WHO IS BLACKLISTED?
I’m James Cooper.
I’ve been tattooing for almost 20 years. I’ve watched artists burn out, shops shut their doors, and clients slowly get priced out of the chair — not because they don’t care, but because life has just gotten heavier for everyone.
BLACKLISTED was born out of that reality.
WHY I STARTED THIS?
I started BLACKLISTED because I was sick of seeing good artists leave the industry, studios struggling to stay open, and loyal clients no longer able to afford seeing the artists they love.
I’ve lived the grind from every angle — artist, shop owner, father, husband. I know what it costs to keep the lights on. I know how hard it is to stay inspired when rent goes up, supplies cost more, and bookings aren’t as easy as they used to be.
At the same time, I’ve watched tattoo lovers step back — not because they’ve lost interest, but because getting tattooed has become harder to justify financially.
BLACKLISTED sits in the middle of that problem.
WHAT BLACKLISTED IS DOING.
This platform isn’t about shortcuts or hype.
It’s about keeping people connected to tattoo culture, even when times are tough.
For members, it’s a way to stay involved, support the industry, and build real chances to get back in the chair — not by gambling, but by being part of something ongoing.
For artists, it’s about creating paid opportunities, easing some of the pressure, and keeping talent in the industry — without asking anyone to work for free or spread themselves even thinner.
The membership model isn’t about squeezing people.It’s about spreading the load — so artists aren’t carrying it alone, and clients don’t have to disappear entirely when money gets tight.