The art of tattooing requires ink, needles, artistic ability and most importantly, human flesh.
In celebration of skin, artwork and loyal customers, Riley Smith, owner of Lifetime Tattoos in Springfield, is throwing his second annual Tattoo Appreciation Party at Goodfella’s Lounge at 6 p.m. on Saturday.
The event is scheduled to include seven local bands, prizes and refreshments. However, the festivities and cocktails at the party are not to celebrate the talents of the artists, but are intended to bring together many local tattoo shops in recognizing their valued customers.
“We did this last year to try and get all the tattoo shops and artists together, and we invited all of our customers. There are going to be drink specials and giveaway gifts, and the whole idea is to let our customers know how much we appreciate them,” Smith said.
Mateo Holmes has been an artist at Eugene Tattoo & Body Piercing Co. for two years and plans to attend on Saturday because he says he couldn’t do his job without his customers.
“I’m going to this event to buy a few drinks for some people who have helped me support myself over the past few years,” Holmes said.
Since becoming a tattoo shop owner, Smith has seen the competition amongst local tattoo shops and artists in the area.
Although the artwork, styles and specialties of the tattoo shops in Eugene may vary, Smith said there is something that all tattoo artists have in common, and that is appreciation for
their customers.
“I was talking with some of the other tattoo shops, and we realized no one was really getting together and doing anything,” Smith said. “Then I thought, ‘Let’s just throw a party for our customers; let’s all start working together instead of against each other.’”
Holmes thinks similarly about the rivalry among tattoo shops in Eugene. He said depending on the shop, some are willing to put differences aside and communicate, while
others keep to themselves.
“I see all of us artists as family, we are all here to do the same job. We all want to do awesome, clean artwork,” Holmes said. “It is sad that we are all doing the same thing and yet we cannot come together and help each other.”
When it comes to the relationships that artists like Smith have with their costumers, he said he considers them family.
“We are a really personable shop, and our regulars come in every week just to see what is going on,” Smith said. “It is just as personal for us to put a tattoo on a person as it is for them to have it for the rest of their lives.”
It is typical for tattoo customers to find tattoo artists they like and stick to them. Smith said their regulars almost always come back to the same artist to get any future tattoos.
“When regulars decide on the artist they want to go to, it is like having a doctor, you just have one and that’s where you go,” Smith said.
One of Smith’s regular customers, Creep Humphreys, has been going to Smith for almost two years and has gotten 14 tattoos done by him.
“When I go in to get my tattoo, he treats me like a friend and he gives me honest opinions about artwork,” Humphreys said.
Both in portfolios and on bodies, artists plan to bring their masterpieces to share with those who attend. Not only is this event for customers, but it is a chance for everyone to embrace the art of tattooing and share quality artwork.
“This event really has a dual meaning. We are letting customers know that they are more than just people coming in and getting tattoos, but also to get people together with great tattoos, stories or even just an interest.”
Humphreys said this will be a good opportunity to bring some of his friends along and really see artists’ work and appreciate tattoos.
“Tattoos are not specific to convicts or sailors anymore; it’s more acceptable these days, and tattoos have become more of an expression and community-builder.”
When the Eugene tattoo community gathers this weekend to celebrate art, ink and loyalty, Holmes will be there to show his dedication to his job and his customers.
“Tattooing is my life and I have no desire to go any other direction. It is not a job or hobby; I couldn’t make artwork without my customers; they are an essential part, they are the canvas,” Holmes said.
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Ink is the missing link
Daily Emerald
November 18, 2009
Rena Lev-Bass
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