Toronto tattoo artist recalls 4 a.m. session with Justin Bieber that changed his outlook

Toronto tattoo artist Seunghyun "Potter" Jo is no stranger to celebrity clientele. The founder of the city's SJ Tattoo Studio has been in the business for 17 years, channelling his creativity into extravagant, intricate designs for clients from all walks of life — including some big names in entertainment and sports.

"I felt like I wanted a little more control over my environment and the way I run my own business, so I started my own studio," Potter tells blogTO.

"I wanted to create a studio that wasn't just a place with tattoo chairs. I wanted to do more painting, DJing, and other things I'd always dreamed about," says Potter, explaining that he apprenticed in Seoul, South Korea, and began his career in the tattoo industry after relocating to Canada.

The tattoo artist, who has inked the likes of Canadian multi-platinum recording artist Justin Bieber and racing sensation Lewis Hamilton, says he never had "a proper art background." Instead, he began dabbling in drawing and crayons at age eight, eventually developing his own style while growing up surrounded by artists who inspired him.

Photo by: Fareen Karim

While hundreds of clients have walked through his doors from all rungs of society, Potter says he treats everyone equally. However, one celebrity interaction that stands out is tattooing pop icon Bieber, which he credits as one of the most memorable moments of his career, not just for the celeb exposure, but because of the advice he received from the star.

"Normally, I don't really follow celebrities like that, and I treat everyone equally," he says. "[But], if there's one thing I learned [from] Justin Bieber, it's that I can do anything." 

Potter, who's won multiple international awards for his renowned black-and-grey, "highly realistic" tattoo work, recalls working on a tattoo for the "Baby" singer around 4 a.m. in Bieber's studio, where he had no stencil or printer to help him finish the job.

Photo via SJ Tattoo Studio. 

"When I hesitated to do something at one point, he looked me in the eye and said, 'Hey man, you can do it. You can do anything if you want.'" 

He describes the lack of resources that night as "frustrating," but adds, "We made it!" with enthusiasm as he recalls completing the project.

"I came from the middle of nowhere, from the totally opposite side of the world. No language, no culture, nothing was familiar to me at that moment," he admits, reflecting on tattooing Bieber during the early stages of his career.

"But as an artist, or as a human being, I'm never afraid when I repeat to myself, 'I can do anything,'" he says, describing the impact Bieber's words have had on his confidence and approach to his work.

Beyond the celebrity encounters, Potter also recognizes the responsibility that comes with creating something permanent for a client.

Photo by: Fareen Karim.

"It's a collaboration between me and my client, but at the end of the day, I'm the one who creates the work, and I carry most of the responsibility," he says, adding that while he feels the pressure, it's almost built into his system and practice after 17 years in the industry.

As for how he's stayed relevant in an ever-evolving tattoo industry, Potter says his approach is rooted in staying true to his artistic foundations.

"I'm keeping my old-school side, my classical side, so we can be bold and strong…This is where I come from, and I'm still going, keeping my pride and dignity. Everything changes so fast, but based on these things, I'm still standing here. That's why." 

Potter with Canadian Paralympian Joshua Cassidy. Photo via SJ Tattoo Studio.

Outside of his work, he continues to feed his creativity by studying, picking up new hobbies, and visiting art exhibitions to explore how he can bring together traditional and contemporary influences.

Ultimately, his approach to both life and his work as a tattoo artist comes down to a simple piece of advice: "Just keep going." 

SJ Tattoo Studio is located at 1153 Queen St. W., Unit 3.