This was a lot of fun, so be sure to check out the studio Facebook page for more live tattoos in real time.

Something fun to check in on during the work day, eh?

12:02 pm: Koi stencil... Outline to come...

12:53 pm: Koi... The outline!

1:11 pm: Koi... Color BOMB! Almost there...

2:27 pm: Koi in (almost) real time... Complete!

Find me there at http://www.linkedin.com/in/artwithapoint

www.facebook.com/artwithapoint

or

www.myspace.com/artwithapoint

or

www.twitter.com/artwithapoint

or hey… RIGHT HERE!

Thanks for stopping by!  ~Awen

Log on and vote for Art With a Point for Best Tattoo Studio (#20) !

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And THANKS for your support!

(re-posted from 2/10/10) Tattooed folks appreciate choosing a new tattoo over an awesomacious trip, tickets to a sweeeet concert or the newest electronic doo dad.  Tattoos last forever and serve as a grounding reminder of what’s important to us.

The fact remains that lots of people are feeling the financial pinch right now.  The current economic situation is challenging, causing us to reconsider spending on ourselves.  And yet, treating yourself provides a well earned respite from the daily grind of life… like a cheer up turbo.  It’s true that tattoos can be expensive, however there are ways you can save on your new ink:

Timing

Winter months tend to be the slowest in tattoo studios.  While it’s not proper to haggle with the artist over the cost for their time and expertise, keep a close watch on blogs, Facebook, MySpace, Twitter and member mailings announcing specials offered through the colder months.  Art With a Point has a special offer running through 2/29 – check it out above!

Preparation

Creating the tattoo is an artistic process – one that begins with your ideas.  The more clear you are about what you want, the easier your idea is to bring to life.  Collect images or items that can help you to describe your ideas.  Google images is a fantastic free resource.

Make use of the Consultation

Art With a Point is unique in that it’s one of the only studios providing you the opportunity to speak directly with your artist prior to your tattoo.  I offer free consultations, so hey – why not take advantage of them!  Get your questions answered and collaborate with me to hone in on the details of your design so that you can rest easy knowing your tattoo is an authentic reflection of your ideas.

Take it in steps

Patience is a virtue… blah blah blah.  Hey, I hear you.  It’s hard to be patient waiting for new ink.  And while small tattoos are easily completed in one sitting, when it comes to budgeting there’s something to be said for working on a medium or larger sized tattoo in a couple of (or more) sittings.  This shortens each appointment time, spreading out the cost.  And hey, in the meantime your new ink is tangibly with you rather than but a concept.

So, when the craving for new ink keeps you awake at night Google your ideas and email me the images you find.  Schedule a complimentary basic consultation to get the ball rolling.  From there we’ll create a plan to bring your tattoo to life in a way that works for you.

Winter Olympics 2010

The Winter Olympics 2010 begin today in Vancouver and Minnesota is sending twenty two athletes, more than any other state.  Rock on, Minnesota Olympians!

I came across the Olympic Creed this morning which reads: “The most important thing in the Olympic Games is not to win but to take part, just as the most important thing in life is not the triumph but the struggle.  The essential thing is not to have conquered but to have fought well.”

I’m liking that perspective – big time.  And in that light it’s a given that many Olympic athletes mark themselves to honor the struggle to reach that pinnacle moment of participating in the Olympic Games.  Vince Hemingson’s “Vanishing Tattoo” has a nice link to Olympic imagery as well as links to photos of Olympic athletes and their ink.

Art With a Point is joining a handful of shops across the country in honoring our Olympic athletes by offering free Olympic tattoos for medal winners.  In fact, in the spirit of the Olympic Creed I’m broadening the offer to all twenty one of Minnesota’s Olympians who are participating.  So, if you’re one of Minnesota’s twenty two Olympians, come on down for your tattoo after Vancouver.  And, if you medal be sure to bring your medal with you.  (I’ve always wanted to see one.)  In the meantime, lets cheer on and congratulate all the participating athletes on a road well traveled.

January 31 at 5:00 pm, Magers & Quinn Booksellers

Today, almost a quarter of Americans now have tattoos.  Yet there was a time — not very long ago at all — when tattoos were not at all acceptable in mainstream society.  To be tattooed was to be an outcast and a freak.  Many women found freedom in their decorations, traveling the country, performing nearly nude on carnival stages, making a living as “The Tattooed Lady”.

The first book of its kind, The Tattooed Lady: A History uncovers the true stories behind these tattooed women of the circus sideshow, bringing them out of the sideshow and examining their working-class lives.  These gutsy women spun amazing tall tales about abductions and forced tattooing at the hands of savages, but shared little of their real lives, and though they spawned a cultural acceptance of tattooing that we still see today, they have largely faded into history.  Combining thorough research with more than a hundred historical photos, this lushly illustrated social history reveals tattoo origins, women’s history and circus lore.  The Tattooed Lady uncovers the remarkable women of the sideshow — many of whom were born and live in the midwest.

Amelia Klem Osterud is a tattooed academic librarian from Milwaukee, Wisconsin.  She has a Masters in history from the University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee and writes and lectures on the subject. The Tattooed Lady is her first book. Visit her blog here.

Amelia Klem Osterud reads from the Tattooed Lady: A History on Sunday, January 31 at 5:00 pm, Magers and Quinn Booksellers, Uptown Minneapolis.

John Troyer (AKA Dr Death) and Awen discuss Memorial Tattoos

Wednesday evening’s event provided thought provoking conversation and insight that I’ve been reflecting on in the days since. For example, how fine a line we walk when defining Memorial Tattoos as separate from tattoos that mark life’s various transitions. All transition requires an end as well as a beginning, and often times these include struggle and grief, along with joy and celebration. Another example; while some images are instantly recognizable as traditional memorial motifs, many others are not. How then are we to know, when looking at a tattoo, that it’s a Memorial Tattoo? We may not know… but we do know that the art being worn is meaningful. When we choose what is meaningful for us and then express that meaning by indelibly inking it with intention, we are transformed. Thank you to everyone who attended, and for your willingness to share your stories, your perspectives and for posing terrifically unanswerable questions!