Inking the Deal

This popular Columbus tattoo shop continues its trailblazing ways by partnering with a promising Ohio State wrestler in unique new NIL deal

By Molly Hammond / Photos by Leonardo Carrizo / Story Design by Bryce Patterson

While name, image and likeness (NIL) deals, especially in the fertile grounds for collegiate athletics that Columbus has proven itself to be, are nothing new. But NIL deals for tattoo shops are not something we haven’t seen much of before.

That status quo is changing. Or more accurately, it’s evolving.

Beloved Columbus-based tattoo and body piercing shop, Evolved Body Art, has long broken the mold when it comes to business practices (as the shop leans into sustainable practices and even operates largely off of solar power), but now Evolved is setting a milestone for itself in the realm of collegiate athletics.

The shop recently broke into the NIL arena with the signing of Ohio State wrestler Seth Shumate in early May. The National Collegiate Athletic Association (NCAA) approved the use of the NIL policy in July of 2021 and college athletes have had the chance to benefit from their name ever since.

This isn’t to say that Shumate was an unfamiliar name for Evolved owner Nick Wolak beforehand, however.

“We have this kind of friends and family thing we do for all of us, for our friends and loved ones, and Seth was already a part of that. He was my son’s training partner in high school, actually,” Wolak said. He has the accolades on the mat to back his new deal up as well, though. Shumate had a 12-2 record at Ohio State for the 2022-2023 season, and his high school career saw him win three Ohio Division 1 state championships in wrestling. The only year of high school career he didn’t win was 2020, when state meets were canceled due to COVID-19.

“Seth is just one of those athletes,” Wolak said with a laugh. “And we respect him so much for his determination and work ethic as well.”

The Dublin-Coffman graduate Shumate is also catching attention for his body art, boasting large, intricate pieces on his shoulders and upper chest, which were done by Evolved artist Chris Churchill. As Shumate was patronizing Evolved before attending OSU, his deal (the terms of which couldn’t be specifically disclosed) makes even more sense for both parties.

“A few years ago we tattooed one of his chest panels. The next year we tattooed his other side when he won state again,” Wolak said. “Actually, all of the ink on Seth’s body was done by Chris.”

As an Ohio State graduate and owner of Evolved Body Art, Nick Wolak cites the reason behind the NIL partnership as his love for the university and the opportunities it presented him with.

“Being alumni of Ohio State, we love to work closely with the university, its faculty, staff and students,” said Wolak. “This month, we are celebrating 23 years of being open right across from Ohio State’s campus. Over the years, we’ve had our time to speak at many classes, trainings and university events. It’s amazing to be so close to Ohio State and have so many great connections there.”

According to the tattoo shop owner, Evolved is always looking for opportunities to partner with community members, and ones of all races, genders and professions, whether this means another NIL deal with a student, or more broad community-specific events and initiatives.

“We love supporting local businesses, charities and individuals,” Wolak said. “I think any way we can support our community members is a win-win. For everyone involved.”

Keep up with Shumate on Instagram, @shumateseth1, and learn more about Evolved Body art at evolvedbodyart.com