We had the good fortune of connecting with Tayler “Jax” Jackson and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Tayler “Jax”, why did you decide to pursue a creative path?
I’ve been drawing since I was a kid, I would pause the TV and copy what I saw in a particular scene of whatever cartoon was on. However after growing up and away from art a bit, I went of to college to be a doctor. From there I joined the National Guard, and got my EMT license. At that point I found myself at an EMS agency, then into the emergency room as a tech. I got word from an apprentice to purchase a tattoo machine kit online. From there I had tattooed fake skin, myself, family, friends, and even friends of friends. After getting an apprenticeship of my own I started full time tattooing, however I left my first shop due to creative differences. Then an ex-coworker told me to give Tat2Lou a holler in Gainesville. So I did and started being mentored by Lou “Tat2Lou” Ferrell in February of 2022, till now. I moved my wife Jordyn and myself down to Denton to keep pursuing and learning to become a better tattoo artist, all with Lou by my side.

Let’s talk shop? Tell us more about your career, what can you share with our community?
It wasn’t easy to start, especially having to get myself conditioned back into an artist’s mindset rather than that of a medic. Initially I had support from my friends and girlfriend at the time, however winning over my parents was a different story. In their mind, a doctor has a steady paycheck, whereas they call it the “struggling artist” trope for a reason.

Lou helped me progress my art by constantly pushing me out if my comfort zone to be a better artist and to see my own potential.

I’ve learned that in the service industry, people aren’t always going to treat you like you treat them. And on top of that, I had to learn you cannot make everyone happy, even giving a piece everything you’ve got, the client may not have the same sentiment.

Any places to eat or things to do that you can share with our readers? If they have a friend visiting town, what are some spots they could take them to?
Well for breakfast, the easy go to Cartwright’s on the square. Lunch is a little tougher decision, between burgers, asian, or tex-mex, Denton has its gair share of choices. Personal favorites of mine are; Dix Coney Island, Komodo Loco, J Sushi, Ambros. As for dessert, you can never go wrong with Beth Maries.

Theres a lot of local stores that I enjoy browsing through. More Fun Comics and Games, Recycled, and Patchouli Joe’s to name a few.

The Loophole, Barley and Board, and Graffiti pasta also have an excellent selection of food and a full bar to boot.

Who else deserves some credit and recognition?
My beautiful wife and biggest supporter, Jordyn. My parents, Val and Jim. My Mentor Lou “Tat2Lou” Ferrell. My Little brother, Parker. My Grandparents, aunts, uncles, and cousins. Last but not least, my late best friend, Grayson.

Instagram: @jax_tattoos

Facebook: Tat2Lou’s

Other: TikTok: Tat2Lous

Image Credits
Kadyn Carter

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