Meet Zac Adams | Tattoo Artist and Shop Owner

We had the good fortune of connecting with Zac Adams and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Zac, how has your work-life balance changed over time?
In the beginning, there was no balance; it was full tilt all the way. Not having a safety net and starting my own business, along with building my reputation from scratch (I just moved back from the Carolinas) became the focus. I started early and stayed late, losing track of time and working as much as possible. I left no stone unturned, trying to build up the Inkeeper’s name and become successful. As hours turned into days, days into weeks, and weeks into months, I realized I wasn’t taking much time off. The friendships I had built up over the years dwindled away, and the family dynamic I once loved and relied on slipped right through the cracks. Instead of spending time with the ones I cared about, I was spending my nights alone or with clients working through the tough times, patiently manifesting the good times. It takes a lot out of you, I’ll tell you that. Convincing yourself it’s all worth it when you are running on fumes and have nothing left to give is all you can do. I had to consciously make efforts to gather free-time and make room for other activities. Devoting even one night away from the shop felt like I was cheating on the dream. Although I knew I had to climb that never ending mountain of entrepreneurship, I also needed to get some of the weight off my shoulders . The half day spent riding the motorbike or playing music with my band refreshed my head enough to get back in the chair and grind another few nights away. I kept that routine going up until my daughter was born a few years later. Even then I couldn’t pull myself away from the shop as much as I wanted only because now I had much more riding on the success of the business. I HAD to make it, there wasn’t another option,
Having a child really changes your perspective on things. The expectations of a father extend far beyond that of financial stability. An effort must be made to be physically present and spend the time needed to develop those bonds and build that relationship. Such a great dichotomy to be faced with; providing love while providing bread. It forces you to make decisions you normally wouldn’t make. “Do I work all day and night or do I set aside this day to spend it with my kiddo.” You learn pretty quick what kind of person you are going to be when it comes down to it. I realized immediately I was a dad first, businessman second, and that’s all I needed to start making those changes. I cleared my schedule to leave open the days I had my daughter and hired more artists to fill the gaps. I finally understood the meaning of work/home life balance.
As we grew and got busier, I took more time off as counterintuitive as that sounds. I spent more time at home and delegated even more responsibility to everyone at the shop. I had to learn that running a successful business didn’t mean I had to be a slave to it. There will always be people to tattoo and always be more clients to fill the spots, but there will never be another 4th birthday party. Those little handprints and messes don’t last forever, and you can’t get this time back. Don’t forget what’s important through all of this. I think I’ve found a good middle ground between home, work, family, and business. It’s just a matter of maintaining it through the years to come.

Let’s talk shop? Tell us more about your career, what can you share with our community?
I love making something from nothing. Bringing an idea to life and helping a client tell their story through tattooing is the most exciting part of my job. I think what sets me apart from the herd is my attitude and my positivity in the shop. No matter what you come in for or what you want to get done, I’m there amping you up and pumped to be part of it. I take pride In every single piece I get the opportunity to work on and I am grateful for each person that chooses me to help them wear their story. It wasn’t an easy road to get where I am today, and it’s still not over. There are going to be more bumps and curves ahead and you never know what’s around the next turn, but I fully embrace each challenge and I know it only helps me grow as an artist. They say hard work beats talent, when talent doesn’t work hard, and I’m where I am today because of my tenacity, not my skill. I never take no for an answer and stay consistent even outlook is dim. It’s all in the mentality and the love for what you are doing. Staying hungry for more and finding the beauty in the mundane has helped me overcome any obstacles that I have faced.
One of the greatest lessons I’ve learned through tattooing has been patience. Understanding to love the process, just as much, if not more than the outcome has been life changing. Its helped me in my personal life just as much as my professional career. All good things take time to create, and there’s no benefit to rushing. It’s all in the details and appreciating the nuances that make up tattooing. From the setup and preparation to the end result and clients smile, it’s an incredible feeling when it all comes together.
I’m here to help people Wear Their Story and show them they don’t have to be stuck with the skin they’re in.

