J.J. Ortiz, a first generation Mexican-American, was born and raised in Goleta California. Growing up in the Villa Esperanza Housing Complex, J.J. was introduced to the art of tattooing at an early age. He was inspired by the cholo style motifs he saw being tattooed on neighbors and relatives. At the age of thirteen, J.J. started tattooing but began his formal apprenticeship when he was 21 under local legend Pablo Sela.
Artistically, J.J. was influenced by the fine line, black and grey style of Sela's mentor Freddy Negrete. J.J. also has been heavily influenced by Roger Seliner, who was featured in the "Rides of Passage" and is well-known in Santa Barbara for his portraits.
As the Co-Founder of 805 Ink, J.J. wanted to open a tattoo shop that would truly capture the local feel of Santa Barbara. Unlike other area shops, whose ownership and management is not local, 805 ink is owned and operated by Santa Barbara locals.
J.J. completed his Associates Degree at Santa Barbara City College and his Bachelors Degree in Liberal Studies at California State Northridge.
