Welcoming 2013

As I stand (actually I'm sitting down) or the threshold of yet another year I can't help but to think about what has transpired over the last 12 months.

I moved back to Philly alone. I've now taken public transportation 4 sometimes 6 days a week back and forth (with the exception of some gracious friends who have driven me) for a whopping 5 hour round trip. I attended the Philadelphia, Tampa (which was not in Tampa), Wildwood and Atlantic City conventions.. I had a vacations to Boston, NYC and I also attended my first Fantasy Fest in Key West. I again returned to the PA Ren Faire and found an amazing restaurant which has quickly become one of my favorites.

In 2011 I wanted to get into magazines and started a successful campaign which got my work in over a dozen magazines. Not bad for never having sent a single thing into any magazine before. But 2012 was my year to do conventions. First was Philly and it was a big one! I've been to the Body Art Expo in Pomona California and that was probably bigger, but not by much. There were so many really talented artists in attendance this year and I was lucky enough to be fairly busy the whole weekend. Then came Tampa... This was a nice get a way type convention, too bad it wasn't IN Tampa. Needless to say it was kind of a bust. We even broke down Saturday night and headed up to Tampa for a day of fun in the sun before we had to head back. It wasn't a total loss as I met some really cool people. Then at the end of summer was the Wildwood Tattoo Beach Bash, a small venue but still a great time. Met some super awesome people and won my first ever trophy from a tattoo convention and discovered Menz's restaurant. The final convention was Atlantic City. A convention plagued with bad rumors of ever lacking attendance and poor planning. I can't say much good about it. Fellow up and coming artist Nicole Thompson (who took first place) and I collaborated on a set of color flash sheets that brought home our second trophy, so it wasn't all bad.

2012 saw me visiting Boston with renowned piercer Dave (idermal) Hurban. It was a short visit but we saw some amazing sites in such a Historic town and we enjoyed some amazing food. I can not wait to go back and do some more exploring. My son and I had a couple of trips to NYC. It is one of my favorite cities and I love taking my son to explore everything that the city has to offer. My last adventure was with fellow artist and shop owner Randi Polillo where we attended our first (and not last) Fantasy Fest in Key West Florida. We did get a little side track when we missed our connecting flight and had to stay overnight in Atlanta. But, we made the best of our time there and visited the Atlanta Aquarium where I saw my first Whale Shark. Five of them to be exact! Then it was off to the Keys for some adult fun. Wow. That's about all I can say, that, and that I'm looking forward to going back next year.

Come and gone are Hurricane Sandy, the Mayan "end of the world" calendar scare, a reelection of President Obama, legalization of marijuana, and a bunch of other news worthy "events".  

So just what is 2013 gonna have in store? I for one am going to refocus on my art. I'll be getting a car and license soon thus my commute will be shorter giving me more time to get some things done. I hope to get back to submitting photos to magazine, redesigning my website and building my body painting portfolio for next years Fantasy Fest! I look forward to strengthening bonds with my some friends and letting go of frienemies. Its time to focus and have fun. Its time to get more tattoos and live a live worth living!

So be safe and I hope to see you when we welcome in 2014 which will be here before you know it...

Tis the season....

Well its that time of year again. The Holidays are here and everyone is running around looking for that perfect gift to give someone special. But maybe you have forgotten something. Remember when you stopped into the tattoo studio this past summer and talked to an artist and they told you that if you were gonna be out in the sun that getting a tattoo in the summer was a bad idea? Well summers over! The time for sitting on the beach roasting under the sun has past. NOW is the time to get in and get that awesome new bright and vibrant tattoo! If you get it now you wont have to avoid the sun surf and sand. It will be completely healed before you run out having to find that new swim suit thats gonna make everyone else notice you. And if you are thinking that you don't have the cash right now think again!

Most tattoo studios including Dynasty Tattoo are running some sort of specials. Either they have discounts on gift certificates or are collecting for Toys for Tots or perhaps they are even collecting like we do for one family who is in dire need. So a $20 investment can get you a $300 gift certificate! Tell me where you are going to get a better deal then that? What better way to give AND get? That surely will give you that warm tingly feeling and by warm tingly feeling I mean the feeling of tattoo needles across your skin.

So while you are out and about doing your part to boost the economy why not swing by Newfield and stop into Dynasty Tattoo and drop off a $20 gift (must bring a receipt) and maybe win a sweet gift for yourself? See Ya There!

Help Restore the Jersey Shore!

No I'm not trying to bring back the dumb mind numbing show that made morons famous for no reason. I'm talking about helping out a good cause for those who truly are in need of help due to the devastating destruction hurricane Sandy caused. Since Dynasty Tattoo is located in South Jersey many of our clients have been affected by this unfortunate turn of events and since we weathered the storm and emerged unscathed we wanted to organize something to raise money to donate to the southern New Jersey chapter of the Red Cross. So for one day only, November the 12th from 2pm until the last person is tattooed or pierced Dynasty Tattoo will be offering 50% OFF ALL piercings & $50 NJ tattoos where 50% of the proceeds will be donated. Also taking place will be a sale of original artwork from the staff and local artists of which 75% of the profits will be donated. And that's not all! We will also be hosting a chinese auction where you could win a gift basket generously donated by one of many amazing local businesses. Or just show your support by purchasing a "Restore the Shore" bracelet. There truly is something for everyone so please pass this along, tell everyone you know and lets raise some money for those in need because every little bit helps.

Also this November I will be offering exclusive deals to help those in need of my services save some cash for the holidays yet still scratch their itch for some new ink. So starting November the12th-16th you can take 25% off any new cover ups. Here is your chance to get that hideous piece of shit covered up. Why rock some shitty home made tattoo when a real artist is willing to cover it up at 25% off his normal hourly rate? During the week of November the 19th-23rd I will offer a discount on all tattoos I've started but have yet to finish. $100 dollars and hour. Thats $25 dollars off the normal hourly rate! So get that piece finished so you aren't looking at just an outline anymore!! And lastly November the 26th-30th I will be offering a discount on all sketch book designs (I'll make an album on my facebook fan page so you all know where to look). This discount will vary depending on the design and size etc but trust me I will make it worth it I promise. So there you are three weeks of discounts good only on people who actually book an appointment! Get in on it now because these time slots could be gone fast!