Art in unexpected places
SPRING HILL –
The Tattoo Company celebrates artistry in ways that go beyond the designs their artists create on skin. And, they can take their show on the road.
The combination clothing store and tattoo studio offers the latest in extreme sport and music-inspired urban apparel, a state-of-the-art tattoo studio, and a tricked-out mobile tattoo parlor.
Owner Darren Shuttleworth said he runs a totally drug-free, clean tattooing operation. “We use the best sterilization techniques available,” he stated, adding that their processes are overseen by Spring Hill physician Dr. Brian Kroll.
Besides periodic on-site inspections, Kroll advises about medications and conditions that may affect the tattoo process.
“We won’t tattoo anybody with a medical concern without physician authorization,” cautioned Shuttleworth. “Likewise, we won’t work on anybody who smells of alcohol or appears under the influence of illegal drugs.”
Shop manager and artist Matt “Close” Thomas added, “Health is our number one priority. One hundred percent customer satisfaction is the only way these doors will stay open.”
Shuttleworth’s background in freestyle motocross afforded him the opportunity to travel and, in his words, “meet some of the most amazing people along the way, including a lot of tattoo artists.”
He came to believe that music, extreme sports, apparel and tattoos “all kind of go together, as a lifestyle.” He noted many adventurous and creative people displayed their flair for life through what they did (extreme sports), what they wore (clothing and body art), and the music they listened to.
Shuttleworth created The Tattoo Company to represent the best of these creative venues. “I felt tattoo shops should be more customer conscious,” he said. “Too many shops promote the wrong image. They should treat their guests like rock stars; after all, customers enable the artists to make a decent living doing what they love.”
The Tattoo Company’s artists love to express their originality by creating permanent art on people who, for diverse and infinite reasons, love to wear it.
Customers range in age from 18 to 80. “Tattooing is much more mainstream these days,” Shuttleworth said. “Everything from soccer moms getting permanent makeup to police and fire rescue getting memorial tattoos.
“With today’s modern advancements in tattooing and pigments we can restore or beautify existing or dated tattoos. We find people generally get new tattoos to mark a milestone in their life or the loss of a loved one.”
Customers can use an electronic workstation to browse artists’ portfolios electronically, consult with an artist, and pull design ideas from the Internet. “We’re a completely custom shop,” added Thomas.
Ashley Creamer manages the retail portion of the business. There’s plenty of room to maneuver through displays of apparel, footwear, purses and accessories by brands including TapouT, Famous, Etnies and Metal Mulisha.
A roomy dressing room is decorated with large mirrors, modern art and the obligatory rock star poster.
The store’s white walls accent the “clean look” Shuttleworth wants. Wall art echoes the energy and creativity emanating from the studio in the back.
The studio’s entrance resembles an extreme fighting cage; except for a 73-inch flat panel television with Wii and Playstation 3, wide leather couches, foosball table, super-sized and tricked-out restroom, free WiFi, and free soft drinks and snacks, compliments of the house.
The studio environment is also bright, clean and high-tech. Its décor reflects the extreme sports, music and body art that energizes the artists and guests.
Walls hold guitars, drum heads, cymbals, surf and skateboards. A full size motocross bike hangs from the ceiling. A drum kit fills an alcove.
There are separate rooms for autoclave sterilizing, and for piercing and private tattoos.
Workstations reflect individual interests and talents. “Shamrock Sean” Metz has been tattooing since 1999. He has a background in animation and lifelong love of Marvel comics. His station includes a surfboard, favorite Marvel figures, and a framed Anime-style sketch with the phrase, “tipping makes it hurt less.”
Metz’ work can best be described as “new school,” using brilliant colors and photo realism. He also airbrushes on skate, surf and skim boards.
The Tattoo Company uses both air and electrically-run equipment. Metz said the studio’s open environment “Lets everybody see what’s going on.”
“Our top-notch artists cover a wide range of art forms,” Shuttleworth said. “Close [Thomas] uses pneumatic machines. Healing time is cut in half, colors are much more brilliant, and there’s less discomfort during the procedure. Close has amazing skills as a veteran artist in tattooing and with painting.”
“John Vradenburg is another one of our artists. ‘Johnny V’ is as professional as you get, always donating his free time and services to local charities. His specialty is traditional tattoo designs, and he stands out in his field above most.”
Artist Ryan “Twig” Tydings and shop apprentice Austin Willis round out the present Tattoo Company team. Tydings has been with them three months and has been tattooing for four years. “He’s a very hardworking artist,” Shuttleworth said, “Always working to better his skills.”
The Tattoo Company supports community and private events via their mobile tattoo bus, which includes a sterile artist workstation, hot and cold running water, surround-sound stereo, flat panel TV with Playstation, customized lighting, and plush leather seating. “We can provide private parties without sacrificing a sterile work environment,” stated Shuttleworth.
Recent events include St. Petersburg’s Shockfest 2010 at Sunshine MX Speedway, 2010 Breast Cancer Walk in Wesley Chapel, a New Port Richey golf tournament, and St. Andrew’s Art Fayre in Spring Hill. Thomas represented them by teaming with TRUTH at the UrbanAthlon in Chicago for a top 25 finish out of over 8,600 athletes.
During this holiday season The Tattoo Company will be an official drop off location for the Marine Corps Toys for Tots campaign.
For charity event information contact Johnny V at the studio.
Shuttleworth said business has been fantastic and they’re already in the process of opening a second location on U.S. 19 in New Port Richey. “We’re unlike any studio you’ve ever seen. You must come in to see for yourself,” he added.
The Tattoo Company is open Monday through Saturday from 10 a.m. to 10 p.m. and Sunday noon to 5 p.m. A giant grand opening is planned for the beginning of 2011 and will include live bands, FreeStyle Motocross and more.
BIZ AT A GLANCE
Name: The Tattoo Company
Location: 5110 Commercial Way (US 19) Spring Hill
Telephone: 352-610-4494
Email: [email protected]
Website: Find them on Facebook by searching TheTattooCompany
Jody Bowes writes regularly for Hernando Today. She lives in Spring Hill and can be reached at [email protected].
