Meet Jay Miyagi, a master tattoo artist with over two decades of experience and the owner of Black Talon Tattoo in Arcadia, California. Jay has built a reputation for versatility and excellence, seamlessly blending Asian-inspired designs with realism to create stunning, personalized work for clients. What truly sets Jay apart is not just technical skill, but an unwavering commitment to quality—both in artistry and in the tools used to create it. In this spotlight, we dive into Jay's journey, philosophy, and why he's trusted TATSoul and Jet Black products for nearly the entire span of his career.
Sandy Casteneda (SC): How long have you been tattooing?
Jay Miagai (JM): I’ve been tattooing for a long time—about 26 years now.
SC: Where are you currently tattooing?
JM: I own Black Talon Tattoo, located in Arcadia, California.
SC: How would you describe your tattoo style?
JM: I enjoy working in a variety of styles rather than limiting myself to just one. I especially gravitate toward Asian-inspired work and realism, but I like to stay versatile and continue expanding my range as an artist.
SC: What keeps you inspired outside of tattooing?
JM: What keeps me inspired as an artist is mainly my family, along with the ability to create from everything I’ve experienced and seen throughout my life. My family keeps me grounded and motivates me to keep growing and pushing forward.
SC: Tell us about your experience with TATSoul and Jet Black products.
JM: I’ve been using Tatsoul products for about 20 years now—pretty much since the beginning of my career. I still use their original Envy needles and a wide range of their products, including their soaps and aftercare essentials. Their consistency, quality, and attention to detail have always stood out to me.
I trust Tatsoul because I know their needles are thoroughly tested, clean, and sterile. The level of research and development behind their products shows that they truly care about artists and the work we do.
My favorite Jet Black products include their Dermal Skin, individually packed razors, and their bedsheets and pillowcases—they’re all reliable and practical for everyday use in the shop.
What stands out most is the durability and overall quality. Their bedsheets, for example, are strong and hold up well, unlike cheaper alternatives that break down quickly. Everything feels well thought out, from functionality to hygiene, which is critical in our industry.
I recommend Jet Black products because they’re made with the artist in mind and are thoroughly tested before hitting the market. It’s clear they wouldn’t put out anything they wouldn’t trust on themselves.
Tatsoul and Jet Black have made my day-to-day workflow easier by giving me confidence in the tools and products I use, allowing me to focus fully on my craft.
SC: What keeps you inspired as an artist?
JM: What keeps me inspired as a tattoo artist is the constant drive to grow and evolve—there’s always something new to learn, refine, or push further. My clients’ stories and trust fuel me, and my family keeps me grounded and motivated to keep leveling up. At the end of the day, it’s about staying hungry, staying creative, and never getting comfortable with where I’m at.
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