Jon Poulson

A Classically Trained Professional Artist that loves creating meaningful tattoos — AND IT SHOWS.

Jon has made a career of art since 1994. and has been tattooing since the early 2000’s.

But Jon’s passion for art started well before he ever picked up his first tattoo machine, before he picked up his first paint brush, or spray-can. Art came naturally for this talented individual; but without direction and support from his parents and family early on and his friends, mentors and students as he progressed, Jon would never have been able to become the accomplished artist he is today. It has been a journey and that journey has made Jon who and what he is today. He recognizes that he owes most of it to YOU, his patrons. You bring the ideas and motivations that allow the art to turn into magic at his hands.

Jon has earned his reputation as a published, award winning artist.

Jon has consistently come through for his clients on each tattoo project over the past two decades and keeps on improving. “It isn’t always been easy” states this dedicated artist, “But it is always worth in the end” often the motto for this top artist when pushing boundaries and improving techniques to surpass expectations.

Jon has progressed through many artistic style changes since becoming a professional tattoo artist two decades ago. Jon has been a part of the changing landscape of the tattoo craft throughout the years mastering diverse styles with a diverse clientele. Traveling the world, working in some of the top tattoo shops in major destination cities around the world for years at a time, Jon is no stranger to getting the job done right the first time. taking the time to ensure everything is ready so the tattoo becomes magic unfolding.

These days Jon focuses primarily on Nordic inspired Tattoos; based on Historical Pagan stories & legends, ancient traditions, magic staves and bind-runes, and ancient symbols and designs, mimicking carvings , paintings, and motifs of civilizations long past. As well as IntricateViking Style Knot-work, magic infused staves and bind-runes, ornamental geometry & sacred geometry tattoos, and occasionally back to the roots with Ornamental Tribal tattoos.

Jon is friendly and seriously despises that "holier-than-thou" and the "Better Than You or That Tattoo" attitude that is prolific at many shops in town. You won't find that attitude here; Jon is caring and compassionate with regards to each client's individual needs and expectations while being the guide that ensures the best possible tattoo for each client. - and it shows.

Jon is available most days, and would love to work with you on your next Nordic tattoo project. As long as there is an open spot in his schedule and he feels the tattoo the two of you are creating for you is a good fit, he is available for your tattoo. That being said, historically Jon has been the most in-demand artist at Aloha Tattoos, in Murray, Utah for the last 15 years. That’s why he decided to open his private studio; Ancient Marks. The projects Jon takes on these days all take time, energy, and resources. Time is a precious, and limited, commodity. Tattoos are a major commitment from both parties. Jon chooses the tattoo projects wisely and puts every ounce of focus on each one of these projects. Large or small, if Jon takes it on, you will get his full commitment to making an amazing tattoo come to life. You will get the expert knowledge gained from decades dedicated to the craft based on ancient traditions, knowledge and wisdom passed down from Master to Student dating back to the origins of tattooing. Many modern artists don’t comprehend things that impact a tattoo long term, how tattoos age, how they flow on the body and how the pigment spreads over time to complete the desired look. …and so much more that only a seasoned expert given ancient knowledge of the craft can know, experience, and refine.

That being said, Jon certainly can not take everything on. Be prepared, be patient, be flexible, and you will get your dream tattoo.

If its not a great fit, if the Timeframes don’t align, if there is a better person out there for your particular project, Jon is happy to get you with the right artist for your tattoo, or suggest someone that will be the perfect fit for you. - Its about getting the right tattoo on you. Something you can be proud to collect, and show-off for decades to come as the pigment refines in your skin to reach the perfect look. Not just for a photo now, but in 20 years…

Jon grew up int he Mean Streets of Salt Lake City.

BELIEVE IT OR NOT, THERE WERE A FEW MEAN STREETS IN SALT LAKE CITY; OK, MAYBE NOT SO MEAN IN THE 80'S...

Anyway, from the age of about 15 Jon was a regular at the only tattoo shop in Salt Lake City, Utah where he learned to appreciate the art-form that was so taboo back then; especially in a conservative state like Utah.

With a drive for art early on, Jon became an accomplished artist, displaying much of his artwork uninvitedly around Salt Lake City and surrounding cities on rooftops, alleyways, abandoned buildings and in particular the freight trains passing through the local train yards. - It is the Golden Spike Empire. Once the center of the freight train world.

After growing-up, Jon continued his artistic career through schooling, training, hard work, and dedication. Jon has been a devoted professional artist since 1992 and has won numerous awards over the years for his tattoos, illustrations, and commercial art abilities. Jon has always made a living as an artist but transitioned into his long time dream of becoming a tattoo artist after tiring of the stuffy corporate environments in the commercial advertising world.

Jon is a clean, friendly, professional classically trained artist that loves his job. Since the early 2000’s, Jon has earned a reputation as an award winning tattoo artist around the world. Consistently surpassing the expectations of his clients and their referrals with the best possible tattoos while staying within each individual's budget with his efficient style of Tattooing. Working in the top tattoo shops in the world Jon learned how to work with each client to create a work they can be proud of and show for a lifetime.

Jon has progressed through many artistic style changes in the last 3 decades. This has allowed Jon to remain quite flexible in his approach to tattooing, He has adapted easily to changing styles that have become popular as tattooing has exploded in popularity in the past 5-10 years.

These days Jon is getting back to the roots. He learned to apply ancient Tribal patterns as an apprentice early on, and has taken those skills to what some call Viking Tribal… in reality Jon focuses on Nordic, Pagan, and Viking inspired Tattoos that tell a story and decorate modern warriors searching for a connection to the past. Including: Custom Runes, Bindrunes, Magic Sigils, Nordic Tattoo Sleeves and Back Pieces, Viking Knotwork and Ancient Nordic Beasts described in the ancient sagas and poetic eddas. Jon also enjoys Celtic Knotwork, Sacred Geometry andalso Ornamental Tribal.

Jon has been featured in Northern Black’s Nordic Tattoo Artists as one of the worlds TOP Nordic Tattoo Artist - Not just the United States; the world, and one of a handful of highly skilled artists that specialized in this style in the Americas.

No tattoo is too small or too big, you name it, Jon has done it, or something similar to it and would love to work with you if it falls within his scope.

Jon stays quite busy these days. Please be prepared to wait a few months to get into his schedule. He does his best to accommodate every tattoo that is requested, but has learned that it is impossible to tattoo everyone, So, as long as the tattoo is a good fit for this award winning, in-demand artist and you trust the process, you will get a one of a kind piece of art that you’ll admire for a lifetime. Take some time and read The Next Steps, and The Process written to familiarize clients with the process ahead. We have made it as easy as possible to get your custom nordic tattoo here at Ancient Marks.