About the Artist
About Me
James has been tattooing for over 30 years, a journey that began when he first picked up a machine at just 14 years old. Born in Chicago and raised in Laredo, Texas, his path to tattooing was never shaped by mentors or industry icons — it came from pure instinct, passion, and a lifelong pull toward the art. Tattooing wasn’t something he wanted to try. It was something he knew he was meant to do.
A Life That Forged an Artist
At the age of 17, James entered the Texas prison system. Instead of letting the experience break him, it transformed him. His skill was recognized early — so much so that the state granted him rare privileges, allowing him to continue tattooing fellow inmates and even officers, captains, and the warden. Inside those walls, James became known not for trouble, but for talent, discipline, and the professionalism that set him apart. His work became a lifeline, and he protected his craft with everything he had.
From Texas to North Dakota
After serving from 1989 to 2011, James moved to North Dakota, where he rebuilt his life from the ground up. He worked fast-food jobs like McDonald’s, tattooing coworkers on breaks and during late nights — keeping the spark alive until the right door opened.
In 2016, that door finally became a reality when he opened his own tattoo shop. Since that day, he’s never looked back. Santana’s Ink has been built by hand, by reputation, and by decades of experience long before social media existed. For years, James relied solely on word of mouth, but now he’s pushing his brand outward, upward, and into the digital world.
A Family Tradition
Tattooing runs deep in James’s family — several relatives are artists themselves. But his own tattoo name, Santanas, came from someone far more important:
his grandson, the one who gave him a new identity and a name that carried real meaning.
James also has four stepchildren and one grandson, all of whom inspire his dedication to being a better artist, mentor, and man every day.
A Style Built on Experience
James doesn’t limit himself to one specialty. With over three decades of work behind him, he has mastered a wide blend of tattoo genres:
Realism
Portraits (People & Animals)
Cartoons
Memorial Tattoos
Detailed Linework
Custom Concepts
Story-driven designs that capture memories
His goal has always been simple:
Put ink on skin in a way that helps people tell their story.
Quality Work Without Breaking the Bank
James believes tattoos should be meaningful and accessible — not overpriced. He understands the value of his work and the importance of respecting his clients’ budgets, keeping prices fair while delivering professional, long-lasting quality.
Where I been
Born
Chicago
Raised
Laredo, Texas
Present
Grand Forks, North Dakota
My Values
- Cowboys Fan
- Art that won’t bankrupt you
- Quality Ink
- Passion for your Vision
Purpose, Passion, and a Name Worth Knowing
For James, tattooing is more than a profession — it’s the thing that kept him grounded during the hardest years of his life and the thing that’s carried him to every chapter since.
Now, as Santana’s Ink continues to grow, James is focused on building the brand his work truly deserves — known, recognized, and trusted throughout North Dakota and beyond.