Daily Inspiration: Meet Jonathan Tafoya

Today we’d like to introduce you to Jonathan Tafoya

Alright, so thank you so much for sharing your story and insight with our readers. To kick things off, can you tell us a bit about how you got started?
I wasn’t sure what to do after high school working in fast food and later getting my CDL and becoming a truck driver. Always involved in art and knowing that was my calling, but not sure which field. My brother came home with a new tattoo and I was immediately drawn to it. We both saw that as the answer.
In 1998 I Ordered a tattoo kit from a magazine and had a crash course with friends and workmates. Luckily I knew I could be better and I needed a teacher. Going to a shop and getting my apprenticeship was the next step. I found a great set of teachers that brought me in and helped me polish up and get rid of my old, bad habits.
A handful of shops later and some years later I met a group that wanted to start our own shop. 2007 was the first owning experience I had. 2 years later I realized I wasn’t the fit for that buisness. In 2010 I opened my own shop Lowlife Tattoo Company. I had no boundaries and was able to make it 100% me and what I thought a shop should be. That shop got on a worldwide map through magazines and a feature on Vicelands Needles and Pins.
After the kids started getting older and my wife and I realized that we wanted to raise them somewhere else, we ventured to Denver and started a new chapter to our story. My shop stayed open in Nevada for the first 3 years of living here. It closed in 2022 and now I am tattooing at a shop in Littleton doing my thing and using my 24 years of experience to help others decorate their bodies and their walls with my tattoo and art skills.

I’m sure it wasn’t obstacle-free, but would you say the journey has been fairly smooth so far?
Moving to Colorado was definitely a test. If things could have gotten difficult, they did. I knew it was the right decision because stepping up is not easy.

The biggest challenge was also a blessing in disguise. In 2014, 4 years into owning my own shop and 3 years into being a father, I was faced with a very scary reality. My health was questionable and I couldn’t figure out why. After my wife told me to go to the hospital I found out that my heart valve split open and needed an open heart surgery to fix it. I definitely realized I wasn’t going to be here forever and started living my life differently. Now when things aren’t going to plan and times are tough I remind myself of that moment in life to move forward.

Thanks – so what else should our readers know about your work and what you’re currently focused on?
I am an artist that designs for others. Logos, artwork, and Tattoos. I am very proud of where I have gone with neo traditional tattoo design. What sets me apart is the experience you will find with me. I love to hear others stories and I like to help with words and listening when needed.

If we knew you growing up, how would we have described you?
Confused like the rest. Creative and artistic. Easy to get to know and easy to talk to.

I was always a silly kid. Acted strange and loved escaping with art and creativity. Whether that was drawing, painting or even using a camcorder and having fun making crazy videos with my friends or even for school projects. Not always the one that was looking to fit in, but enjoyed being myself. I was easy to hang out with and easy to get to know. A friendly person that wanted see people and myself happy. When I look back on me as a young kid I am proud of him.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://jonnytafoya77.com
• Instagram: @jonnytafoya77