Celebrity Tattoo Artist JonBoy Opens N.Y.C. Studio at Dream Downtown (Exclusive)

A New Chapter for Jonathan “JonBoy” Valena in New York City

Jonathan “JonBoy” Valena, a globally recognized tattoo artist known for his intricate micro-style line work, is finally setting up shop in New York City. His new studio, located within the lobby of Dream Downtown in the Meatpacking District, marks a significant milestone in his career and personal journey.

Dream Downtown has announced that JonBoy will have a permanent studio in its main lobby, offering by appointment-only sessions that can be booked on jonboyttattoos.com. These sessions start at $1,000, reflecting the high demand for his unique artistry. With half a million followers on Instagram, JonBoy’s work has captured the attention of celebrities and fans alike, making his presence in New York City a highly anticipated event.

For JonBoy, having his own studio is more than just a business venture—it's a dream come true. “You watched Sex and the City, right?” he asks during a tour of the boutique hotel’s luxurious King Guest House. The hotel is also developing a Penthouse Tattoo package that will combine a stay in the penthouse with a custom experience with JonBoy. This partnership highlights the growing synergy between the artist and the iconic venue.

JonBoy’s journey to New York City was not immediate. When he first moved to Manhattan, he described himself as “wide-eyed” and struggled to find his footing. He recalls feeling lonely and getting into trouble, but these experiences taught him valuable lessons that helped him stay on the straight and narrow. Eventually, he landed a gig at GunBar in the Meatpacking District, which brought him closer to Dream Downtown.

Despite the challenges, JonBoy found a sense of belonging in the area. “Being from the Midwest, when you come out here, you’re like, ‘What is Meatpacking about?’ For me, it became a go-to spot,” he explains. His early days were filled with hard work and perseverance, including long hours in a small booth with minimal lighting. He even remembers being mistaken for a DJ at one point, which added an unexpected twist to his experience.

JonBoy’s connection with Dream Downtown deepened over time. He recalls trying to get into the hotel’s former nightlife hotspot, Electric Room, and even using the name of Jonathan Schwartz, now one of his closest friends, to gain entry. Today, he is a fixture at the hotel, a testament to his growth and success.

The opportunity to open a studio at Dream Downtown came unexpectedly. While in Colombia working with a celebrity client, JonBoy received a call from Drew Barrymore, who asked him to tattoo herself and Savannah Guthrie on The Drew Barrymore Show. This experience led to a conversation with Sean Olmstead, general manager of Dream Downtown, who proposed the idea of a studio within the hotel.

Initially hesitant, JonBoy was reluctant to settle down and live in New York. However, he eventually saw the potential in the opportunity. Now, he is preparing to open his studio, describing the space as a reflection of the hotel’s “vibey” chrome and black color palette. He envisions intimate sessions where clients can choose their music and even collaborate with him on designs.

JonBoy emphasizes the importance of creating a space where everyone feels valued. “I want them to feel like, ‘Wow, he made me feel like someone.’ I often hear, ‘Man, I never would've thought you'd be like this.’ But we are all equal, and that's important,” he says.

Inspired by his mother and sister, JonBoy hopes to create a space that highlights female tattoo artists, adding another layer to his vision. This dream within a dream reflects his commitment to supporting and empowering others in the industry.

In addition to his artistic pursuits, JonBoy is focusing on self-care and wellness. Drawing from his Filipino heritage, he values the importance of taking care of oneself. With the support of his girlfriend, Kristin, he has incorporated exfoliation and LED light therapy masks into his routine. The couple is also planning a trip to Asia for salmon sperm facials, highlighting his dedication to maintaining both physical and mental well-being.

Kristin plays a significant role in JonBoy’s life, challenging him to grow and push his boundaries. He credits New York City for providing everything he has today, despite the challenges of the pandemic, rising costs, and loneliness. “There's something beautiful and magical about this city that you can't get anywhere else,” he says.

Reflecting on his journey, JonBoy acknowledges the moments of doubt and failure. “Sometimes you have those moments of weakness where you're like, ‘Am I going to succeed or am I going to fail?’ And I have failed here. But we lived in cockroach-infested apartments in Chicago,” he recalls. These experiences have made him grateful for every day.

As he prepares to open his studio, JonBoy remains focused on his purpose. “If my purpose is to make someone feel great or heal someone in part of that journey, then that's what I want to live for,” he says. Picking up his pencil, he adds, “I don’t know. I just do tattoos.”

Book a session with JonBoy at Dream Downtown to experience his artistry firsthand.