Inked by Christina Fountain

INKED Public Typography of Tattoo Parlors

TABLE OF CONTENTS LAWRENCE INK Big Daddy Cadillac Ichiban

OVERLAND PARK INK King City Tattoo

KANSAS CITY INK Mercy Seat Freaks on Broadway Irezumi

INTRO I have always loved art of all types as one of the most creative and beautiful forms of human expression. The unique art of reproducing designs onto human skin. I love tattoos and acquiring tattoos and the amazing and creative process in which they come to be. They are fascinating and I believe they enhance beauty and help to more openly express the personality of an individual. Plus, behind every tattoo is always an unusually great story. There is so much history, culture, and beauty behind what society has long considered a taboo form of art. Therefore, without hesitation I determined to write a book about this beguiled form of design and art. I further decided to survey of some of the most renowned tattoo shops around the greater Kansas City area. I selected a variety of studios and have included two shops from Lawrence, one from Waldo, one from Overland Park, one from the Crossroads District, and one from Westport. These shops all have a well-known following and have proven to have excellent artists working there. I was excited to review these shops and include what I have found in my book because personally, I have never been tattooed from any of these shops and had only visited one prior to starting this book.

Tattoos have become increasingly popular over the past few years, to the point that it has almost become mainstream. Today it is much more commonplace to see a tattooed person of just about any age, whereas ten years ago this would much less commonplace. Even so, tattoos still have a stigma and are thought of by the general American populous as outside the norm, at least, and as taboo, at most. A tattooed person is the same person as a non-tattooed person, just with more of a visual story to tell.

TATTOO LETTERING When visiting a parlor I see that the

lettering includes gothic style or Old

lettering surrounding tattoo parlors

English kinds of typefaces. Of course

and adorning the tattoos usually has

there are also the regular serifs and

a very distinct style. The letters are

san serif typefaces in use, however,

usually not as clean as the average serif

these are less common in the tattoos.

or san-serif font and are often highly

These types of lettering are very popu-

decorative. They often have extended

lar in tattoos, however, most shops use

arms, legs, and or serifs that curve and

cleaner versions in and around the

curl. Another popular kind of tattoo

shop for legibility reasons.

Lawrence INK

BIG DADDY Cadillac To begin I visited a very popular parlor in Lawrence, Kansas. Located at 938 Massachusetts, BDC is the most renowned tattoo shop in Lawrence. It has been open for eight years now, and when I inquired about why they close so early in comparison to the average shop they told me it is because if they stayed open any later college kids would come in too drunk. It definitely has a large following and there are currently five tattoo artists working there including Scary Carrie, Brent, Carlos, and Steven. All of the artists who work here are accomplished and very talented.

You put a tattoo on yourself with the knowledge that this body is yours to have and enjoy while you’re here. You have fun with it, and nobody else can control what you do with it. That’s why tattooing is such a big thing in prison: it’s an expression of freedom—one of the only expressions of freedom there. They can lock you down, control everything, but I’ve got my mind, and I can tattoo my body—alter it my way as an act of personal will. - Don Ed Hardy

A pile of laminated flash art and different typefaces that could be used.

TYPE Walking in, the space is very elongated with the front desk right by the door. The typography found in BDC is a little cleaner than you would expect from the average tattoo shop, and there is less hand drawn type surrounding the space. Of course there are still many examples of typical tattoo lettering, but there are also many examples of clean type used for informative purposes. The sign on the outside and most of the type bearing their name uses a weathered or destroyed looking bold san serif typeface.

Most tattoo parlors have artwork displayed created by the tattoo artists who work there. BDC has these really cool painted collage type paintings as well as many other cool pieces of artwork.

A portfolio of artwork and tattoos.

Different typfaces that can be chosen.

A sign by the bathrom, with really small text stating, where I sit broken hearted, tired to shit but only farted.

A piece of flash art with a smiling girl.

BRENT Brent has worked at BDC for three years now, and has been in the industry for over 22 years now. He originally apprenticed at Inkslingers and he loves his job and the art. He was originally a commercial artist before becoming a tattoo artist.

The tattoo attracts and also repels precisely because it is different. - Margo DeMello

ICHIBAN Next I wanted to visit another shop in Lawrence and I selected Ichiban. Located at 1912 Massachusetts, Ichiban is another well-known shop from Lawrence. The name comes from a Japanese word meaning number one or the best. This shop has quite a different feel than any of the other shops outlined in my book, because it is located in an old house instead of the average commercial storefront. The three artists working are Martin Del Camino, Ben Weas, and Ron Miller. This is definitely the second best shop in the Lawrence area and this shop boasts quite a fascinating decorative interior.

All of the different artists various portfolios.

TYPE The typography found in Ichiban resembles what you would imagine in the typical tattoo shop. Tattoo lettering is found all over the shop in many forms, including the artistsâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; work as well as signs The type on the sign in the front of the shop does not resemble the other type bearing the shops name, which I feel they could have done a better job keeping uniform for branding purposes. I walked away from Ichiban loving this unique parlor, and next I moved closer to the KC area.

