Beaten, Never Broken

Living in Philly has its ups and downs. On the plus side I have endless choices of places to eat which are open at all hours of the day and night. We’ve got museums, shopping, bars, parks, sports, the list goes on. But with the good there comes the bad. This city is also full of inconsiderate people, litter, traffic, and crime. I’ve been on the receiving end of the last a few times. I’ve had a car and a motorcycle stolen and most recently I was liberated of 90% of my tattoo equipment. Some could say it was my fault for having left it in my car, but it takes a special kind of scumbag to steal from someone’s car. Now I could get mired down in self depreciating feelings and throw myself a pity party but I take solace in knowing that whoever took my things will never be able to use them to create the tattoos that I did or will do for that matter. I’ve contacted the majority of the tattoo studios in the area and have friends keeping a watchful eye on both craigslist and ebay in case the douche bags try selling my equipment.  

I’m also feel lucky in that I’m surrounded by positivity. I have two great studios where I work with truly good caring and generous people. I’m also proud to have some of the greatest clients who trust me and keep me busy creating one of a kind artwork. So I thank not only my coworkers at Moerder Tattoo and Broadway Tattoo Lounge but also each and every one of you.

I will rebuild. I lost material possessions, not my ability to do my job.  My equipment will be replaced and I will continue to do what I love doing. I’ve got two upcoming conventions; Wildwood is in a couple of weeks and then Inked Out NJ is in September. I’ve still got some limited openings for each for anyone interested. And as always if you’d like to book an appointment email me at scottdoestattoos@gmail.com and we can see what my availability is. 

So once again, thank you to the staff at BOTH Moerder Tattooand Broadway Tattoo Lounge. Please show them support by following them on instagram and facebook. And an especially big thank you to my amazing clients, without you none of this would be possible!

How much?

As a tattoo artist this is often a question we are faced with. When we open our facebook, emails, phone calls or someone walking into the studio, its usually, "How much for this?" And we are all aware that money isn't easy to come by now a days. We all have bills to pay, gas prices are on the rise and some people don't make much at the jobs they may be fortunate to have. And quite often if its something relativity small then we can toss out a ballpark figure for a simple one sitting piece. But what grinds my gears is the, "How much for this?" when its a full sleeve or back piece. A large project takes time. I know, on TV they do full back pieces in the hour it takes to film the show right? Uh, nooooo. These shows are edited, most are scripted too but lets not get off subject. I recently found a picture posted by an artist on face book.

The caption was, "Peacock" tattoo done in 3 days, 24 hours, during the Milan tattoo convention 2013, he participated in the contest for Best of Show". Now, this is a large piece, no doubt, and its very well done, obviously. But, do you see how much untouched skin STILL remains on his back? And this is after 24 hours of work. Twenty four hours! Not all at once. Sure, he sat three days in a row so I figure he probably did three eight hour sessions. Now most sessions I do on fairly large pieces are 2-3 hours. And for those we charge an hourly rate. So now imagine a full sleeve or back piece. I don't think most of my clients want to sit for 8 hours at a time but even at three hours that's a total of 8 sessions to get that far. And at an hourly rate of even $100 that would be $2,400 before tax. And that's not a fully covered back. Large pieces are a commitment. And not all backs or arms are the same size nor have the same amount of detail in them. So for us to just toss out a random price is next to impossible. 

Now some of you might be thinking that $100 and hour is pretty steep for hourly work. And since I only work in one studio this is what I'm going to do. Today I'm going to anonymously email all of the local studios and find out how much they charge per hour. I will then compare our hourly rate to those other studios to see how we fair. I want to be informed as to what our competitors are charging and why you feel you'd get a better deal elsewhere.

I hope this sheds some light on the subject of pricing tattoos for those of you who may not have understood. Take care and thanks for reading! :)

Oh really?!

I’m about to go on a little rant, so you can either ignore me or ride this out. Every so often I run into people who claim they are tattoo artists. Now I am not the most social of people but I do know of many of the local talent let’s say. So when someone whose name I do not recognizes pops up I like to know where they work. Often I will look them up on the internet or facebook to see their examples of their work. When I can’t find a single picture I then ask them which studio they work out of. Most often I get no response. So I must assume they work out of their house. So no, you are not a tattoo artist, you are a scratcher. A low life, law breaking, know nothing who is probably fucking up people who lay down their hard earned money. Sure these “clients” are either stupid or ignorant and we should all feel sorry for them. I am a tattoo artist, I’ve been doing this a while. I know what makes a good tattoo good. I’ve studied other artists, I strive to get better every day. My work has won awards and I’ve seen it published in many magazines. This doesn’t make me the greatest, but I believe it makes me qualified to know if your tattoo sucks.

So why would you get a shitty tattoo? Is it because you can’t afford better? I’d say this is the worst excuse EVER! I understand not having the nicest clothes, or the fanciest TV. But a tattoo last F-O-R-E-V-E-R! Why would you want to walk around the REST of your life with a shitty tattoo? Do you like looking stupid? We all make mistakes but the trick is to learn from them. Soooo after you’ve gotten one bad tattoo why go back for more? This doesn’t just mean the idiot doing tattoos out of his place or yours, but also the shitty artist working out of the studio with the bad reputation. A little research goes a long ways. Google the name of a studio and see what the reviews have to say. Better yet look at the artist’s portfolio! If he doesn’t have one walk out. How can you trust him?

