Feature

Logos photo by Jordan Melcher NIACC student Jeff Sanders works as a local Iowa tattoo artist in Mason City at River City Tattoo. Sanders said he developed his interest in the art form after getting a tattoo at a shop in Georgia following a five year stint as an airborne infantry ranger in Iraq. Sanders said that famous artists such as Cecil Porter and Sean Herman have inspired some of his artistic work. He hopes to make a career in the field after finishing his education.

NIACC student works as tattoo artist

Jordan W. Melcher
Staff Reporter

Jeff Sanders, 26, is a local Iowa tattoo artist currently attending NIACC.

His amazing personality can only be matched by his art and talents in his tattoo passion.

Returning from traveling the country and beyond, Jeff Sanders decided to return to his home state to continue his adult education.

“I loved the convenience here in Mason City. It has a nice location, and the schedule with my classes bodes well with my busy work schedule,” Sanders said.

Before returning to Iowa to pursue his education and developing more of his artistic talents, Sanders was traveling the county during his five year military career.

He served as an airborne infantry ranger and toured in Iraq from 2003 to 2004. After his service, it was the convenience that brought him back closer to home.

Sanders said the start of his passion for tattooing happened when he was getting a tattoo in a shop located in Georgia.

“The guy that was supposed to do it said he didn’t really feel like doing it and just said to do it myself,” Sanders said. “I did and it didn’t turn out too bad.”

Ever since then, he grew a passion for the art and skill behind tattooing.

“It has only been at least half a year since I started taking everything seriously and really strived to improve myself,” Sanders said.

His skills in his art have developed from practice, hard work and inspiration to better himself.

“I did not take on an apprenticeship like most tattoo artists, instead I pushed and strived and tried to learn off of other artists I’ve met in the past,” Sanders said.

Famous artists such as Cecil Porter and Sean Herman are some of the few that really inspired Sanders in his work.

He started in Columbus, Georgia at shop called Inc 66 and now works at River City Tattoo in Mason City.

Besides the knowledge of how to handle the equipment and tools, Sanders said he loves to paint just about anything.

“Portraits and pieces that require a lot of color in it,” Sanders said. “I try to tattoo in the widest variety that I can think of and basically please as many people.”

As he continues his education, Sanders said he still sees his future in tattooing. “That is where my passion lies is the tattooing aspect, and I would like to endeavor more in the painting realm of it,” Sanders said.

Sanders said he plans on trying to earn his Masters in tattooing in the future and knows for certain that he will be in tattooing for a career as he starts touring with his talents.