biggest influences at the moment being Josh Payne, Teresa Sharpe, and James Tex.

Jon’s advice for someone looking for a tattoo:

“Find an artist that you like their style. There’s someone out there for everyone even though most good tattooers are well-rounded. We all have that one style we love to do. And don’t be cheap. Good tattooers are expensive for a reason: it’s on your body permanently.”

Jon’s advice for someone just getting started tattooing:

“Get an apprenticeship under someone good. It takes 3-years, but in the long it’s worth it. You’ll make more money and you’ll be a better tattooer. Don’t be lazy, work your ass off. Be humble, don’t be cocky the minute you think you’re the best you can be, there’s someone that’s going to be better than you tomorrow.”