Let’s say your best friend was visiting the area and you wanted to show them the best time ever. Where would you take them? Give us a little itinerary – say it was a week long trip, where would you eat, drink, visit, hang out, etc.
Weve got one week to explore the city and find the best spots northeast Ohio has to offer, Taking the side roads and alleyways to seek out the best locations where the drinks flow, the food hits just right, and the people make the scene, Ive got a list of some of my favorite things to do and places to see and you’re coming with me on this adventure for the next 7 days, so strap in and get ready to roll. That Monday morning sun comes poking through the clouds and follows us out to get the week started at the shop. The Inkeeper’s Tattoo parlor has some of the best artists around. Take a tour through the plant rooms, check out the reptile wall, and get that tattoo you’ve been putting off before we head out for a bite to eat. Just down the road is Milk and Honey, an old-time burger joint with great ice cream and homemade chocolates you can’t get enough of. Save room for drinks and swings at 1899 Indoor golf. Awesome cocktails and great service, its always a good time golfing without walking all over the course. Capping off the night with a trip to Benders in downtown Massillon for some the best pizza and cheapest drinks around, one of our regular spots at least twice a week.
Tuesdays breakfast starts at the Cameo in Massillon like it did when i was a kid. Nostalgic and delicious, you can go wrong with anything they serve. After that we’re heading over to Ernie’s and renting some bikes to ride out on the towpath, or renting canoes to float down the Tusc. Always a good idea to get out in some nature, and it doesn’t hurt to burn some of those breakfast calories off. Once we make it back from the long journey down the river or up the bike path, we gotta stop off and refuel. We’re rolling out to a hidden gem called Francisco’s in Canton for the best carnitas and margaritas I’ve ever had, The owner, Francisco, makes the experience one in a million, and does literally everything, The freshest pico, salsa and chips, amazing service and an awesome dining room, i could eat here 3 times a week and not be sick of it. Of course you have to visit the Hall of Fame Village and take a tour of the football epicenter. Check out all the newly built spots and soak upon one of America’s finest pastimes,
Wednesday comes a little too soon after all those margaritas from the night before, so we hit Muggswigz for some espresso and their awesome baked goods. A hot americano and some morsi’s and were good to go. On our way downtown we stop at Fomage du Monde where they import some of the best meats and cheeses from all over the world. Sample anything they have to offer and fill your bag with the most delicious charcuterie your can find. I love to get a baguette and bottle of good wine save it all for a late lunch in the park. Only a stones throw away is Milestone, one of my favorite places to wind down with a good cocktail or craft beer, a board game and some of the best specialty hotdogs I’ve ever had. It’s a ton of fun, and they have rooms you can rent for large parties or tables in the main rooms for just casually hanging out. The owners are awesome and service is friendly and this is one of the highlight spots in canton for sure,
Thursday morning we’ve gotta regroup and get our minds right at the Mystic Float and Wellness center. From massage, to salt caves to float tanks its all about centering your chi and feeling like your best self. Relax and find your balance before we head over for lunch at the Conestoga, an old mafia bar under the old Onesto Hotel. With Big Tim in the kitchen and great drinks and bartenders out front you can’t go wrong. Then its off to another staple in Canton, Quonset Hut, to dig through crates of vinyl until our fingers bleed. I couldn’t wait to get out of school when i was a kid and go through all the bins until they kicked us out and closed for the night, While you’re there, stop into the smoke shop, the frisbee golf section next to the skateboards and the massive selection of incense, candles and tarot sets., It’s an awesome place and worth a visit every chance you get. Now back to Massillon for Thursday Jam Night at T.J. Dillons pub off Erie street. The drinks are cheap and the food is great, Greg and Kent run the restaurant right and keep the seats and bellies full. Out back on the patio the air is electric with the sound of blues and rock and roll from the musicians jamming deep into the night. I always bring my guitar and try to sit in with some of my heroes playing some of my favorites, there’s nothing quite like spending time with good people and good tunes on a hot summer night,
We’re saving up all morning and afternoon for First Friday…All the bars and restaurants are open and ready for action. We’ll start at Georges Lounge for an amazing burger and cheap boilermakers, and then head over to the Centennial Plaza for some live music and some dancing. See the sights and hear the sounds of Canton in this wide open Amphitheater in the center of downtown. Now it’s time hit Basil for some sake and a hand roll, then back over to the Imperial Room for more drinks and some pool. We always save room for supper on Friday nights and its always a good idea to call ahead and make sure there’s room for two at Fronimos. Star and Christina run one of the best restaurants in Canton for high end eats and higher end drinks, A Fronimos Martini or a bottle or two of there reds will set you right as you order small plates of seared scallops, braised beef over polenta, veal meatballs and hot peppers, fried green tomatoes; the list goes on and on. Don’t forget about desert to close the night and tuck you in to a food coma, It’s just one of those places that makes you feel like family and is always worth the trip.
Saturday morning comes quick after a heavy Friday, so a big breakfast is always a good idea, Pete’s Restaurant off Tusc or Top of the Viaduct in downtown Massillon are two of my favorite spots to beat a hangover. Load up on huge plates of amazing food and then head over to Tremont Coffee for a double espresso or a hot honey badger. Then we’re cruising over to Akron to visit the animals at the zoo. It’s come a long way since i was a kid and has gotten better and better over the years, It’s one of my kids favorite places and we always look forward to the new exhibits and events they put on, Once we leave there we’re headed to top golf to have a couple drinks and hit a few golf balls. Get the led out at the driving range and build up an appetite for a diamond in the rough. Benders Tavern in downtown Canton brings you the freshest seafood and most delicious steaks since 1902. Absolutely love the food and service here, you can really feel the history when you walk in. Marble walls and antique wood, upscale cocktails and Michelin worthy chefs, its a diamond in the rough, The mussels and oysters kill it everytime, but that’s just the tip of the iceberg. Try the turtle soup and order a manhattan and call me in the morning.
Sunday, Bloody Sunday, Ill forego breakfast and head straight for brunch at Sukura Japanese Sushi and Hibachi in Belden Village. Incredible japanese food, i can’t go a week without the fried hamachi cheek, the sweet potato rolls, and the grilled octopus, its one of the best places I’ve ever eaten. From hand rolls to hibachi you can’t go wrong with anything on the menu. Fill up on sake and order an extra round of Nigori because this is where our journey ends. I think i speak for both of us when i say its time for a well deserved nap. Thanks for coming along with me on this week long endeavor of meals and libations, and dont wait so long to visit next time!