A picture of Ben the artist outlined on the next page, and the wall of drawn designs.

SHOW ME A MAN WITH A TATTOO AND I’LL SHOW YOU A MAN WITH AN INTERESTING PAST. - Jack London

BEN Ben finished his apprenticeship eight months ago under Martin Del Camino. He originally got the apprenticeship by just coming in with a portfolio and talking to Martin. The apprenticeship was one year after applying to the apprentice license. Ben tattooed himself ad some of his friends first, and his first tattoo was done on one of his buddies. He became a tattoo artist because he was already pretty heavily tattooed and loved the art. Since he is still pretty new as an artist, he says he is constantly learning new things and he enjoys getting paid to do what he loves.

O V E R L A N D Park INK

KING

City Tattoo Located at 10632 Metcalf Ave, King City Tattoo, is a pretty well-known shop around the Overland Park area. However, it is not nearly as esteemed as some of the other shops from around the area, but it still has a good reputation for doing good work. The owner and piercer Simon is an incredibly helpful and friendly man, and I enjoyed talking to him about the project and other tattoo shops around the area. The tattoo artists include Russ, Trinity, and Rick.

TYPE This shop is much smaller than most of the other shops I visited, and the walls were jam packed with artwork, skateboards, and posters. There is so much to look at and absorb when you walk in that it is almost overwhelming.

There were skateboards and various other tattoo art all over the walls.

The typography definitely exactly fits what you think of when you think of tattoo typography and the rest of the imagery has a very traditional tattoo feel to it. The outside sign says tattoo in the average san serif typeface used in many light up storefront signs. Pretty boring on the outside but inside is really vibrant and full.

Business cards and various other promotional material for the shop.

Tattoos are a right of passage. They are a marker of bravery, of maturity, of cultural acceptance. The tattoo represents not only a willingness to accept pain—to endure it—but a need to actively embrace it. Because life is painful, beautiful but painful.

- Nicola Barker 35

A framed piece that portrays the traditional tattoo typefaces as well as traditional tattoo styled artwork.

A tattoo is a true poetic creation, and is always more than meets the eye. As a tattoo is grounded on living skin, so its essence emotes a poignancy unique to the mortal human condition. - V. Vale

K A N S A S City INK

MERCY

Seat Now I am heading to downtown KCMO. I consider this downtown and somewhat older part of town the heart of Tattoo in the greater Kansas City area. Located at 210 East Sixteenth Street, Mercy Seat from Kansas City is one of the most if not the most reputable shops around the Kansas City area. Mercy seat has been around for about seven and half years, and this location was their first shop. Everyone who loves tattoos always is talking about going to Mercy Seat, and even though Iâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;ve heard they are pretty pricey, everyone knows a good tattoo is not cheap. The artists at the shop include Scott Shickman, Peter Toatley, Wesley Brockman, Mikey Wheeler, Andrew Milko, Chet Duvenci, and Jason Saint.

Mercy Seat is set up in a very interesting space with a ridiculously tall front desk that almost towered over me. Leading to the back area where the tattoos are performed, there is a large bookcase filled with books and also secret doors, like a haunted mansion. We noticed one of these secret doors open, and the owner told us they were all over the shop, which is awesome!

There were all sorts of creepy things hanging around the store including all sorts of skulls,heads, weapons, and creepy nail sculptures.

I am a canvas of my experiences, my story is etched in lines and shading, and you can read it on my arms, my legs, my shoulders, and my stomach.

- Kat Von D

TYPE The typography found in Mercy Seat is kind of all over the place. There are many different styles of tattoo lettering as well as artistic, decorative, and clean typefaces surrounding the shop. However, it is set up like an art gallery rather than a tattoo shop, with walls decorated with work from local artists and the usual posters and signs, of course. The signage on the outside is decorative using the words tattoo and gallery. The door leading in has a stamp like image bearing their name and logo which resides on almost anything which has their name. I think it is really smart that they had a go-to logo and name, which many other shops do not have. The rest of the type on the door is handwritten in a cursive like font.

More animal skulls and some framed flash.

A sign that reappears in various shops.

Detail of a sign saying must be 18 with valid id.

A black trunk/table with all sorts of stickers covering the surace.

Detail of a sign saying just because you are paranoid does not mean that we are watching you.

Jim Jim is the general manager and said, “he does as little as possible,” in a joking manner. He does everything but tattoo. He started working there, because the owner is an old friend. They met because the friend used to book punk rock shows at a club that Jim frequented and they became Jim is the general manager and said, “he does as little as possible,” in a joking manner. He does everything but tattoo. He started working there, because the owner is an old friend. They met because the friend used to book punk rock shows at a club that Jim frequented and they became friends that way. Now Jim is at the shop everyday and also DJs at some bars on the side. He has gotten the majority of his tattoos at the shop, and all of his other ones were previous tattoos before he started working there.

They even hold Rock N’ Roll shows in the alley behind their store every First Friday.

