Skin Deep: J. Colby Smith

When the A-list fashion set in NYC want to embellish their features with unique, eye-catching piercings, there is only one person they turn to. His name is J. Colby Smith, and honestly, he’s one of the most laid-back and personable people you’ll ever encounter. If you’re ever planning on having a sensitive area of your body pierced with jewelry, he’s the serene Gemini you’d want doing the lancing. Originally hailing from Utah, he currently resides in NYC, and he also spends a lot of time in Los Angeles. We managed to lure him away from his NY Adorned studio for a ridiculously fun shoot at our Soho headquarters. See the interview below:

Can you give us the abridged version of how you made the transition from being a snowboarder in Utah to a highly sought after body piercer in NYC?

Growing up in Utah, it’s fairly common to pick up a winter sport. Being a skateboarder, I naturally gravitated towards snowboarding. I spent several winter seasons working random jobs at a local resort for low pay, but with the glory of holding a season pass. This allowed me to ride all day everyday. Eventually I found my home within the ski school, peddling lessons to beginners aka foreign babes. This lifestyle sent me on my piercing journey. A close friend I’d rode with for years opened a tattoo shop in a small college town and asked if I had any interest in learning how to pierce. After some time working there, I outgrew the college town and made my way to Salt Lake City where I worked for some years before moving to New York City. The move was on a whim and immediately I realized that I was a very small fish in a giant ocean. Through a series of events that unfolded organically, I found my current home at New York Adorned. The shop and city have helped me cultivate my style and find my place in the world. I’ve put my head down and put everything I’ve had into refining my craft from start to finish. And on the way, I’ve had a lot of amazing people cheering me on and catapulting me into the unthinkable.

How were your first years in NYC? Did you fit right in to the speed of the city or did you go through a rocky adjustment period?

Honestly, I hated NY during the first few years. I had traded a comfortable life for one that was completely unpredictable. However, I think it’s important to leave your comfort zones to accomplish new things so I did it. It’s true what they say about struggle and how it makes you hungry. It took me a while to figure out exactly where I fit into NYC but now it scares me to think about leaving.

Being a piercer involves a lot of close contact with people while calming their fears and making them feel comfortable. Would you say that you’re a bona fide “people person?”

I really enjoy people and I think that’s why I haven’t burned out on my trade. My secret is I make it as fun for myself as I do for them. If we are both having a good time, it’s hard to go wrong. I didn’t attend college so travel and conversation are my sources of education. I try to learn as much as I can from everyone I meet.

You also mentioned that “beauty” plays a major role in how you approach your piercings – can you explain that a little further?
I think beauty is a feeling. For example, getting a nice haircut makes you feel good about yourself. Piercings work in the same way. I see the way people light up when they look in the mirror and see their piercing for the first time. It’s truly beautiful to watch.

Chinatown Shopping With J.Colby Smith

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In addition to your piercing schedule, you also find time to design jewelry. Tell us a little bit about the design process and the type of jewelry you make?

I spend a lot of time looking at jewelry and thinking about how it works in the body. I enjoy learning and understanding processes so I know what’s possible and what’s not possible when it comes to jewelry and the body. This is helpful information when I’m creating new things. I like to touch the first pieces and understand their process before putting them into production. I do a little of everything, when inspiration strikes. It could be body jewelry, necklaces or hair accessories. Anything goes, why limit myself?

Let’s talk a little bit about your personal style. What is your daily uniform, and also, what’s your choice of outerwear for battling the NYC winter?
I try to keep it classic so that old photos don’t come back to haunt me. Some nice lived-in denim jeans and a button-down are my daily uniform. Winter is all about layers, which I love. I usually stack button-downs, sweaters and flannels under a nice warm coat. I live in thermal leggings till spring.

We also read that you’re a vegan. Is it hard to keep with that in a city that has endless carnivorous culinary options?
Well, it’s also the city that has endless vegan options.

At this point in your career, you’re able to create your own schedule and fully enjoy your downtime. What do you usually do with yourself on a casual day off?
If I’m not traveling, you can find me in Williamsburg catching up with friends over brunch or coffee. I try not to leave the neighborhood, since it has a great chill vibe that’s crucial for keeping my sanity. I have a Great Dane that roams around WB with me, popping in and out of the local shops. My point is: the less I’m doing, the better.

And he makes Capuccinos too …

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The Holidays are already upon us – what is the one thing you want the most for Xmas this year?

I want for everyone who puts efforts into war to change their focus to peace and unite as a species to undo the damage we’ve inflicted upon the earth. Also…Bernie Sanders for president in 2016.

Lastly, what exciting projects are in-store for you for the year ahead?
I have a couple of collaborations coming up and some European pop-ups I’m excited about. My goal is to travel more in 2016, make holes and fill them with gold everywhere I go.