CANTON, Ohio — After decades of experience, a tattoo artist in Canton has finally opened his own shop where he's developing the next generation of artists, including his daughter.
Owner Jason Haney has been tattooing people from all walks of life across the US and Canada for the past 24 years, and now tattoo enthusiasts can access his work at the corner of Whipple Avenue and 20th Street inside of 13 Emeralds Tattoo.
"I’ve been lucky enough to see quite a few changes in the tattoo world," Jason said. "When I got started in this business, tattoos were not as widely popular as they are now. Today, we get people from every walk of life getting tattooed, from doctors to your parents or grandparents. It’s amazing to see how big tattooing has become."
Over time, Jason has worked on tattoos of all styles, shapes and sizes. "Working in street shops in Philadelphia, PA for six years really helped me explore all sides of tattooing," he said. "Now I generally do larger scale black and grey and color pieces. I enjoy realism and geometric styles, but really I just love giving my clients the best possible tattoo I can, even if it’s super small and simple."
When asked how he feels about finally having his own place, Jason shared how grateful he is to have reached this milestone in his career.
"It's an amazing feeling to have a place where I can give my clients the best possible experience," Jason said. "The support and love I’ve received from all my clients and friends since opening has been incredible."
What people may not realize is how difficult it can be to break into the tattoo industry, making Jason's commitment to teaching the next generation of artists in a comfortable environment all that more special.
"I began researching and getting tattoos from artists I looked up to, became friends with a few artists and was lucky enough to be given a chance to work at a small, old school biker-style tattoo shop in 1999," he said. "It was not the best environment for a young person to learn but I was extremely grateful."
When you get your ink at 13 Emeralds Tattoo in Canton, you can know you're doing it at a place that's much more approachable, and has a long family history of sharing the love of art. Not long after he opened in his tattoo shop in June, Jason welcomed his 23-year-old daughter, Aubrianna Grisez, as one of two apprentices in the shop.
"My grandfather was an amazing artist and painted billboards professionally for a career. Being drawn to art in my teen years, I found tattooing as another medium and it completely took over my life," Jason said.
"Because of that, my daughter spent a lot of time and grew up in and around tattoo shops and tattooing. She has always been an artist as she grew up constantly immersed in art. I am extremely excited to see what she does with tattooing."
Hannah Hahn, 24, is also an apprentice at 13 Emeralds Tattoo. For now, Aubrianna and Hannah are working on what's called "line drawings," to work on building up the stamina in their hand and arm muscles so they'll be ready when it comes time to book sessions. That's important because tattoo sessions can last for hours on end, as Jason explained: "I have clients who I’ve been tattooing for years now and have full backs, torsos, arm and leg sleeves. Some are nearing full body suits as we work to complete their art work in approximately four-hour sessions."
For those interested in getting a tattoo, Jason offers this advice: "Be sure to look at the artist's portfolio and see examples of the style of tattoo that you’d like. Also, set up a consultation to meet and see how you get along with the artist. Make sure you’re comfortable and you’re both into the artwork. If you aren’t 100 percent sure, wait till you are or look at other artists. Be patient, because an awesome tattoo is worth the wait."
13 Emeralds Tattoo is open Tuesday through Saturday from 11 am to 7 pm. You can request an appointment through the shop's website, here.
Jason will also be tattooing at the Rubber City Tattoo Invitational tattoo convention at the John S. Knight center in Akron, taking place July 28-30.
