It's been too long...

Life has a funny way of throwing things at you.  This was one of my first blogs, and it's always been my favorite.  As much as I love to write, writing/blogging is one of the first things to go when life gets hectic.

I'm getting things back on track, though.  I'll be updating this blog, as well as my Facebook and Twitter over the next few weeks.  So keep an eye out, and let me know what you want to see more of...

I'll be back... :)

Facebook:  http://www.facebook.com/InkedIntheSouth

~Kim

Timeless Tattoo in Victoria, TX

http://www.timelesstattoovictoria.blogspot.com

I met yesterday with Will Ellis over at Timeless Tattoo here in Victoria.  There will be several articles to come, out of our talk, but I wanted to put a quick post up right away. 

Timeless Tattoo is Victoria's newest tattoo studio, having opened just this past July.  But don't mistake "new studio" with "new to the trade".  All three artists (Will, Cheryl, and Christy) have many years of experience, and impressive portfolios.  According to their website, their mission statement is:

"Timeless Tattoo is proudly bringing sensational custom tattoo artwork to Victoria TX, and is committed to providing our clients with a safe, clean, and comfortable tattoo experience by a knowledgeable, friendly, professionally licensed family owned and operated business."

What I noticed when I first walked in the door was that it's more like walking into a doctor's office or an office building than an old school tattoo parlor (and I've been in quite a few of those).  Everything is brightly lit, and there's a lack of flash on the wall.  In the lobby area, you'll find a table and chairs with tattoo magazines spread out neatly.  As you look at the walls, you'll find tattoo memorabilia, but still no flash.  Why is that?  Yes, I heard you ask.  Timeless Tattoo doesn't do flash.  What?  Let me repeat:  Timeless Tattoo doesn't do flash.  They strictly focus on custom tattoos.

When I asked Will why that is, his passion for his art became obvious, for that passion is what inspired them to make their studio custom work only.  As I've said before (and doubtless will again, many times), I appreciate the art that is tattooing.  Whether it's drawn on paper, on the computer, or on the skin, it's the art that draws me (pun intended, bad pun, but hey, that's me...).  As with any artist, the goal is to get better and better at what you do.  Drawing the same flash drawing each time doesn't permit the stretching and growing that an artist seeks constantly.  Will said it best, "I don't want to look at a six month progression of my work and see improvement.  I want to see it from one piece to the next."  That immediacy coupled with a desire to grow in your art, to learn your passion, profession, vocation, (some might say obsession), I think is true of any artist, regardless of medium.  He then showed me a sample file on just one of his tattoos.  It's a manila folder, about an inch or so thick, with various sketches from different angles.  He's used different colors, changed the composition... tweaked it here and there, until he's found the drawing that he's happy with.  The drawing that will become a tattoo.  Although I already appreciate what an artist can do (and yes, I'm a little jealous), seeing that file, those drawings and the time and consideration that went into making it as perfect as it can be made, makes you appreciate it that much more.

So, look for more articles soon!  And in the meantime, check out Timeless Tattoo's website, and blog.  You won't be disappointed!!

BTW, this photo is not mine... it's linked directly from Timeless Tattoo's blog.  But isn't it awesome?  Being a girl who grew up in the '80s, I'm anxious to see this one finished!!!!  Awesome job, Will!

Changes

I've changed the look of the blog, and added a community page where you can discuss more about tattoos in the south.  I'll be adding more links, and more reviews, over the next couple of weeks... as well as reviewing some books, and hopefully soon, some equipment. 

Some other plans in the works include:  information about tattoo apprenticeships (how to become a tattoo artist), reviews of studios in Victoria, TX, and more articles about what to consider before, during, and after getting a tattoo.

As always, please feel free to make suggestions in the comments section, and let me know what you'd like to see.  The more feedback I get, the more I can make this blog about what YOU want it to be about!!!

Daddy's Li'l Angel

This tattoo was the start of a tradition.  Robert is my ex-husband, and Stormi and Tristan's father, and with his (our) oldest, he started the tradition of a tattoo to commemorate the birth of each of his children.  I've reviewed Stormi's tattoo in a previous blog post, so I know those of you that follow the blog may recognize the name.  The photo was taken summer 2010, the tattoo done by Angel at Dago's in 1991.  The artwork was originally drawn by Robert, including the wording surrounding the tattoo, and the tattoo was created to closely match.  I recognize his handwriting (rather than hers) on those surrounding words.  She did an excellent job of freehanding this tattoo, while retaining the original "flavor" of it.  The shading is excellent, and for a 19 year old tattoo, there is little fading.  Excellent work by Angel!  Dago's is currently located at (713) 692-7404 · 5131 North Fwy, Houston, TX 77022, or on the web. 

New columns for Victoria tattoo artists

There will be two new weekly columns, hopefully starting the week after next.  I have been out and about this week, busily introducing myself and this site to the tattoo artists and shop owners and managers, and introducing those columns.

Click here to read more... 

Handing out business cards

So, I finally got my business cards in yesterday.  While we were in town today, I stopped at two of our local tattoo studios to hand out my business cards.  I enjoyed meeting and talking with the business manager of In The Skin and the owner of Primal Instincts.  I am going to love my new "gig".  I've introduced both to my suggestion of a tattoo of the week and piercing of the week.  I hope to go back into town tomorrow to distribute more cards, and continue spreading the word for both Inked in the South and Victoria Tattoo & Piercing Examiner.  If you live in Victoria, TX and you have tattoos from local tattoo artists, please comment below.  Let me know if you'd like to be photographed and have an article written about you!