Meet Cj Adams

We caught up with the brilliant and insightful Cj Adams a few weeks ago and have shared our conversation below.

Cj, thanks so much for taking the time to share your insights and lessons with us today. We’re particularly interested in hearing about how you became such a resilient person. Where do you get your resilience from?

I draw my resilience from my inner strength and confidence. Throughout my life, I have consistently challenged myself to improve and become a better version of who I was the day before. This commitment to personal growth has helped me navigate difficulties and setbacks with determination. Each challenge I face serves as an opportunity to strengthen my character, build my confidence, and deepen my resilience. By setting goals and pushing my boundaries, I have learned to embrace change and face adversity with a positive mindset.

Thanks, so before we move on maybe you can share a bit more about yourself?

My name is CJ, and I am a professional tattoo artist based in Brooklyn, where I proudly own InkCrafters Tattoo Studio, which I established just a year ago. Over the course of my career, I have had the privilege of tattooing in multiple states, allowing me to refine my skills and develop a diverse artistic style. I specialize in three distinct tattooing techniques: fine line, traditional, and neo-traditional styles. Each of these styles allows me to express my creativity in unique ways, catering to the individual preferences of my clients.

I was born and raised in Alabama, and I am also an Air Force veteran, having served for eight years. My time in the military not only instilled in me a strong sense of discipline and dedication but also provided me with the opportunity to travel the world and experience different cultures. These experiences have greatly influenced my perspective and artistry.

Ultimately, my journey led me to Brooklyn, a city I believe to be one of the greatest in the world. Here, I am constantly challenging myself to reach new heights in my art and personal development. I strive to achieve bigger and better things with each passing day while maintaining a positive outlook on life. This mindset not only fuels my creativity but also inspires me to provide the best possible experience for my clients at InkCrafters Tattoo Studio.

Looking back, what do you think were the three qualities, skills, or areas of knowledge that were most impactful in your journey? What advice do you have for folks who are early in their journey in terms of how they can best develop or improve on these?

Three qualities, skills, and areas of knowledge that have been most impactful in my journey are my commitment to hard work, my focus on improving my craft, and my financial literacy. These attributes have not only propelled me throughout my career but also continue to guide me as I pursue my dreams and goals.

First and foremost, my commitment to hard work has been a cornerstone of my success. I believe that dedication and perseverance are essential for overcoming challenges and achieving meaningful results. Whether it’s spending extra hours perfecting a tattoo or learning new techniques, my relentless work ethic has allowed me to stand out in a competitive industry.

In addition to hard work, my focus on improving my craft has played a crucial role in my growth as an artist. I am constantly seeking opportunities to refine my skills and expand my knowledge. This commitment to continuous improvement has enabled me to stay at the forefront of tattooing trends and techniques, ensuring that I can offer my clients the highest quality of service and artistry.

Lastly, my financial literacy has been vital in navigating the business side of being a tattoo artist. Understanding how to manage my finances, budget for supplies, and plan for the future has empowered me to make informed decisions that benefit my career and my studio. This knowledge has allowed me to invest in my art, grow my business, and ultimately achieve greater stability and success.

Looking back over the past 12 months or so, what do you think has been your biggest area of improvement or growth?

My most significant area of growth and improvement this year has been my development as a business owner. While I have previously managed three tattoo shops, owning my own business, InkCrafters, presents a unique set of challenges and opportunities that are particularly meaningful to me. Transitioning from a management role to being the owner has required me to take on a broader range of responsibilities, from overseeing daily operations to making strategic decisions that will shape the future of my studio.

This journey has been both exciting and daunting, and I am still coming to terms with the full extent of what it means to be a business owner. Each day brings new lessons and experiences, whether it’s navigating the complexities of budgeting, building a strong team, or developing effective marketing strategies to attract clients. I am learning to balance my artistic vision with the practical aspects of running a successful business, which has significantly challenged me and pushed me out of my comfort zone.

As I continue to grow in this role, I am gaining valuable insights into what it takes to create a thriving environment for both my clients and my staff. This experience has deepened my appreciation for the entrepreneurial side of the tattoo industry and has reinforced my commitment to building a brand that reflects my values and artistic passion. Overall, this year has been a transformative period in my career, and I am excited to see how my growth as a business owner will influence the future of InkCrafters and my journey as an artist.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://www.inkcrafterstattoostudio.com
• Instagram: @artof_cj