Tattoo Shop Tango: How Boneface Went From a Jailhouse Machine to 20 Years as a Tattoo Shop Owner

Anwan “Boneface” Johnson’s first tattoo machine was homemade. It was a jailhouse machine powered by a VCR motor, with a battery wired straight to it. Today, he’s owned Boneface Ink in Pensacola, Florida, for 20 years, competed on Ink Master seasons 8 and 9, and is one of Ink Different’s Master Mentors. His path started long before that machine, in a childhood where he sometimes looked forward to school because he knew he’d eat there. In this episode of Tattoo Shop Tango, Boneface sat down with us and co-host Chico Cortez to share how he got here.

Who Is Boneface and Why Does His Story Matter?

Anwan “Boneface” Johnson is a Tattoo Artist, the owner of Boneface Ink, and one of Ink Different’s Master Mentors.

He grew up as what he calls a “welfare recipient child.” His mom and dad were both battling addiction. Some days, he walked his brothers and sisters to the Salvation Army or the Boys & Girls Club for free food. He looked forward to school because he knew he’d eat there twice a day, and people were kind to him there.

“You kind of hold on to those traumas and turn them into superpowers later,” he says. He’s grateful for it all, because it put him in a position to pass that kindness forward.

His story matters because it shows that where you start doesn’t decide where you finish.

What Can a Jailhouse Machine Teach You About Grit?

For Boneface, it taught him to look at old ideas in new ways.

His first machine was a homemade jailhouse machine: a VCR motor, powered by a battery connected straight to the wires. Years later, he realized it was essentially a wireless machine. So he set out to make a professional version. He tried working with companies in the U.S., but it was too expensive, so he worked with manufacturers in China. Eventually, he had an RCA battery that fits any pen machine and eliminates the clip cord. He says he was the first to bring a wireless battery to pen machines.

His lesson: if you dig into tattoo culture with enough respect and look back, you’ll find things that can put you ahead today.

How Do You Stay in Business for 20 Years?

Boneface has watched many tattoo shops open and close around him. Some had Tattoo Artists who were hot for a while, making more money than him. Then they closed.

Here’s what he says keeps a tattoo shop open:

• Focus on the client. “My job is to make them happy, not to implement or force my ideas on them,” he says. “I sell burgers, I sell steaks, I sell fries. I sell it all.”
• Build the team behind the Tattoo Artists. Good management, the front desk, customer service, and solid work are the keys to survival.
• Put the brand first. He compares it to the San Francisco 49ers. Great players come and go, but the organization stays.
• Don’t let emotion drive decisions. “I’m a numbers guy,” he says. “I think about it like a businessman.”

He also accepts that Tattoo Artists won’t stay forever. Once they realize they don’t need the setup, they go do their own thing, and that’s the goal. Every Tattoo Artist who has worked for him now owns a tattoo shop in Pensacola.

What Lessons Can You Steal From Boneface’s Journey?

Step 1: Be honest about where you stand

Boneface says he was a terrible Tattoo Artist at first, and he knew it.

Step 2: Learn from people better than you

Nobody would teach him, so he hired Tattoo Artists he admired, offered them free booth rent and a high percentage, and watched them work.

Step 3: Let the work humble you

“I think tattooing itself will humble you,” he says. You have to put needle to skin to truly learn.

Step 4: Stay open to change

He says Tattoo Artists who resist change get left behind, from the switch away from coil machines to AI today. “It’s going to happen. You better learn how to use it to your advantage.”

Step 5: Take care of people

He helped Tattoo Artists through addiction and rehab and gave some a place to stay. He’s never parted ways with one on bad terms.

Before you start, read about the mistakes aspiring tattoo apprentices should avoid. To grow your name, explore these platforms to help Tattoo Artists build their brand.

How Can You Start Your Own Tattoo Shop?

Every shop owner’s story starts the same way: learning to tattoo.

Boneface learned by figuring it out himself and hiring better Tattoo Artists. Today, there are structured paths that teach technique, safety, and professionalism from the start, with experienced Mentors guiding you.

Tattooing is also a human craft, which is why Tattoo Artists are still essential. Learn why tattoo apprenticeships are gaining ground as a solid alternative to college.

What Does the Traditional Tattoo Apprenticeship Offer?

Ink Different’s Traditional Tattoo Apprenticeship is an 18 to 24 month, four-phase tattoo apprenticeship built for beginners. Ink Different has trained Tattoo Artists for 15 years. No prior art experience is required.

• Phase One: Art and design, online.
• Phase Two: Machine practice on synthetic skin, online.
• Phase Three: Supervised tattoos on real clients in a tattoo studio.
• Phase Four: Building independence and preparing for licensing.
• Licensing support: Guidance through your state’s requirements, like how long a tattoo license takes in Colorado.
• “Good Humans” culture: A supportive community the entire way.

This is a career that comes with confidence. You’ll finish with job-ready skills, licensing support, and a guaranteed job offer at one of Ink Different’s own tattoo studios. The Traditional Tattoo Apprenticeship is available at 60+ tattoo studios nationwide.

Remember: Seats are limited, with only two apprentices per tattoo studio per Mentor.

Is Tattoo Training Accessible If English Isn’t Your First Language?

Yes. Ink Different offers Spanish-speaking locations in Denver, Orange County, NYC, Miami, San Antonio, and San Diego.

Ready to Become a Tattoo Artist?

Boneface went from a childhood of hardship and a homemade machine to 20 years as a tattoo shop owner. Along the way, he’s made a point of lifting others up, from his Tattoo Artists to the men who come to his weekly Mental Health Mondays.

If you or someone you know is struggling, please reach out to someone you trust. In the U.S., you can call or text 988 at any time. 

For aspiring Tattoo Artists: Apply now to Ink Different’s Traditional Tattoo Apprenticeship and start building an AI-proof career with licensing support and a guaranteed job offer at one of Ink Different’s own tattoo studios. 

For Tattoo Artists and shop owners who want to mentor: Learn how to become an Ink Different Mentor at inkdifferenttattoos.com/affiliate.

And for aspiring shop owners: Explore Ink Different’s shop owner training to build the systems, team, and brand your tattoo shop needs.

Find Boneface as Boneface Ink on all social platforms, including Instagram at @bonefaceink.