Tattoo parlor: Business proves recession proof
By LARRY SHIELDSArticle Photos
SALEM - Hawaiian Joe's Tattoo parlor is holding a 10 - 10 sale today beginning at noon.
Located above the Kitchen Klassics store at 657 E. State St. the business is owned by Reggie Robinson and has been in its new location since March.
Today's sale offers any above-the-waist tattoo for $10 for the 10-hour span from noon until 10 p.m. It includes single-needle piercing too.
Robinson, who got into tattooing through music and playing lead guitar with "too many to count" bands, has five artists working at Hawaiian Joe's Tattoo. They represent a total of 47 years in the business. Robinson said he's been tattooing for 16 years.
Artist Bob McElroy of Salem has three years experience while Ron Simpson of East Palestine has nine years, Scott Guappone of Salem has eight years experience and Tony Helisek of East Palestine has 11 years. Hawaiian Joe's Tattoo hours are 2 to 10 p.m. seven days a week and appointments are "at all hours."
Just about any kind of tattoo you can think of can be drawn, from old school to new.
Old school, according to Hawaiian Joe's Tattoo artists, refers to pin-ups and heart and rose type tattoos while the new school is more defined and attains more detail "with a more artistic approach."
The most popular tattoo area is the upper arm, Robinson said, the deltoids and biceps while the average tattoo is drawn with three to four colors. But color possibilities are almost limitless with a blend of the 12 basic colors that are available.
The upper arm can withstand the modest discomfort of the tattoo procedure better, Robinson said.
It's the most popular for both males and females.
"It's the part that hurts the least," he said, but one person said the pain isn't as severe as people think it is - it's more of a discomfort than anything else.
Tattoos can take from 20 minutes to 16 hours and multiple sessions, Robinson said, explaining that body piercing is much quicker because a single needle is used. The most popular piercing areas, both for males and females are ears, nostrils, tongue and the nipples.
Robinson said setting up for a piercing takes longer than the actual procedure.
The cost can range from a minimum of $50 up $5,000 or $6,000 depending on the size, shape and complexity, he said, adding that business has been good.
"It's recession proof. People want to get something you can't repossess," he said.
Hawaiian Joe's Tattoo is licensed by the state.
Larry Shields can be reached at lshields@salemnews.net
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Mtlhed
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04-15-09 2:53 PM
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I find tattoos to be a great investment, for the main reason that they last forever. They don't wear out like cars or houses and yet are much cheaper. It may look low class to some, but for me it is Navy heretage, and I just got another one for my 40th birthday. I would agree that having them all over your neck or face wouldn't be wise if you have or hope to have a decent career.
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NotMSNBC
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04-12-09 8:43 AM
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Who over the age of 25 would get a tattoo or body piercing? By that age you should be mature enough to know the tattoo will be will you forever. Have you ever seen a tattoo on a person over the age of 40.. yuck.. I always think "Low class" when I see one.
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Wilds21
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04-11-09 9:26 PM
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Step out of the last century? Yeah and get hip and send a spike sailing through my nose to prove how cool and original (as though everyone hasn't done it already) I am? Please you want to be against the grain in this area get a college education and make good money. That is truly original in an area devoid of high paying jobs and even less college education. Any idiot can get a tat or piercing. Get with it and get a degree. Step into this century roxyzoe!
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Wilds21
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04-11-09 9:23 PM
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Exactly my point. I could care less about a tattoo parlor. But to imply as though this is a big boon in this area is laughable. What do these guys gross a year? Seriously. Not a large enough tax base to sneeze at. The only one who benefits is the landlord who owns this business property. Anyone dumb enough to spend money on getting inked up when they may need the money in the near future for food is a buffoon at best!
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NotMSNBC
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04-11-09 7:56 PM
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I bet they are closed by mid-summer. Who, that is normal and stable would spend their money on a tattoo in this economy. Maybe they would spend their rent money or child support.
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roxyzoe
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04-11-09 2:12 PM
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You people need to step out of last century!! With the economy in it's current state you should be happy that there is ANY (legal) business willing to take a chance on opening in this area!!! Try opening your minds a little
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Wilds21
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04-11-09 11:48 AM
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Seriously, What's next more liquor stores and maybe some strip clubs. After all they are recession proof as well. Home of the Quakers?
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NotMSNBC
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04-11-09 11:28 AM
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Just what Salem needs, another Tattoo Parlor
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