Tattoo Machine by Jeff Johnson
In exciting news, Jeff Johnson, co-owner, has written a memoir that documents his 18 years working at Sea Tramp. Published by Spiegel & Grau, an imprint of Random House, Tattoo Machine has been getting excellent press from TIME Magazine, Reuters, The Oregonian, The Toronto Star, NY Post, Editor’s Weekly, and more!
Visit the official Jeff Johnson website
Read articles and see interviews with Jeff
Buy first and signed editions from Powell’s City of Books
Hey–I just finished “Tattoo Machine” and was surprised to see that you only link to Amazon on your site. For someone with such an independent mind and job it seems odd to only link to the biggest behemoth of books.
Especially in the Northwest, Powells.com comes to mind as one simple alternative.
You’re absolutely right, I amended it. Any other suggestions are welcome.
Today, while at my local Las Vegas branch library I saw this ‘Tattoo Machine’ book on the ‘New Books’ shelf. I have no real interest in tattoos but figured that the stories involved would be interesting.
I’ve been reading this book for about five hours now (ready to begin Chapter 14 at 7am) and can’t put it down. Jeff is a really good writer. I’ll look forward to any future books he may write (on ANY subject).
I’d recommend this book to anyone interested in great story-telling, new writers, or ‘fun and insightful reading’.
Okay. I have to go now. ‘Pocket Full of Cash Awaits’!
Jeff,
i just wanted to tell you how much i have enjoyed your book. i have about 20 pages left and can’t bear to finish it, so i’m “saving” it for a quiet time when i can really soak it in. i picked up the book expecting to find interesting stories at most, and was absolutely floored by your ability to tell your (and others’) stories with such compassion, humor, momentum, wit and cleverness. you are a writer among the best, and i hope to read more from you! after i return my library copy of tattoo machine, i am headed straight to powell’s for my own copy to add to my collection.
on another note, i have dreamt of tattooing on all levels every night for the past week – seriously – ALL night, EVERY night! it has nearly driven me to madness, so, after 10 years, i am ready for my third!
best of luck to you, your shop and your staff.
I loved Tattoo Artist! started browsing it in the library because i really like tattoos (got mine from Greg at Laguna Tattoo) and had to check it out because i was laughing so loud… my favorite story was Bridezilla. You’ve got a big heart and a great knack for storytelling, hope to read more books in the future.
Did a city search for Sea Tramp because I had misplaced the business card I had for the shop. Found the place and began reading the comments. For those of you that don’t know, or are looking for a tattoo, THIS IS THE BEST SHOP IN PORTLAND OREGON to get the ink done in. The people were friendly, knowledgeable, and simply smart about tattoos. The smart person listens to his/ her gut, investigates, researches, and then proceeds to talk to the experts about a piece of art they will be wearing for the rest of their life. Disregard the negative comments. They obviously didn’t know what they were getting into.
.. and why am I only the 7th? not that it’s a bad number…
I just thought this book was huge, stayed up late to finish it and now staying up even later digging around needing more..
Beautiful, thoughtful and very real..
Thank you for sharing.. I’m greedy though.. more please?