Today we’d like to introduce you to Mel Cox
Hi Mel, so excited to have you on the platform. So before we get into questions about your work-life, maybe you can bring our readers up to speed on your story and how you got to where you are today?
I started piercing in 2002 then tattooing the following year in St.Louis Missouri . I got offered an apprenticeship to pierce after I graduated from high school. I was doing that for about a year and then my mentor asked if I would ever like to apprentice to tattoo. I was hesitant but willing to put the work in to learn a new skill. The rest is history! I ended up traveling doing guest spots and conventions all over the states until I ended up right here in Houston. It was my last guest spot in my calendar and the shop I was working at asked if I’d like to stay. I ended up really enjoying Texas like the shop and the people so I stayed moved here and continued to work for several years working for a couple different shops in Houston. Eventually i decided it was time to try opening a shop of my own. My husband and I found a great location and got to work building the shop we have now, called The Neon Jackal Tattoo! Luckily over the years I’ve gotten to work with many great artists and I was fortunate that some would come and work for me giving my new shop a chance. Many of them have been there since the beginning and continue to love our shop! We are so lucky to have such a fantastic crew and amazing clientele! The shop has a bright and fun vibe that the whole family can come and enjoy. Whether you’re getting a tattoo, piercing , tooth gem, or just hanging out with friends and family for moral support. We have lots of space and lots of art on the walls o keep you busy! Everyone is friendly and happy to help or just chat while you wait. Getting a tattoo or piercing should be a fun experience, not a scary one. That’s what we try to give to every person that walks through our doors. A great service with with great artists, chill vibes and good music to listen to! We have been open a little over 5 years. We just recently expanded and added more space to the shop as well! I love our crew, our clients, and Texas! I’ve been tattooing since 2003 so a little over 20 years. I couldn’t have imagined what this career would teach me and what opportunities that would lie ahead. I couldn’t t be more grateful for where I am today!
Would you say it’s been a smooth road, and if not what are some of the biggest challenges you’ve faced along the way?
It’s been a bumpy road here and there moving around never really finding a place that felt like home until finally landing in Texas. I immediately felt at home and really never wanted to leave. I’m so glad I came here on a whim for a guest spot. Having a vision of owning your own place to manifesting those thoughts into reality is such a blessing!
Can you tell our readers more about what you do and what you think sets you apart from others?
I have been tattooing over 20 years so I’m pretty versatile in different styles having worked at walk in street shops most of my career. But I’d say mostly I love doing neo-traditional bold lines and color work. But as much ad I love that style I also do quite a bit of lettering and fine line work as well.
How do you think about luck?
I was lucky enough to be at the right places at the right times to meet people and go places in my career that would eventually set me down a path to creating something amazing. With a little bit of luck and A LOT of hard work, I am able to pay it forward by giving opportunities to new artists coming into the game. I’ve offered apprenticeships to deserving young artists. One of which graduated and continues to work with me, she’s fantastic! You never know where life will lead you. I just try to be as grateful as possible and to be able to give someone else the same opportunity is really an awesome feeling.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://theneonjackaltattoo.com/
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/theneonjackaltattoo
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/theneonjackaltattoo
- Yelp: https://yelp.to/7yfF7XzCdu
Image Credits
Christopher “Ging” Wilson
