Ink and Legacy: Celebrating the Importance of Tradition at Electric St Tattoo
In the ever-evolving world of tattoo artistry, traditions hold a special place, and Electric Street Tattoo proudly carries the torch of love, passion, and dedication. At our tattoo parlor, we firmly believe in standing on the shoulders of those who paved the way before us, recognizing the legacy of artists who contributed their blood, sweat, and tears to the craft.
In an era dominated by the pursuit of social media fame, Electric Street Tattoo stays true to the essence of tattooing — a labor of love. Our commitment goes beyond online trends; it's deeply rooted in preserving the timeless art of tattooing. We embrace the enduring values that have shaped classic Americana tattoos, maintaining a standard of respect and integrity in every piece we create.
For us, tattooing is not just about the art; it's about leaving a lasting legacy for future generations of tattooers. Each stroke of the needle echoes a commitment to craftsmanship, telling a story that goes beyond the canvas of the skin. Our dedication is not for fleeting moments of attention; it's for the enduring passion that transcends trends.
As we continue to blend classic techniques with contemporary creativity, Electric Street Tattoo invites you to join us on a journey that respects the roots of this ancient art form. In a world that often seeks the next big thing, we find strength and beauty in the enduring traditions that define who we are and the art we create.
#tradition #integrity #respect
🇺🇸 Honoring Our Heroes: The Tattoo Connection on Veterans Day 🇺🇸
On this Veterans Day, we pay tribute to the brave men and women who have selflessly served our nation. Their sacrifices and dedication to preserving our freedom deserve our utmost respect and gratitude.
God Bless America 🇺🇸
At Electric Street Tattoo, we've had the privilege of tattooing many veterans over the years. Tattoos often hold special significance for our military heroes. They can be a powerful form of self-expression, a way to commemorate fallen comrades, or a reminder of the strength and resilience forged in the crucible of service.
Ink can tell the stories of valor, brotherhood, and the unwavering commitment of those who have worn the uniform. It's a way for veterans to carry their experiences with them and share them with the world.
In honor of Veterans Day, we are proud to offer a special military discount on all our tattoo services. We're also excited to extend a discount on all traditional military tattoos, allowing our veterans to proudly wear their stories.
Hand painted by Frankie Williams
So, this Veterans Day, as we remember and honor our veterans, let's also recognize the role of tattoos in preserving their legacy. It's a unique art form that brings to life the indomitable spirit of those who've served.
To all our veterans,thank you for your service and for allowing us to be a part of your journeys through ink.🖤
Please text ‘AMERICAN VETERANS’ to 954-666-1138 for promo details and availability…
#VeteransDay #SaluteToService #MilitaryDiscounts #MilitaryTattoos #ElectricStreetTattoo
"Traditional Tattoo Parlors vs. Trendy Private Studios: A Tale of Time-Honored Craftsmanship"
‘Traditional tattoo parlors are steeped in history. They carry the legacy of classic American tattooing, which dates back to the early 20th century. These parlors pay homage to legendary artists like Sailor Jerry, who pioneered the iconic style.’
In recent years, the world of tattooing has witnessed a remarkable evolution. While traditional tattoo parlors have been the backbone of the industry for generations, trendy private studios have started to pop up everywhere, offering a fresh take on the art of ink. But what sets a traditional tattoo parlor apart from these contemporary counterparts? Let's dive into the world of ink and explore what makes a traditional tattoo parlor unique.
The Timeless Appeal of Traditional Tattoo Parlors:
A Rich Heritage: Traditional tattoo parlors are steeped in history. They carry the legacy of classic American tattooing, which dates back to the early 20th century. These parlors pay homage to legendary artists like Sailor Jerry, who pioneered the iconic style.
Aesthetic Nostalgia: Stepping into a traditional tattoo parlor is like stepping back in time. The décor often features vintage-inspired elements, classic flash art on the walls, and a timeless ambiance that honors the art's heritage.
Iconic Designs: Traditional tattoo parlors are known for their portfolio of iconic designs. From anchors and swallows to roses and nautical symbols, these classic images resonate with clients who appreciate the artistry of simplicity.
Bold and Time-Tested Techniques: Traditional tattoo artists are masters of bold lines and solid black outlines. They use coil machines, renowned for their reliability, to create tattoos that stand the test of time. These techniques ensure that your tattoo maintains its clarity and readability for years to come.
Sense of Community: Traditional tattoo parlors often foster a sense of community. Clients and artists share a passion for the history and craftsmanship of traditional tattooing. It's a place where you can connect with fellow enthusiasts.
