Permanent

"Permanent"

Tattoo Process
Figure 1

Once you make the choice, there is no going back. Unless you want to have multiple excruciating laser battles with your skin, the choice will last forever. To most, laser removal is not their option after making the permanent decision to get a tattoo. Research shows that one in five Americans have a tattoo. Tattoos have become very popular in recent years. The art of tattooing is practiced on people of all ages and can vary quite drastically depending on geographical location. Tattoo shops began to open in America in the late 1800's. The art of it is progressing and transforming daily. The process of tattooing (Figure 1) is done by the artist injecting ink into the person's skin. This is done by using an electrically powered machine that moves the needle fast enough to penetrate the skin with ink. Tattooing is no simple task and takes many years of practice to be able to perform such an extreme art. Every shop will vary, but the starting price for tattoos typically range from $50-$100 per hour. The cost tends to be high due to setting up machinery, using new needles, and opening up new ink. The price goes up as the session goes on. Each artist range in price and charge based on the time and effort needed to accomplish the piece. It is always proper to tip every artist, even on top of the initial price. All shops must obtain a license before opening, as tattooing must be done in an extremely sterile environment.

Invicta Tattoo
Figure 2

As you walk in, all you can hear is the buzzing of the machines. It's almost as if you can feel the vibrations on your own skin. Invicta tattoo shop (Figure 2) is located on the Main Street in Bloomsburg, PA, opening daily at 1 pm. The private business, owned by a small group of friends and has six artists that work there. Compared to all the other tattoo parlors in town, Invicta by far has the best ratings and reviews. The pricing for this shop starts at $100 per hour. This is relatively  higher in price range, but when it comes to good quality people are willing to pay more. Invicta requires a cash deposit prior to each appointment. The deposit is to ensure that the customers will return on the day of their scheduled appointment and may vary in price depending on the size of the piece. The waiting area (Figure 3) was bright with the natural light of the sun beaming through the windows. Each window was draped with sheer red curtains that were tied back. A ledge surrounded the room that was large enough for seating and had a few decorative pillows spread out across it. In front of the doorway sat a black, leather couch that directly faced the front showcase.

Waiting Room
Figure 3

A man sat at the front behind a tall glass case. The case contained hundreds of pieces of body jewelry and earrings and was so tall that you could barely see him sitting behind it. He answer calls, schedule appointments, deals with paper work and so on for the shop. The man was slouched in his comfy office chair and had a dark brown beard with a baseball cap on. He sat, grabbing his beard over and over, stroking his hands repeatedly through it. In his loose flannel shirt, he stared with that look of boredom, as typically people are not always walking in to make appointments. From the waiting room, you cannot see much of the back where the tattooing takes place, due to customer privacy, but there is an open doorway that leads to it. As you approach the doorway with its black wooden frame and sheer tied back curtains, you can't help but to notice all the signs that surround it. The doorway leads to the giant room in the back that splits into two sides, lined by pale wooden floors and a high ceiling. To the right is a giant brick wall, spray painted with the word "Invicta" in all colors. Each artist has his own cubicle, divided by walls short enough to see over. Hundreds of ink bottles are lined up in each station of every color imaginable. Under the shelves of bottles, sits a desk covered in multiple drawings, pens, and crumpled up pages. Each artist is in their own zone once they enter their station, drawing piece after piece. The large black leather table is the most prominent item in each station. This is where each customer lays to prepare for something they will never forget. Invicta gives that feel of being in an authentic New York City art studio.

 "I talked to my wife and finally quit my day job to fully pursue my dream. I now get to do what I love." Jay Gregorowicz has been tattooing for eleven years. As a young boy, Jay had always loved art and drawing. At the age of 18, he got his first tattoo on South Street in Philadelphia. After receiving his first tattoo, Jay had found his calling. He joined his friends full time at Invicta about one year ago. It is obvious that Jay is passionate about tattooing which he shows in all the work he does. He puts his best efforts into each piece that he pursues.

Appointment Card
Figure 5

Tattoo Done at Invicta
Figure 4

Two days prior to going to Invicta, I had made an appointment with Jay Gregorowicz (Figure 5) to get my fourth tattoo. He had asked me to email an image of what I wanted to get done so that he could have something drawn up for when I arrived to my appointment. The day had a approached me so quick that before I knew it, I was walking down Main Street all alone to arrive at my 4 pm appointment. After a short walk, I had finally arrived at Invicta and it was time to get my tattoo. Out of the doorway comes Jay to meet me. A man in dark denim jeans, black t-shirt, black shoes, and a backwards baseball cap. On his wrist was a silver chain bracelet that led my eye to the thick, silver band on his ring finger. He was covered all over with tattoos and had a coarse, dirty blonde beard. Jay gave me a firm, welcoming handshake, then he took me back to his station to see what he had drawn up. Very understanding, he quickly accommodated for the few changes I wanted and within ten minutes he was ready to get started. I stood up as he gently placed the purple stencil on me, then got the chills as he pressed the cold, wet paper towel on it. In doing so, he was transferring the stencil onto my skin. I gave the placement a quick look in the mirror and was ready to get started. Jay had me lay down on my side along the table. I could feel the coldness of the black leather on my skin. As I began to relax and breath, he pressed the needle to my skin. I could feel the vibrating throughout my whole body. It created an odd sensation that was painful, yet all I wanted to do was laugh at the same time. "I like to begin by doing my lines lightly, then tracing them back over after. I prefer not to have to press down as hard, making the process as painless as possible."  says Jay as he talked to me through it all. He made it feel as if we were just two friends socializing, making me feel very comfortable. Thirty minutes had passed and he was all finished. Jay bandaged me up, I finished up paying and off I went.

 In all, it was an excellent experience. The shop works very efficiently and they work to make everything a quick, smooth process. From scheduling the appointment, to actually getting it done, they were very helpful and comforting through it all. Invicta is an exceedingly clean and organized shop. They make sure each customer leaves highly satisfied as they sterilize the area, bandage the piece, and make sure each person knows about how to properly take care of their new ink. Tattoo shops can be found everywhere all across America and the art has come a long way, making its appearance known in modern day society.