In this episode of State of Minds, Hoppy Kercheval sits down with Jacob Gordon, the visionary tattoo artist and co-owner of Morgantown’s Katana Gold, to discuss his evolution from a teenage apprentice in Bruceton Mills to an internationally acclaimed creator. Jake details the development of his signature "negative style," explaining how he utilizes high-contrast color theory and negative space to create distinct designs that have drawn clients from as far away as Ireland. The conversation dives deep into the discipline required for his craft, exploring the physical and artistic demands of executing large-scale, multi-session body art projects that treat the human form as a canvas. Jake also addresses the broader perception of the industry, highlighting his mission to break regional stereotypes by proving that world-class fine art and creative talent thrive right here in West Virginia.