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!

No! Oh God, No!

If you are an fellow artist then you will know exactly what I'm talking about here. You might even find it humorous. If you are a client of mine you might have heard me talk about this subject. And if you are planning on getting a new tattoo pay attention.

So let me set the scenario for you, we are diligently working away when someone enters the studio. They would like to talk to an artist about getting a tattoo. If it is a female she wants flowers with some swirly things. If the new client to be is a male he might want tribal. In both cases the have a reference picture, more and more often its on their phone (please stop with the cell phone pics). Very rarely its on printed paper.

Every time I'm hoping to see something new, something yet undiscovered. Yet its always the same...




Here are the images...

 

The big pink & yellow lilies that end in swirls on ribs.

 

 The really bad lily, stars and swirls...

 

The classic black and grey roses with swirls, on ribs.

 

The Hibiscus, with names on hips.

 

And the super photoshopped douche tribal that doesn't match.

If I have to see these images again I might have to pluck my eyes out! Please allow me to explain, when you Google something, the images that appear first are the most popular. Thus your "original" idea if found on the first page of images probably isn't too original. I know me and other artists have joked about it. All we have to say are things like "flowers on ribs", and we automatically know what images we are thinking of. 

I get it, you were looking for a design and saw something that struck your fancy. But take it a step further, look up some actual real flowers. Try searching without the word tattoo. Find some flowers you actually like. Allow us to turn those into a beautiful side piece for you. But please for the sake of all things holy, stop bringing us these images! Lol, that is all.

Philly Tattoo Convention, DONE!

So the Philly convention was amazing, the arctic weather rolled in but didn't stop the crowds from filling the new venue. So on the topic of the venue I have some opinions I'd like to share (lol, of course I do right?). First, the security and hassle of coming and going. Going was never really an issue, if you wanted to leave, all you had to do was follow the exits. But getting in was a different story! On the first day we were allowed in via a long wait to check in, get our passes, booth location etc. No problems, however once in we were told if we exited the building we had to wait in the long lines of patrons still coming in! How about an artist re-entry area, we have passes that the regular attendees don't have...Just a thought. Then on the two subsequent days we the artists again had to wait in long lines to be scanned for weapons. LOL Yeah I dropped $600 on a booth so I could smuggle a knife into the show so later I can shank someone! Are they joking? Besides my knife was in my kit that didn't get checked the first day... Duh! And while on the subject how about retiring the old and feeble guards that take 10 minutes to wand you and check your backpack.

 

Scrat from Ice Age done Saturday on Josh Ducat at Philly Convention.

Now how about the Health Department making their rounds on the 2nd day?! Um hey guys if there is a problem isn't the second day a day late? Lol.And since I touched on the aging staff, can you find some "bartenders" who can poor drinks quickly? Because those lines for adult beverages were excruciatingly slow. Also two themalfaxes are not enough especially when they weren't working well and the lines at the copier/copiers was horrible since it took WAY to long to get stencils made and put me further behind with my appointments.

 

Amber's Fight Club bar of soap done Sunday at the convention.

Otherwise I thought the new venue was awesome. It seemed to have more space, not as crowded as before. I was blown away by just how many artists attended this year and the quality of the work they were producing. Everyone seemed to have a good time and I was lucky to stay as busy as I was. I was overjoyed to see so many of my own clients as well as other Dynasty clients supporting us, you guys rock! I apologize for not being able to spend as much time talking to everyone, besides the fact that no one could hear me anyway. I think I was starting to lose my voice by Sunday lol.

Well that is about it for the convention. In other news I still am slacking on getting a new design posted for my free tattoo monthly give away so keep checking back. AND more of my work is being published in Tabu Tattoo issue #47 on sale 3/13/2012 so make sure you find and buy a copy. I haven't been in this magazine before so kind of excited lol.

 

Finished make-up sleeve.