Since opening Aberration Tattoo in Belvidere I've been really able to gauge how the other shops work in the Rockford Area. Ever since coming on the scene in this area our customers have been just the best anyone could ever dream of. We've been greeted by some of the best people, done a lot of great pieces with meaning attached to them. We've been able to hear stories and share in the experience with our customers.
Now to the other shops in the area. It's funny how when Aberration brought a little of Chicago flavor to the area how up in arms the other shops got when we moved in. We have shops down the street that try coping every move we make. They try copying the specials we have but with no success. The reason why they have no success is because they cannot compete with the quality of art that comes out of our shop. All Aberration Artist have a minimum of 5 years in a shop atmosphere. All artist have to had completed a shop apprenticeship under a Master Tattoo Artist. Now a days most people don't look at the training of their artist. They automatically think because they walk into a tattoo shop that the artist that tattoos them has the training needed to perform the tattoo they thought long and hard about.
Well now a days since tattooing has been so popular every one has went on Ebay purchased a bunch of equipment and called themselves artist. No formal training, half ass drawing skills and some money to open a storefront. Well guess what we are starting to see all over? People walking around with tattoos that are just horrible, scarred and infected. Being an artist is not just drawing or tracing on a stencil. Being sanitary in your craft is the biggest and most important thing in the industry. The disease that can be passed through unsanitary means is a laundry list. Some of the things are Hepatitis, Staph, possibly AIDS!!! It's our responsibility as artist to convey to the public the risks involved going to a non license shop.
What is a License Shop? It's not going online and getting a certification from a online Blood borne Pathogen training. Anyone can do that!!! The State of Illinois now has a program in which all shops must pass a yearly inspection by the Health Department. Make sure you ask your tattoo shop if they are certified by the State of Illinois. You can do this by calling your local Health Department or asking to see their certification. Those who are certified will have nothing to hide. Be willing to show you around their shop and see the instruments they use. They will educate you on your decision for the best tattoo and placement.
So next time you are looking into your next tattoo make sure to shop around and make sure the shop is clean and certified. Check us out at www.aberrationink.com to learn more about our shop and how we can make your next tattoo or piercing experience something to remember.