

John Tyler Sullivan (Sully)
Apprentice
Sully’s journey into the world of art began with a deeply personal influence—his grandmother, who first introduced him to the fundamentals of drawing and painting. From those early lessons, his passion for art only grew stronger, guiding him through AP Art courses in high school and eventually earning him a BFA. With a natural talent and dedication to his craft, Sully built a career in the visual arts through teaching, tutoring, and selling his work professionally. Each step along the way deepened his appreciation for the creative process, but it wasn’t until he picked up a tattoo machine that he discovered the unique challenge and fulfillment of translating art onto skin.
In October 2024, Sully earned a coveted apprenticeship under JD at Savage Ink, marking a pivotal moment in his artistic evolution. Tattooing has proven to be the most rewarding, intriguing, and technically demanding medium he’s worked in, pushing him to grow in new ways every day. As he hones his skills under JD’s mentorship, Sully approaches every piece—no matter how big or small—with excitement, humility, and a commitment to constant improvement. With a foundation rooted in traditional fine art and a passion for creating meaningful, lasting work, Sully is fully devoted to becoming the best tattoo artist he can be.
Portfolio
Sully is a classically trained artist turned tattoo apprentice whose work blends fine art fundamentals with bold, thoughtful designs crafted to live on skin.