FREAKS

on Broadway Located at 4039 Broadway Rd, Freaks on Broadway is located in the heart of Westport. Also highly renowned around the Kansas City area, the service and friendliness of the staff has always been something to look forward to. Freaks on Broadway opened in 1997, but the first shop was opened on Troost. There are currently four Freaks locations around the Kansas City area. There are several artists who used to work at Freaks who tattoo all over the world now, which is pretty awesome. The artists at this location include Moya, Justin Sims, Zeke, Kasper, Nathan, Ryan, and Shea. If you want to get a tattoo or piercing this is definitely a place you want to visit.

interesting lettering done in a colorful, tattoo-esque or graffiti style manner. Going up the stairs, there

TYPE

is a huge graffiti painting bearing the

The typography found in Freaks on Broadway resembles

third level were more artist studios

what you would imagine in the typical tattoo shop. The

and flash. Freaks on Broadway does a

owner or manager I spoke with allowed me to view all

good job of using the same type when

three levels. The first level is the entry level with flash

it involves the shop’s name. They use

and t-shirt type. The second level has some of the art-

a huge light up sign that says tattoo

ists’ studios and many of these areas included individual

as their main signage on the outside,

artists’ work, books, skateboards, and posters all with

which is common in many shops.

shops name on the brick, and on the

My body is my journal, and my tattoos are my story.

- Johnny Depp

A very true saying that can be found in many tattoo shops.

Art from a Freaks that no longer exists.

BRI Bri is a tattooed and alternative looking woman who is apprenticing under Justin Sims. She said she just kind of fell into the apprenticeship, because originally she was just the receptionist at the store. Bri needs to complete 300 hours of work at the shop before getting to tattoo anyone, and then when her hours are up she has to start on friends or whoever will let somebody inexperienced tattoo them. She practices just by drawing up different designs.

- Michele Delio

A cool graffiti piece bearing the name of the shop goes down the entire stairwell.

Tattoos have a power and magic all their own. They decorate the body but they also enhance the soul.

IREZUMI

Body Art Irezumi is the Japanese word for tattoo, so it is a very fitting name for a parlor. There are two locations, one of which is in Waldo and one in the Westport area. The shop I focused on is the location in Waldo. Irezumiâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s is a well-known name to anyone from Kansas who enjoys getting tattoos. The artists who work at both locations are of the highest standard. The artists at the shop in Waldo are Tiffany Michael, Long Chou, Steve Drew, Mark Long, Blake Schamberger, and Brian Galloway.

This is a really cool looking vintage soda machine bearing the shopâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s name all over it. At first glance, I did not notice that it said Irezumi because of the old vintage look and matching type.

If I had to pick a shop with who I think are the most talented tattoo artists out of any in the Kansas City area, I would definitely choose Irezumiâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s. Their designs are sophisticated yet wildly creative and beautiful. These designs inspire me to desire more body art!

A giant tapestry featuring different Kanji symbols and their english meantings.

TYPE The typography found in Irezumi is relatively limited in the average shop. This particular shop is very clean and open and is set up more like a gallery. The walls are painted white, which helps with the overall feeling of it being a gallery. Most of typography is found either bearing the shopâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s name or in the artwork hanging on the walls. Almost all the type used which bears the parlorâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s name is different. In almost every instance, a different kind of type is used, which is kind of strange. I think it would be much more fitting for all of the outside and inside signage (not including artwork) to use the same type to display the business name. From my view as a customer and as a designer myself, I thought this was strange.

CLOSING I learned much about the history of the Tattoo Art in the Kansas / Missouri area. They all have interesting history and artists that always surprise with their talent and rich and varied backgrounds. All of the aforementioned tattoo shops would be a great place to get a tattoo. Depending on what you want, the artist, price, and how comfortable you are in the surroundings of the shop will ultimately help anyone to decide on what they want and where to get it. I personally love and enjoy the decorative tattoo type, although the average designer might cringe at the accented and decorative forms. The pure creative alteration to interesting results simply is fascinating. Tattoos and tattoo lettering are an art form and a way of life for many, while others think tattoos and tattooed people are criminals or losers.

BELIEVE IT OR NOT, some of us have piercings and tattoos and dye our hair because we think it looks pretty, not for any deep sociological reason. This isn’t an act of protest against cultural or social repression. It’s not a grand, deliberately defiant gesture against capital ists or feminists or any other social group. It’s not even the fashion equivalent to sticking two fingers up at the world. The boring truth of it, Gabriel, is that I don’t dress like this to hurt my parents or draw attention to myself or make a statement. I just do it because I think it looks nice. Disappointed?

-Alex Bell

CREDITS DESIGNER, AUTHOR, & PHOTOGRAPHER Christina Fountain The University of Kansas Patrick Dooley—Designing as an Author Fall 2012

TYPEFACES USED Interstate Mrs. Eaves

SOURCES Interview’s with Ben, Bri, Ben, and Jim http://bdctattoo.com/ https://www.facebook.com/pages/Irezumi-Body-Art/185942658102616 https://www.facebook.com/ichibantattoo http://www.mercyseattattoo.com/mercy_seat_tattoo.html http://freaksonbroadway.com/tattoos.html http://www.vanishingtattoo.com/tattoos_quotes.htm http://www.kingcitytattoo.com/