Catching Up with Jimmy “Inkman” Coney at Awesome Ink Studios Atlanta, GA
I met Jimmy “Inkman” Coney at a big birthday/tattoo party about four years ago. He was sitting at a kitchen table in a friend’s house where there was a long line of women waiting to get inked by him. He worked all night and into the morning, tattooing pieces ranging from large cover ups to simple names. He didn’t stop until everyone there got the art they wanted; this is only a glimpse of the work ethic Inkman brings to all of his projects. Growing up in Moss Point, Mississippi this country boy has expanded his artistic career into a new luxury tattoo studio located in Midtown, where he has brought in a team of quality artists. When you visit Awesome Ink you are stepping into a vortex of creative warmth and positivity to go along with its bright and modern décor.
Zarah Rose: What’s going on currently for you and Awesome Ink?
Inkman: We are hosts at the Ink & Arts Music Festival and we’re working with InkJunkeyz and Streetz 94.5; the event will be held at the Georgia International Congress Center. It will be hosted by celebrity judges, with tattoo artists competing in different styles of art and like traditional Japanese, cartoon, color, cover up, kanji. It’s going to be a place for upcoming artists to showcase their talent.
ZR: What types of Artists?
Inkman: Tattoo, Painters, and Body Artists; we’re showcasing different tattooing styles such as traditional, black and grey, cover ups, lettering, and Kanji which is a Japanese lettering style. There will be new DJ’s, music artists, and different booths with vendors; Basically, whatever you want to see, we’ll be able to provide that.
ZR : Tell me about Pink Ink?
Inkman: I approached the Susan G. Komen Foundation with a proposal to tattoo breast cancer survivors and their friends, or family. We designed two pink ribbons, one for women with breast cancer and one for survivors of the disease or their loved ones who may have lost someone. The Komen Foundation loved it, and we got the NFL Players Association to sponsor these tattoos. So in each state an NFL team gets a chance to donate to cover the tattoo costs in their home state. My team and I are going to travel to different states to do tattoos to bring awareness for this cause as well.
ZR: What made you want to take on that cause and what helped you come up with the concept?
Inkman: My grandmother had breast cancer and I wanted to bring tattoos to a new population of people and show people who may have had a negative outlook on tattoos to see they can be a symbol or positive memory of that person or a mark of survival for the struggle they went through. The concept developed out of thinking about my grandmother and her talking to me about tattooing. She didn’t agree with marking up the body, and I wanted to prove that it can be a positive experience and something beautiful on the body at any age.
ZR: There is a stigma people face whenever they look different. So are you saying this campaign seeks to change that by combining tattooing with breast cancer awareness?
Inkman: Yes, because tattoos are still looked at as bad by some people.
ZR: How long are you going to do this project?
Inkman: The awareness is more popular in October being that it’s Breast Cancer Awareness Month, but the project will be ongoing for as long as women want the tattoos, and Pink Ink is now incorporated into Awesome Ink Studios.
ZR: Tell me about the studio.
Inkman: I built the shop with the concept in mind for people to feel welcome and to have a spacious, clean, and luxurious environment. We have hookah, food, and drinks so that people can feel comfortable, relaxed and feel at home. This space is for everyone from celebrities to the the suit-and-tie to the blue collar crowd to the everyday person on the street. We don’t discriminate, black, white, yellow, gay, straight or bi, we welcome any individual who wants to experience our craft. We have an open, positive environment so that no one feels discriminated against. We welcome vendors and each day is something new here, there is never a dull moment.
ZR: Are you looking for new tattoo artists to join your team?
Inkman: Yes, we currently have two booths open.
ZR: Do you still do tattoo parties or do you tattoo anywhere else?
Inkman: We can host your tattoo party or special event that incorporates our work. We welcome video shoots here and we have had quite a few shoots that went real well; we also encourage networking and artistry taking place in the shop. We’ve had Bobby Valentino, Da Brat, Blue Davinchi, 2Chains, Cap1, Kashmere, and other local artists…so there is always a lot going on and a lot to be part of when you visit the studio. I’d like people to come for the experience more than simply to get a tattoo.
ZR: What do you see for the future of Awesome Ink Studios?
Inkman: In the future I want to see a chain of Awesome Ink Studios throughout the U.S and possibly overseas. I want to open up supply shops throughout the country because it’s a part of my art form and I like to keep expanding; I don’t see limitations only possibilities.
ZR: What’s next for you?
Inkman: I will be teaching some classes starting Nov.9th on Sundays that’ll include the following techniques: lining, gray wash, color, shading and many other aspects of quality work. If anyone is interested they can call the shop for prices to attend.
You can find Inkman on Instagram, Facebook or check out the website for more information. http://awesomeinkstudios.com/
The Magical Mindmouth of Ms. Zarah Rose 