Ami James standing between James and Sheena at Gods of Ink tattoo convention (James Rammell)
“Ami James was going to be attending? He was going to be less than two hours from us? I had to get tickets.”
— James Rammell
I met my wife Sheena in March 2004. She had been through quite a bit of hardship early in her life, so she let me know that if she ever got a tattoo, she wanted to get a Japanese koi fish representing strength and perseverance. A year later Sheena gave birth to our daughter despite being told she wouldn’t be able to get pregnant, let alone survive the pregnancy, so the thought of getting a koi tattoo was again on her mind. Later that summer, the television show “Miami Ink” premiered. Sheena and I loved watching the show together. Ami James’s Japanese tattoos were the highlight for us. The artwork was always perfect with beautiful color combinations. One night, Sheena declared, “I want Ami to tattoo my koi.” I laughed, “Well if we can ever afford to go to Miami and can get an appointment with him, we’ll make it happen.” I never expected to be able to give her the tattoo she wanted.
18 years later, a tattoo artist that I follow named Colin Dale posted on his social media that he would be attending the Gods of Ink 2024 tattoo convention in Frankfurt. I immediately messaged him asking if he would be interested in starting a large project with me. He politely declined, stating that he only did small pieces at conventions. I was disappointed but decided to check out the other artists that would be attending. Just a few names down, I saw a name I recognized. I was in disbelief. Ami James was going to be attending? He was going to be less than two hours from us? I had to get tickets. Just getting Sheena in his presence would make me Husband of the Year! I knew, however, that there was no chance that an artist of his caliber would have time to tattoo her. Then I was reminded of some advice that a Senior Master Sergeant once told me: “Never self-eliminate.” I sent him a message on Instagram explaining Sheena’s history and asking if he had time to tattoo a koi for her. I didn’t expect him to respond at all, let alone be able to make time for her. But, a few days later, he responded and said he could fit her in easily.
We arrived at the convention as soon as it opened. Sheena’s appointment wasn’t until later in the day, but we wanted to walk around and see the other artists. The level of talent in that building was astounding. Artists such as Deanna James, Jon Nelson, Julian Siebert, Chris Garver and Mat Rule were amazing to see. The convention was marketed as having “the world’s best artists,” and it certainly delivered. We found Ami James and identified ourselves. He greeted us like we were old friends, “Great to meet you! I’m Ami,” he said shaking my hand and hugging Sheena. She nearly melted on the spot.
Ami James and Sheena at Gods of Ink tattoo convention (James Rammell)
When it was time for our appointment, he hand-drew her koi on her inner forearm and got to work, giving me the chance to chat with him while she centered herself and stayed still. I told him, “I’d love to get tattooed while I’m here, but I doubt anyone has any appointments left at this point.” He responded, “Well I can tattoo you. What do you want?” Taken aback, I said, “I don’t know much about Japanese tattoos. I wouldn’t know what to ask for.” He asked me about my background and said that a foo dog would be a good fit for me. After agreeing to meet the next day, we left with Sheena’s beautiful koi tattoo. That night, he drew up what would be my first color tattoo. Just looking at it I could tell it was done by a master, even if it was on the small side. It was an amazing experience that we never imagined we’d have in our lives.
Nine months later, Gods of Ink 2025 was announced. I was itching for new ink, so I checked the artist list and saw Ami James was attending again. Sheena said she only wanted some water added to her koi, but I let it be known that I wanted a bigger piece from him. I had learned by this time that most people think artists like Ami James are eternally booked out, so they don’t bother. I messaged him, and after some back-and-forth discussing how I wanted a cover-up tattoo on my right arm, he agreed to book me in for the second day of the convention. I didn’t expect him to work on me for so long, but we went for seven hours with only two quick bathroom breaks. It was absolutely worth the pain and is now one of my favorite tattoos. And he’s one of my favorite people.
Editor’s Note: This article was written by a member of the local military community, not an employee of Stars and Stripes. Neither the organization nor the content is being represented by Stars and Stripes or the Department of Defense.
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