Jason Thomas, founder of Heart in Hand Tattoo and The Ink Spot Gallery, is a Jackson native who supports a variety of artistic endeavors. In addition to providing exceptional tattoo work, he operates an art gallery inside the tattoo shop to support local artists. Heart in Hand Tattoo, formerly The Ink Spot, is a unique tattoo shop centered on the idea that tattoos are a respected art form. You will find no flash on the walls at Heart in Hand. All the tattoo work is custom, meaning that each design is a unique work of art that is a collaboration of ideas between the artist and the client.
The The Ink Spot Gallery has been closed due to construction, but Thomas plans to resume art openings and local artist showcases on a monthly rotation starting in October. Art openings offer wine and keg beer, and sometimes catered food, and plenty of interesting Jacksonians to mingle with.
Of my nine tattoo experiences, getting a tattoo at Heart in Hand is by far the best. There is no pretentious attitude prevalent in the tattoo shops I have been in before. It is obvious that each client is important and that the artists enjoy their work. It is also the cleanest shop I have been in. Thomas and staff follow very strict sanitation procedures in front of the client before the tattoo is started. What was most impressive to me is how well the artists there understand and deliver exactly what the client is looking for. I was perfectly satisfied and intend to go back for many more tattoos.
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The Mississippi Free Press produced this story through the MFP Solutions Lab, supported by the Solutions Journalism Network. This series digs into Mississippi’s systemic issues and sheds light on responses to them in other communities. Beyond just reporting on problems, these stories interrogate their causes and inspect potential solutions.