Not long ago I did a piece about how tattooing equipment should be as regulated as the artists are. Well, if that one didn’t convince you that this is a real problem in the tattoo community which should be addressed, maybe the story of this jerk will.
George “Hook” Jerutis, 54, a tattoo artist in Joliet Chicago was arrested this year for tattooing a four year old. Yep, you heard me right, (and believe me I’m not too thrilled with his nickname, either), a toddler. This isn’t the first time the self taught scratcher, he doesn’t deserve the title tattoo artist, has been in trouble with the law over tattooing minors, either. According to the Joliet Herald News he was previously arrested in 2001 tattooing a 13-year-old and two 15-year-olds.
In the “I have only three functioning brain cells.” department, what got this jerk busted this time was a picture he posted on his “Learn to Tattoo” website of him putting a real tattoo on a four year old. Again, you heard me correctly, a “Learn to Tattoo” website that promises to make anyone a tattoo artist, complete with a certificate that you can wipe your dumb ass with, via an online course!
George freely admits on his site that he, “…decided to buy a Tattoo kit and start Tattooing.” Not only that, but, “Well I thought the next logical step was to share what I have learned over the last 26 years. Just another way to give back. So I wrote a Tattoo Textbook and got it copyrighted with the Library of Congress. I will use a electronic version of the book for the Online Apprenticeship.”
If this guy isn’t a walking poster child for why the supply industry needs to be regulated, I don’t know who is.
He even goes so far as to deride tattoo schools where you actually have to be there in order to learn, and even has the nerve to call it “Common Sense.” Too bad he doesn’t have any himself.
“There are a lot of Tattoo schools out there and they cost a pretty penny to go to ( any where from$1200.00 to $2000.00 for 3 days). You will learn the fundamentals, but you have to travel to them. Here is one you can stay at home with and learn at your own pace.”
No shit, Sherlock. In case you didn’t know learning the art of tattooing is a hands on thing, not something you can distance learn like one of those cheap learn at home accounting courses that won’t hold water with any degree.
Think that George’s course is a bargain at $500.00? Think again. Basically the “Apprenticeship” is just his book with a couple of online “tests” thrown in to make is seem like your not paying that price for his book. Personally, I have serious doubts that his book is worth $500.00. I also have to wonder what advice it gives for tattooing minors? Give ‘em a lollipop and tell ‘em not to squirm so much? Anyone stupid enough to fall for this scam is a sucker in their own right.
Police believe there are other children in the south suburbs with Jerutis’ tattoo ink under their skin, and they want to know how many. Any parent who suspects his or her child was tattooed by Jerutis is asked to contact the Shorewood Police Department.
At least if he gets what he deserves this time, he’ll have a way to make a living behind bars.
Now if you all will forgive me…I have a sudden urge to puke.