The Rise of Trendy Private Studios:
Modern Minimalism: Trendy private studios embrace modern minimalism. These spaces often have a sleek, minimalist aesthetic that appeals to clients looking for a contemporary atmosphere.
Artistic Versatility: Private studios are known for their versatility. They may offer a wide range of tattoo styles, from realism to abstract art, catering to clients seeking unique and personalized designs.
Customization: In private studios, customization is key. Artists work closely with clients to create tattoos that reflect their individuality. This level of personalization can lead to one-of-a-kind pieces of art.
Privacy and Comfort: Private studios offer a more intimate experience. Clients can enjoy privacy and one-on-one attention, which can be especially appealing for those who prefer a quieter, more relaxed setting.
Finding the Right Fit for You:
The choice between a traditional tattoo parlor and a trendy private studio ultimately comes down to personal preferences. Traditional parlors celebrate a rich heritage, iconic designs, and a sense of community, making them an ideal choice for those who appreciate classic tattooing. On the other hand, private studios offer artistic versatility, customization, and a modern aesthetic, appealing to clients seeking unique and personalized ink.
Whichever path you choose, the world of tattooing is vast and diverse, with something for everyone. Whether you're drawn to the timeless traditions of a traditional tattoo parlor or the artistic possibilities of a private studio, the ink you wear should be a reflection of your individuality and style.
#tattoo #tattoolife #traditionaltattoos #electricstreettattoo
GUEST ARTIST ALERT!
I always love the opportunity to open our doors to traveling tattoo artists. It’s a huge benefit as a tattoo shop owner to be able to give back to the tattoo community by hosting tattooers passing through town.
This coming August the 8th be on the lookout for Nicha traveling from Puerto Rico!
One day only please book ASAP
@nichher
Tattoo numbing for small tattoos?
I’ve had several clients asking me lately if painless tattoo creams work. I’ve wrote a post about this in the past and my short answer is still the same, yes.
What concerns me though is that I’m noticing more and more that the ppl asking are only getting very small tattoos. Absolutely nothing wrong with small tattoos I’m a fan. They don’t even need to be cool little traditional tattoos they can be the simpler Pinterest type minimalist tattoos that are very popular these days. We don’t judge, it’s your tattoo and we’re happy to help. We might weigh in if we feel something won’t work well but outside of that we try and give you what you want. The problem I’m having is when a tattoo the size of a dime that will take no more than three minutes from beginning to end and i’m having the conversation about numbing the pain away. Again, without judgment, I get we all have different levels of pain tolerance but what gives?
The act of getting tattooed is inherently painful, almost the whole point. Being willing to knuckle down and tolerate the pain I’d what separated the tattooed from the non tattooed. In certain cultures it’s even a rite of passage. If you were to completely erase the pain from the ritual what is left? It’s an honest question, what’s left?
Is it safe to assume that if death gives value to life, then pain gives value to tattoos?
Ok so all that aside, when is it a good time to use numbing cream on a tattoo?
After six hours of being tattooed numbing gel was used to numb out around the armpit area
After several hours of being tattooed is a good time I would say. If the amount of time needed to finish a larger tattoo project is less than the amount of time already put in. That seems sensible to me.
Sure we can numb you out for your little semi colon tattoo on your wrist, but wouldn’t that be a shame ? I would say especially for politically motivated or socially conscious tattoos, it’s worth a little pain.
Wouldn’t that be the very least we can do? Wouldn’t the strength of our convictions depend on it?
This head tattoo was applied numbing cream after three hours to help our friend Brian cross the finish line
Point being, not all tattoos require numbing. Just cause we have it Durant always mean we need it. Although it is certainly true, It’s good to have it and not need it than need it and not have it.
Common knowledge the sternum is one of the most painful places to get tattooed
Numbing cream applied after the outlines and before shading
So this is just one guys opinion but if you’re looking to get tattooed expect to feel some level of pain and discomfort. If tattoo numbing cream can help take the edge off, all the better. 👍🏽
Tattoo Shop Near Me
As the owner of a tattoo shop it’s important for me to know where our clients are coming from. I’ll admit this has been an area of weakness for me in the past. I’ve only recently started to realize that as a business owner I have an obligation to wear many different hats. What does this mean exactly? Well, for me, it means that sometimes I get to be a tattoo artist and other times I get to be whatever the shop needs me to be. And this can be damn near anything lol.
Something I read a long time ago,
”Some ppl work ON their business, some ppl work in it”. It’s a fine line but one that should not be ignored. I’d like to think that I can do both depending on circumstance.
