Our Spotlight on the Arts for March 2025 shines brightly on local artist, Jason Baxtrom!
How long have you been working as a tattoo artist?
I have been a tattoo artist for 17 years now, with 15 years working at Blue Scarab Tattoos & Body Piercing!
What inspired you to pursue this career?
God graciously gave me the talent in art, but I met a tattoo artist that pushed me in this career direction with drawing the tattoo style flash and artwork. Tattooing has been one constant thing in my life that has just stuck. There have been ups and downs, but to live in your God given talent is the best blessing I could have ever asked for.
Do you have a favorite aspect of your job?
I love the fact that every day is something different. I appreciate the friendships that are built. The Blue Scarab Tattoos shop is absolutely amazing. I have had the honor of tattooing many wonderful people which have turned into being good friendships. Every day I have been able to grow and push to be better than yesterday.
Why was the shop relocated to the Arts & Entertainment District in downtown Leonardtown?
After 21 years in Waldorf, it was time for a new start. It is kind of a crazy story but all I can say is when it’s time for a change you will end up exactly where you are supposed to be. With the beautiful area and an amazing spot above flour bakery, we couldn’t pass up the opportunity.
Tell us more about the Blue Scarab Tattoos & Body Piercing!
The shop needed a total renovation when we first moved in. We pulled up a lot of old carpet and laid new floors. There was so much construction and prep work to be done, but it all worked out beautifully. With some design changes we were able to continue the theme from our old shop with a new, modern look. All of the work and long hours were worth every minute.
The owner of Blue Scarab Tattoo & Body Piercing is Michael Connor, who is the guitarist for the band Any Given Sin. The other tattoo artist is Bobby Sylvestre, who has been there since day one of the shop opening. Zoey Bongiorni is our body piercer.
What are your other interests outside of tattoo artistry?
I do a wide variety of art from pyrography (people, animal portraits, and landscapes) to airbrushing cars, motorcycles, and large wall murals.
Zoey and I have painted wall murals at Bayside Hollywood, Vape Jungle in Lexington Park, and a building in the Adams Morgan neighborhood in Washington, D.C. If I can make paint stick on the surface, I will give it a shot!
I also own Bird Dog Archery in which I have a program at St. Mary’s Recreation & Parks. I also run the archery range at Valor Ranch, a nonprofit organization specializing in recreational therapy for military members that have sustained injuries in the service of this country.
Anything else that you would like to share with us?
I have been blessed the last 15 years to work at a shop that has always felt like home. I get to see my best friends every day and do what I love.
I will always recognize how much of an honor and a blessing it is to meet each and every person who has been in my chair and trusted me to tattoo and create a piece of art for them.
Thank you, Jason, for sharing your story and being a valued member of our creative community!
Links of interest:
Blue Scarab Tattoos & Body Piercing website: www.bluescarab-tattoos.com
Facebook: www.facebook.com/bluescarabtattoos
Instagram: @blue_scarabtattoos (https://www.instagram.com/blue_scarabtattoos/)
Bird Dog Archery: https://birddogarchery.net/