Meet Jamison Stagaard

Today we’d like to introduce you to Jamison Stagaard.

Hi Jamison, thanks for sharing your story with us. To start, maybe you can tell our readers some of your backstory. 
I began pursuing tattooing in 2007 and went to many shops seeking an apprenticeship, but at that time, shops wanted 10 to 20 grand to teach. I finally found a free apprenticeship in Union City, NJ, but it was a very hostile environment, so I left for another apprenticeship in Jersey City under my mentor, Ray Hart Flores. After tattooing for a few years there, I began traveling and eventually working for Eddie Peralta and Krooked Ken at Powerhouse Tattoo in Montclair, NJ. In 2013 I drove my 74 Nova to Huntington Beach CA. I worked a few shops in Orange County then in 2014 moved to Santa Barbara to work at 805ink. In 2018 I opened my shop Fortified Tattoo Company in Lompoc CA. 

We all face challenges, but looking back, would you describe it as a relatively smooth road?
Definitely wasn’t a smooth road. Originally, my parents strongly disapproved of this career choice, so during my apprenticeship, I lived in my Jeep Cherokee and friends’ couches. My apprenticeship was extremely difficult, and some of the clientele that came to that shop was challenging, to say the least. I knew I had a light at the end of the tunnel if I worked hard, but spent many nights crying myself to sleep in my Jeep. My parents became very sportive when they realized how motivated and happy I was as a tattooer. Moving to CA was very challenging as well. I had to completely rebuild clientele in an area that was extremely over-saturated with tattooers at the time. However, I’ve been so happy in California that I enjoyed the process. 

Thanks for sharing that. So, maybe next you can tell us a bit more about your work?
Besides tattooing, I enjoy a variety of different mediums in art and find influence and inspiration in many different genres. I enjoy making miniatures, strange movie prop sculptures, and painting. Now, as far as my tattooing, over the years, I’d say my style is a bold, traditional application with an illustrative approach. Longevity is very important to me, and I try to do tattoos that will hold up strongly over the years. I think I’m most known for doing unique subject matter and lady heads. Taking traditional tattooing and just twisting things a bit. A teacher from the comic book school I attended in Jersey told me, “Learn the rules before you break the rules.” I’ve tried to apply that to most things in my life, including art and tattoos. 

Is there anyone you’d like to thank or give credit to?
I’ve had too many mentors in my 15-year career to ever possibly list, but some of the most impactful include Ray Hart Flores, who was my first real mentor in Jersey City, NJ. He is a lunatic and an absolute genius. Currently tattooing at Revolver in New Brunswick, NJ. Krooked Ken and Eddie Peralta of Powerhouse Tattoo in Montclair NJ. They took me in and sent me out into the tattoo world. Met so many legends because of these men. My very good pal Ken Knox of 805 Ink in Santa Barbara, CA. He has helped me immensely build my career and my shop. Kenny is beyond talented and hilariously out of his mind, like I am. Honestly, I could write a book about all the amazing tattooers I am grateful for; however, these are the ones who helped me through very pivotal transitions in my life. Many who also helped me who sadly are no longer on this earth, Brian Marsman, for sharing all he learned with me during his career. Don Perdue was always inspiring with his dedication to only doing tattooing he was proud of. Edgar Vidal for teaching me so much early in my career. Rest well my friends, I appreciate you. 

Contact Info:

• Website: Fortifiedtattoo.com
• Instagram: Jamison_tattooer