The Griffon News

By Jay Claywell
You might want to think twice about going into a shop called “From the Grave,” unless you wanted a new tattoo. If a tattoo is what you’re in the market for, you couldn’t have picked a better place to start checking things out.

The shop has been in business for just under a year and is really going strong. From the Grave Studios is owned and operated by two young men named Jimmy Israel and Ronnie Gonzalez. The aim that these two fellows have is to make new customers into old friends.

Another goal of the shopkeepers seems to be breaking stereotypes and stigmas. The shop is well lit and not some dark smoke filled dungeon. The artwork or “flash” that lines the walls is easy to see and invites the customer to look around. Once a customer has taken a look and all of the artwork on the walls, he or she might notice the welcoming, comfy looking couch with the huge bigscreen TV in front of it, in the waiting area. Once in the waiting area the customer might want to take a look at the artist’s portfolios which are these huge 3-ring-binders with actual photos of previous client’s tattoos. If a potential client of the shop were just to hang out long enough, he or she might actually see the human canvas that carries the tattoo they were admiring, walk through the door. The owner of the shop, Jimmy Israel, likes that vibe about his shop.

“We treat every client like family. We treat every tattoo like it is going on our mothers. You get what you pay for,” says Israel.

The tattoo shop shouldn’t be thought of as some dark port on the wrong side of the tracks. It should be a place to explore other forms of expression.

“I think that tattoo art is just another form of expression. Just like the clothes you wear or make up that you put on. It is artwork that you’ll never lose or get rid of,” Israel adds.

Tattoos and the tattooed are a changing demographic. Gone are the days of tattoos being thought of as; “only for bikers or sailors.”

Ronnie Gonzalez adds to that idea: “Ten years ago it was the same old mindset. People are coming around more than ever. Time has changed that factor. It is seen as a new style of life.”

The new style of life that Gonzalez speaks of is not breaking through without some
opposition.

“Stigmas are stupid,” says Israel in defense of his profession and clients. “It’s just hypocrisy. People treat you like you’re trash or a devil worshipper. High society Christian groups are often the most judgmental, they shouldn’t judge.”

The most frightening thing for the person deciding whether or not to become tattooed might be the idea that it is done with needles.

Amber Smith, a client of Ronnie’s had this to say: “They don’t hurt while they’re happening. It hurts more after, like sunburn.”

Smith was quick to offer a joke while being tattooed.

“It hurts worse when my feet fall asleep because I have been sitting so long,” Smith laughed.

Clients want to take their time when making a decision about tattoos. The artwork you put on your body is intended to stay with you forever.

“Definitely watch who you’re getting a tattoo from. I’m getting a cover-up of one that I got at someone’s house,” said Smith.

Ronnie Gonzalez is quick to add: “If you’re going to get a tattoo research your artist. Look at their portfolio. If you want cheap work that’s what you’ll get.”

Basically the quest for a new first tattoo comes down to three things. Take your time. Tattooing has been around a long time. Be open-minded and expect people to have an open mind about your decision. Expect respect. Finally, take care of your art.

The experience of getting a tattoo doesn’t have to be daunting. If you have any questions or concerns come see Jimmy or Ronnie. They will be sure to point you in the right direction.