Obviously, the Tattoo Gods have claimed Jay Wheeler as one of their own. All it takes is just a quick look at his work and it's easy to see why they wanted him--the man is talented. And those whom the Tattoo Gods want, they get--sometimes by opening the doors of opportunity and shoving their favored children through.

Tattooists who were "recruited" by the Gods of Skin Art often talk about the odd circumstances, weird coincidences, or strange twist of luck and fate that brought them into the businesss. Jay is one of the lucky chosen people. Seven years ago or so, Jay was quietly browsing around Eternal Tattoos when he overheard the owner discussing his need for another tattoo artist. It looked like a good opportunity, so Jay quickly applied for the job. He was hired and began tattooing shortly thereafter. He recounts, "When I started, Eternal was a small local tattoo shop. Today, Eternal has five locations and over thirty tattoo artists. The location I am currently working at keeps seven artists frantically working at all times. I try to take a relaxed approach to every work day, and I'm fortunate enough to be upstairs away from the day-to-day hustle and bustle atmosphere".

When Jay began tattooing, he left college and assumed he'd also left behind his plans to be "some kind of painter". But now life has come full circle for him. He's reconstructed his original goals and enrolled back at Wayne State University in Detroit. He plans on completing his fine art degree, and acquire an English/journalism degree as well. Jay says that he is currently focusing on "other" kinds of art--painting, drawing, and writing--but he is still dedicated to the art of tattooing.