Into the Tattooniverse
An introduction to my new blog! Hello there :)
It’s kind of surreal to think that in 2 months, I’ll have been tattooing for 2 years. Some days it feels like this has always been my life. Other times, it feels like I just started my apprenticeship yesterday. Sometimes I feel like I need somewhere to write this all down, somewhere to document my journey. I guess that’s what having a website is for, though.
I’m starting this blog to talk about tattoos, yes, but also to talk about my journey as a tattoo artist, and the things I’ve learned about myself along the way. One day, I’d like to look back and be able to chart my progress as an artist and a professional throughout the years.
The part of me that went to school for anthropology hopes that I can also document a small part of this fascinating subculture: the Eugene/Springfield Tattoo Scene in the 2020s.
Eugene’s historically had a reputation as a place where burnt out hippies come to die. Whether or not this is true, it has led to a robust art scene as young and old alike flock to the city to work, attend the University of Oregon, or retire to paint birds in their backyard.
We have an abundance of art stores, galleries and artisan craft shops. And at the heart of this artistic paradise, lies the tattoo shop. We have one on pretty much every corner. The rainy Willamette Valley has become something of a tattoo Mecca. Whether you're a fan of neotraditional, fine-line, black and gray realism or even ignorant-style tattooing, there are artists here for every type of client. We also have multiple tattoo schools between Springfield and Eugene, which is notable when you consider that the next closest one is at least 20 miles away.
And it’s not just young folk who come in to get tattooed- in the last two years I’ve done many first-time tattoos for people, but the majority of these first time clients haven’t been fresh-faced 18 year olds, but women in their 50s and 60s. It’s been really cool to listen to their stories, and watch as their worlds open up to a new and exciting form of self-expression.
So to everyone out there who love tattoos, are looking to get tattooed or considering their first one, I hope you’ll find this resource to be helpful. I plan on talking about the etiquette, frequently asked questions, and local history of tattooing.
Stay tuned!