The Inkwell

Kate :: Owner/Tattoo Artist

I always hate writing these things, I never know where to start.  I suppose the beginning is always a good place…

My infatuation with body art started when I got my first tattoo.   Already an aspiring artist, I became instantly fascinated with the art form.  I remember thinking ” that is the coolest thing I have ever seen.”    I did try my hand at a “normal” college education in art for a bit, but quickly became disenchanted with the process.  I have always been a free spirit and the red tape of a formal education was very off-putting for me at that point in my life. (i.e…I was young and stupid!)  I felt stifled and confined by the environment I was in.  I learned a lot in the time I was there, but I craved something more…..

It was at this point that I was lucky enough to find an apprenticeship with a local artist named Zoid.  I spent the next few years, learning from and working with Zoid, laying those initial building blocks for my career.  From this experience I moved around a bit, working in different shops,  trying to learn everything and anything I could.   Those first years of my career were challenging as I struggled; not only to find myself as an artist, but as an individual as well.  Despite those challenges, my love for this art form continued to grow…and still does to this day.  I fall in love with it all over again every single day.

Although I had the advantage of an apprenticeship and I am forever grateful for that, I know now that I did not walk away from that experience with all of the tools I needed to excel in my craft.  Luckily, I have a constant desire to learn new things and to improve myself and my abilities.  I have used magazines, books, and advice from any and every artist I could talk to. I still use these things today to help me learn and continue to improve my skill level.  I feel that the day I stop learning is the day I should retire.

In 2004, I moved to Oak Hill, WV to be closer to my family during a rough time.   Honestly, when I first came here, I had no intentions of staying.  But… life has a funny way  of putting us where we need to be when we need to be there. Things worked out and I ended up opening my very own shop, The Inkwell, in July of 2005.  My intention was to create a tattoo studio that anyone could walk into and feel welcome.    I wanted a clean and inviting studio space, where my customers and I could work together in a comfortable and safe environment.  That is exactly what The Inkwell has become!   I am proud and very grateful, everyday, to come to work.

I have now been tattooing and piercing for over 10 years, and cannot imagine doing anything else with my life.   I approach my art and my customers with respect and humility.    I aspire to always be the best that I possibly can, and to work everyday, not just to create beautiful art, but to help further move the tattoo industry as a whole, into a more positive light.

At times, it is still challenging, but it is always worth it. For me, tattooing is not just a job, it is a way of life….one I wouldn’t give up for the world.

I would also like to thank my wonderful family and friends, as well as my fantastic customers, for supporting me.  Without all of you, none of this would be possible.  I love you all you freaky people!

Jen :: Piercer

As a kid, I remember being fascinated with tattoos and piercings, I just loved the idea of permanent self expression.  When I was 17 I got my first tattoo then shortly after, got a labret piercing, from then on it was all over.  I immediately began looking for a shop that would help me get my foot in the door so ultimately I could start my career in the wonderful world of body modification.

I moved to Virginia Beach in 2000 and started as an apprentice at Urban-X-Change Studios where I learned about the anatomy of the human body.  Later on, I completed blood borne pathogen training through the American Red Cross.  Upon completion of my apprentiship I applied for my license and continued my education by practicing on friends and family.  I have worked with many amazing tattoo artists and body piercers at various studios including Danny Fowler’s Ancient Art and have owned my own (Elusive Body Works, in Chesapeak, Virginia. I adhere to strict standards of procedure and cleanliness, as well as the Red Cross guidelines for disease transmission prevention.  I have performed an array of body piercings including surface work and have an extensive portfolio which can be viewed in the studio upon request.  I am pleased to have the opportunity to work at the Inkwell and look forward to seeing you!