Twenty years ago our clients found us mostly through word of mouth. Word of mouth and referrals kept us busy and fed. This was also before ‘Smart phones’. We were all carrying flip phones back then and life was simpler. It’s safe to assume that most of our tattoo clients were local to our area and either heard about us through a friend, family member, or simply by driving past our shop on their way somewhere.
The world has changed.
So how are folks finding goods and services these days? Well, a large portion of our foot traffic, in particular, can be attributed to the one and only GOOGLE. That’s right folks, the worlds largest search engine is at least partially responsible for how people are getting tattooed these days. Dollar for dollar definitely the undisputed champ!
A close second would be Yelp. More of an online web directory, Yelps platform is used by both businesses and consumers alike.
It doesn’t surprise me anymore when our clients mention they found Electric Street Tattoo on Yelp. People shop different these days and tattoos are no exception. On Yelp you can browse tattoo shop listings and compare locally. More importantly, you can browse through reviews and see what experiences other ppl have had with these tattoo shops.
Keep in mind folks, reviews aren’t an exact science. Like with most things there will be your fair share of bad apples who may abuse these review platforms so take it all in with a grain of salt. It’s my feeling that if a tattoo shop has been around long enough and been able to sustain a 4.8 star rating or above, you’ll probably be in good hands. Yelps terms of use and review guidelines might even be a little more strict than googles but they are both very clear on the do’s and dont’s. And while a lot of your Yelp reviews will be featured for the public to see many of them will be redirected towards the ‘unrecommended’ section never to be seen or heard from again, regardless of their authenticity.
So what is the most popular keyword search for ppl looking to get tattooed??? It’s very simply, ‘Tattoo shops near me’
Yep, that’s it lol.
Folks just want to go somewhere close. They don’t want to drive and they don’t seem to necessarily care about referrals either. They want convenience. So it seems to me that the word of mouth and tattoo referrals we used to depend on twenty years ago are now in the form of Google, Yelp, Bing, Yahoo etc. I would even say that social media platforms like Facebook, Instagram and the like make up for a very small amount of gross revenue. It’s been said tongue in cheek, Facebook is for business, Instagram is for fame.
I disagree.
Google is for business, who needs fame 😉
Why do we Love Tattooing so much?
I have a confession::
I used to feel guilty about being a Tattoo Artist. Whenever I was around friends and family I would listen to them sharing stories about their career hardships and in many cases about their financial struggles. Bosses they hate, disrespectful coworkers and the like. I listened closely and with an empathetic ear. Many times I wish I could chime in and tell my story of being stuck in that same rat race for very little nickels and dimes, day in day out just to wash, rinse and repeat.
Our choices in life play out as they should and, hindsight being 20/20, we sometimes wish we could go back and do it all differently. I think to myself, ‘What if I would have chosen a different career path other than being a Tattoo Artist?’
I almost always immediately remind myself that I never had a choice at all. ‘Tattooing’ chose me and not vice versa.
At an early age I was already making the rounds as a tattoo collector. I was a hangaround. I was completely content with the role I was playing in the tattoo world. I looked up to the more seasoned tattooers like a young boy looks up to a father figure. I knew these were people of good fortune, how could they not be? They got to go to their shop every day and bless their fellow man, or woman , with permanent reminders etched into skin that would last a lifetime. These tattoo artists I grew up around seemed to have it all, they had figured it out. They were living life on their own terms, outside the status quo. Keep in mind I’m talking about the 1990’s. Throw away your smart phones and say good bye to your social media, tattoos were still plenty taboo around that time.
Like rockstars without the sold out arena shows is the way I remember it. But to me, these tattoo shops I hung around were even better. Like tattoo temples!
Lol I know, it sounds silly coming from a man who doesn’t attend church on Sundays but I feel like I come to church every day. It’s our church. Where we pray to the Tattoo Gods to grant us a keen eye and a steady hand.
Not to get too far off track I will say that it’s not all roses. This ‘tattoo life’ we speak about does take its toll. I’ve seen even the freest of spirits become bitter and hardened. The grind and uncertainty of not knowing where your next dollar is coming from is not for everyone. Competition anxiety is at an all time high with so many photo and video based platforms showcasing thousands of new tattoos in real time every day, every minute.
Reality show judges pick apart tattoos and tattoo artists till there’s practically nothing left of em lol.
Sure there are difficult clients, difficult tattoo projects, and just plain difficult days just like in any other profession. I liken it to being in a dysfunctional marriage.
As a tattoo artist I feel I am married to ‘tattooing’ as a whole.
For better, for worse, for richer, for poorer, in sickness and in health, to love and to cherish, till death do us part.