Who else deserves some credit and recognition?
I think one of my biggest supporters through the years has been my sister Keeley. In the roughest seas she was always my lighthouse and always lit the way. No matter how far from home I was or how lost I got, she was there without judgement to give me a place to sleep and food to eat. I wouldn’t be who I am today without her grace and patience as I fumbled my way down the wrong roads, desperately searching for my way in life. Im eternally grateful for the love and support she has shown me even when her tank was on empty and she had to smile through gritted teeth. Our bond has been strong since we were kids but it has flourished in our adulthood; helping each other make it through tough times when either of us could have given up. Watching her raise my nieces and nephew has inspired me to become the father I am today. Her thoughtful words and kind heart, selflessness, and generosity has made a huge impact on how I raise my daughter. If I could only be half the parent she is it would be more than enough. A mentor in the finest sense, I admire her so much and love her dearly. The life lessons and special times we’ve shared are forever ingrained in my mind as some of my favorite memories. I can’t say enough about her and the effort she’s put into my life. I’m so honored to be your brother, best friend and confidante and I’m so proud of everything you’ve done—for you, for the family, the kids and mom and dad—and I just wanted to say thank you sis.

Website: www.Inkeeperstattoo.com

Instagram: www.instagram.com/theinkeeper

Facebook: Facebook.com/theinkeeperstattooparlor

Other: Www.zacadamstattoos.com

Image Credits
Ben Lehman