Okay, so we now know that home tattoo artists are breaking the law and can’t be trusted. Good. We know that if the artist works in a studio with a bad reputation or doesn’t have a portfolio that you should probably walk out. Which brings me to the next bitch I’d like to talk about. Why do people feel the need to let me know that their “artist” was too busy so they came to me instead? Better yet their “artist” “hooks them up” and my prices are too high. FUCK YOU very much. First off, your “artist” yeah I’ve heard of him, 20 years ago he was cutting edge. But in the past 20 years he hasn’t grown as an artist and is STILL doing tattoos like he did 20 years ago! And they suck. Have you picked up a tattoo magazine lately? Have you seen what can be accomplished? This is why he’s “hooking” you up, he has to lower his price to keep people coming back and getting the horribly out dated work he keeps churning out.

Again, my work has received recognition, and no I’m not bragging. All I’m saying is that I’m proud that my hard work has paid off. I try to continue to grow and not become comfortable, complacent, or stagnant. Oh, you like my work? But the price is too much? The drive is too far? If you only knew how much some of these artists charge per hour, you’d be amazed. No, they never discuss prices on those tattoo shows you like to watch. If they did you probably wouldn’t think about getting a tattoo from the sticker shock alone! $200 to $300 an hour is not unheard of, but my $125 is too steep? And I am in no way saying I am in the league with these top name artists. But I am not a scratcher or other shitty artist carving out a living doing flash pieces on tourists. I tattoo, I draw, I paint. I don’t have a side job. I’m devoted to doing tattoos and doing them to the best of my ability.

I love tattooing. It’s a challenge every day. Something new and exciting. Sometimes you amaze yourself, and sometimes you know you could have done better. It’s the best job I’ve ever had and it’s not for everyone. Its takes drive and determination. It becomes more than just a job it becomes a life style. Some people take it too far and get wrapped up in drugs and alcohol trying to live like a rockstar. But the good ones keep a level head, they push and strive never resting, never satisfied. But damn it man if some people don’t take the wind right outta your sails. I’m lucky to have a strong group of devote followers and to them I say thank you. Thank you for letting me do what I love. Thank you for showing me your continued loyalty. Thank you for bringing me your family and friends. For showing up on time and keeping your appointments. You make all the sacrifices worth it. And to the rest of you I just sit back and shake my head. And if you read ALL of this, wow, I'm amazed.

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!

Scratcher Alert! Nick Accordino/Joseph Accordino

OH MY GOD! So while trolling facebook I've come across super amazing home tattoo artist Nick Accordino aka Joseph Accordino. He is a 21 year old scratcher who according to him is "BBP Cert- 100% Legal to Tattoo in NJ". Awesome right? Yeah not so much. 

Here is his Bloodborne Pathogen Certificate, this means he successfully passed a test and was given this certificate. So he knows what he's doing right??? Well, he SHOULD but that doesn't mean he practices what he supposedly learned. Example 1.

Here is our boy now, Whats that a towel, a pillow perhaps? Something that is easily contaminated by blood and ink. Hmmmm bloodborne pathogen trained right??? Example number 2.

Here he is with obviously dirty gloves cross contaminating whatever he he holding, Same disgusting set up. Is this a bedroom, living room? Carpet? Hmmm another breeding ground for all the micro spray of blood and ink to get trapped and harbor in. Bloodborne pathogen certified right?? I guess its like a drivers license, just because you get one by no means makes you a responsible driver.

If you look closely the tube (the object that the tattoo needle goes up and down in) is metal. These are reusable, and without a properly working ultrasonic cleaner and autoclave he is not sanitizing them properly. And even if he does have an autoclave I'll be willing to bet that it hasn't been tested to verify that it indeed works and has been documented by the Board of Health. But he's bloodborne pathogen certified!

Now lets look at his work shall we? Here is a proud example...

Kitchen magician at work, beer cans, whiskey bottles and is that a wadded up table cloth or someones shirt? Either way more permeable surfaces to contaminate! Oh boy I can smell the HepC!

Here is the proud owner. The pic just screams, "I just saved $20!" doesn't it? So lets take a closer look at this arrow head.

Oh yeah! There is that smooth shading he learned from watching Ink Masters! Smooth clean outlines, shading so smooth and transitional that the arrow head seems so real its as if it could fall right off his arm! Yeah not really. This is a giant turd. An easy $200 cover up, but home boy saved $20, sure he might have a nice case of HIV or hepatitis, syphilis, tetanus, tuberculosis or some other infectious disease. But he got himself a sweet tat from his boy for dirt cheap!

But because we've seen Mr. Accordino isn't practicing safe exercises even though hes "certified" he could easily be distributing diseases with every tattoo done. This is why you don't get tattooed in someones house. This is why you go to trained professionals. This is why I am forwarding his info to the Health Department and maybe he will get fined, or jail time and NEVER be allowed to tattoo legally in the state of NJ. This one individual could be giving people not only shitty tattoos but diseases that supposedly he was trained to prevent yet takes no precautions to do so.

This makes me sick. And I hope the people reading this will share this info with their friends and help spread the word about this and any other scratcher they know of. Thanks!