Piercing by Lil’ John
Lil’ John is in the shop every other Saturday and all day Sunday – Tuesday.
As a young, bright-eyed teen growing up in Phoenix, Arizona; I stumbled into a world of betterment, through a website created by a once described “body modification anarchist,” Shannon Larratt. His teachings, “I never wanted to be different, I just wanted to be me,” rang true to me, grappling with adolescence. I saw how malleable the body was. It was amazing.
As I grew up, two wonderful friends, Erin Peters and Reta Evans, introduce me to piercers that I would forever look up to as heroes. Evan Spencer showed me that piercing was technical and calculated. Frank Dee taught me that piercing was ancient and powerful. Josh Ricketts always held a youthful appreciation of piercing. A strong entrepreneur and amazing Tattooer, Sage O’Connell, gave me a job at his shop Urban Art Tattoo and Body Piercing. Then, enter Trevor Thomas. The man that would change my whole life. He came to work at Urban Art, with me. He saw a future in me and after quite a bit of nagging, in 2004, he accepted me as his apprentice. Over the next 2 years, he not only taught me how to be a piercer but also showed me how to be an adult and a citizen of the world. May of 2006, I became a full-time piercer. I continued to work with him for next few years making piercing as amazing as possible with the Urban Art Company.
- May of 2006, I became a full-time piercer. I continued to work with him for next few years making piercing as amazing as possible with the Urban Art Company.
- 2010, I moved on in my journey and started to work at Love and Hate Tattoo and Body Piercing, the oldest tattoo shop in Phoenix. There I learned humility and passion for piercing.
- 2012 I took a guest spot at Laughing Buddha Tattoo and Body Piercing and met Michelle Hamilton. A few months later she asked me to join her team.
For the next 3 years, I worked with and learned so much from Michelle. After a 20 year tenure, she sold the shop.
Christy Brooker-Lillard, a successful business owner, and renowned tattooist took the reins of the Laughing Buddha in 2015. Believing in me, she continues to push me towards success.
These people helped shape me into the piercer that I am today and I am so honored to pass everything they have taught me by making amazing piercings for you.
Piercing Portfolio