I’ve done my best to give back the only way I know how. I opened up a studio I promised myself would respect the traditions and rules set by those who came before us. The ones that passed on the tattoo torch. We stand on their shoulders.
Let me not take this granted, stay humble.
No matter how many TV shows try to make us seem mainstream stay focused and count your blessings.
After all we are all Outsiders.
We are all tattooed Misfits and where would we be if not by the grace of the Tattoo Gods.
Halloween themed tattoo flash ideas
Just in time for the spookiest of holidays we have new Halloween tattoo designs ready to go!
Since childhood, we have celebrated this holiday with spooky and elaborate costumes and into adulthood with creepy and often macabre Halloween-themed tattoos too!
New Halloween tattoos by Zach and Nick
In Christian tradition, November 1st was known as All Saints day and the evening prior was known as All Hallows Eve, based on the Celtic festival of Samhain, later Halloween. As time has passed it has evolved into the Autumn tradition we have today that includes trick or treating, carving jack-o-lanterns, costume parties, and the like.
Many of Halloween tattoos fall into the categories:
-Death and mortality
-Misfortune and evil
Needless to say, there is no shortage of skeleton and ghost tattoos.
Black cat tattoos, spooky clowns, and graveyards.
Hand painted Halloween tattoos by Frankie
Horror movie tattoos are also very popular.
You’ll notice Michael Myers, Freddy Krueger, and Jason Voorhees's hockey mask tattoos making the rounds this time of year amongst others.
As tattoo artists, we absolutely LOVE this time of year cause we get to do lots of fun Halloween tattoos, and that is really what the holidays are all about folks
Whether out trick or treating with your kids or hanging out at the local tattoo shop with friends let’s have an amazing time this year!
The Bald Eagle Tattoo
God bless America
Definitely high up on our list here at Electric Street of favorite things to tattoo
Freehanded by @joel_josselyn
The bald eagle has been the national emblem of the United States since 1782 and live around 20 years in the wild
Chest eagle by @alexjoelletattooer
They are considered opportunistic predators that will hunt for live prey but also steal from other animals
eagle/snake combo by @frankie.ftw
The bald eagle is said to be connected to the gods and has been said to represent
masculine strength,virility and raw power
Beautiful black and grey interpretation by @marco.arte
Most commonly recognized as our national bird and is a symbol of bravery, courage and freedom
For the tattoo collector it represents empowerment,bravery and loyalty…
Traditional Chest Eagle by @alexjoelletattooer
Tattoo Hygiene and Safety
Lets get right into folks
PPE (Personal Protective Equipment) is very important to the tattoo industry. I would say that hand hygiene is every bit as important as personal hygiene, more so even
Maybe your artist is the type to skip out on deodorant but how would you feel if he was to also skip out on gloves while tattooing you ??? lol Pretty gross right ? We agree !
Tattooing is not just art, It’s a responsibility
When should gloves be worn you ask ? Pretty much always ,not only during the actual tattoo process but on all occasions when the artist is handling the clients skin which include, but are not limited to the following:
While drawing on the skin
Applying the stencil
Cleaning and wrapping the finished tattoo
Some things I’ll be covering in future posts
How to work with gloves
Different types of gloves
Disposable arm sleeves
face masks
eye protection
protective aprons and footwear
Stay tuned…
Tattoo Traditions
Here at Electric Street, we value and appreciate the art and history of tattooing. Tattooing has been around since as early as 3370 BC! Many different countries and cultures have used tattoos for different reasons; such as showing status, representing a tribe, honoring a lost friend or lover, or simply showing off ones freedom.
Tattooing is a tradition.
Tattooing through the 20th century gave way for evolution and growth in style, technique, and equipment. Through the 1910’s - 1930’s, tattoos were mainly found on sailors or sideshow performers at the circus as it was not something very common to see. In the 1940’s, the pioneer of traditional tattooing was on the rise. Normal Keith Collins, better known as “Sailor Jerry”, changed the basis of tattooing in America. He added color to his tattoos which made them stand out. His nautical and military themed designs were very popular amongst those in the service. Eventually, people who were just proud to be Americans were getting patriotic Jerry style tattoos. Tattoos became a symbol of strength and masculinity but was not widely accepted as it was still given a negative social stigma. Over time, tattoos became more popular and more accepted in society. Machines were build better and stronger, inks were made brighter and more diverse, and designs got more intricate. There have been many men that paved the way for modern tattooing and through them, we believe in keeping the tradition alive. We are simply standing on the shoulders of giants.
Norman “Sailor Jerry” Collins