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Random House Books for Young Readers

Tattoo Machine: Tall Tales, True Stories, and My Life in Ink

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Description

As the proprietor of the legendary Sea Tramp Tattoo Company, in Portland, Oregon, Jeff Johnson has inked gangbangers, age-defying moms, and sociopaths; he’s defused brawls and tended delicate egos. In Tattoo Machine, Johnson illuminates a world where art, drama, and commerce come together in highly entertaining theater. A tattoo shop is no longer a den of outcasts and degenerates, but a place where committed and schooled artists who paint on living canvases develop close bonds and bitter rivalries, where tattoo legends and innovators are equally revered, and where the potential for disaster lurks in every corner. Read more

Publisher ‏ : ‎ Random House; First Edition (June 8, 2010)


Language ‏ : ‎ English


Paperback ‏ : ‎ 272 pages


ISBN-10 ‏ : ‎ 0385530722


ISBN-13 ‏ : ‎ 29


Item Weight ‏ : ‎ 7.8 ounces


Dimensions ‏ : ‎ 5.16 x 0.61 x 7.95 inches


Best Sellers Rank: #1,892,232 in Books (See Top 100 in Books) #770 in Body Art & Tattoo #3,621 in Biographies of Artists, Architects & Photographers (Books) #3,737 in Pacific West United States Travel Books


#770 in Body Art & Tattoo:


#3,621 in Biographies of Artists, Architects & Photographers (Books):


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Top Amazon Reviews

    • Didn't want it to end!
I have been putting off finishing this book for several weeks....because I didn't want it to be over! Such an entertaining read and who knew a tattoo artist could write a book? AWESOME! It's rare i enjoy a memoir this much but this is truly a great one for the realness and every day life this book is. ... show more
Reviewed in the United States on March 26, 2019 by jules
    • Most original storytelling around
Jeff Johnson started a spectacular writing career with this book and it lays the ground work for a truly unique and singular vision of what later becomes crime noir mastery. Taking full advantage of his unique perch in the tattoo parlor with countless fascinating and sundry characters revolving through...Johnson weaves the the tales that you won't hear anywhere else. Buckle up! You're in for a crazy ride! ... show more
Reviewed in the United States on April 17, 2019 by thomas hildreth
    • It is not a perfect work of art
It is not a perfect work of art, nothing is. Actually that sentiment is one of the topics covered in the book. However as a tattoo collector, and an avid reader, I found this book to be an entertaining diversion from my standard reading fare. Those who critique this book point to the idea that some of this stuff might be fabricated, but I do not find that a valid criticism. When a memoir has the words "Tall Tales" on the cover, you know that there is going to be exaggeration. Also Jeff Johnson's influence from the works of Hunter S. Thompson is readily apparent and he even admits to it in the third or fourth chapter. Thompson was a blatant liar, but we all still love his work. The goal of any writer, and any artist is to show the truth of existence through fanciful fabrication mixed with real world experience. Mr. Johnson certainly achieves that goal in this book. The prose is concise and fun, although at times slightly muddled. The narrator of the book is a likable person despite his "moral" failings, and the entire length of the book is a compelling read. I don't know if people who are not associated with tattoos or tattooers might enjoy this book, but I certainly did. At one point Mr. Johnson describes the armies of misfits who surround tattoo shops and develop relationships with the artists there, and I just felt that it perfectly encapsulated the relationship I have with my local shop. Some of the low star reviews that I have seen have said that the author is pretentious and does not care about his clientele, but it is obvious that he does. Throughout the book the relationship with tattooer and customer is visited upon multiple times. Mr. Johnson explicitly states that having such direct contact with his clients creates a very personal bond. At times he even admits that his first time impressions of customers are often wrong, and that they turn out to be endearing people. Ultimately all of the truth and experience of a piece of published writing is nil compared to the method in which it is delivered. To that I say, this is competent writing, very competent. Just as Jeff once showed promise in tattooing, he also shows promise in writing some excellent fiction and non-fiction. I highly enjoyed this book, and I recommend it to anyone who likes rebellious gonzo fiction. ... show more
Reviewed in the United States on October 10, 2015 by BadgerJoeTats
    • Hold On for great Book & Life!!!
Absolutely amazing and well written, Kept the reader engulfed and always had humor involved when needed. Anyone looking for tattoo history, recommendations or just knowledge would benefit. Great job Jeff, he holds nothing back. Loved the lexicon also.
Reviewed in the United States on June 10, 2015 by GB
    • Great read.....
I am a tattoo artist/owner of my own studio for 18 years. Jeff did an excellent job bringing the reader into his world. If you are interested in tattoos or a tattoo artist, a must read. The antics at his shop totally bring back thoughts of what we do in our studio. The tattoo community is still somewhat secretive and Jeff puts out there some stuff that the untattooed world doesnt see. ... show more
Reviewed in the United States on February 29, 2012 by tikiguy
    • Very dull and repetitive
Needs drastic editing To liven the book up. Potentially a fascinating subject drowned in the heavy narrative. Interesting characters reduced to being dull and ordinary
Reviewed in the United States on November 23, 2018 by Peter Thyne
    • You CANT put this book down!
Greatly written. I enjoyed this book so much I read it page to page twice in one night. The part about "the collector" spooked me....everyone will enjoy this book. As a tattooist of The Sea Tramp for a long time, Jeff Johnson has seen and done it all. I hope the Feds catch "the collector" soon.
Reviewed in the United States on August 23, 2014 by Mike Branley
    • I enjoy Mr. Johnson's "NO
Learning about an unfamiliar subculture. I enjoy Mr. Johnson's "NO, REALLY!" style of character description and development. All in all, a good read.
Reviewed in the United States on September 12, 2014 by jkp0430

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