Nadwe Zibe 1 & 2

Yes, you read correctly. Nadwe Zibe Tattoos in South Bend became so popular that it made a sequel (like The Hangover). Great movie, good times.

Nadwe Zibe I has a great corner location off the Mayflower Road Exit from the US 20 bypass. It is owned by artist Ron Hoaks who has been in the business for many years.

Again, I must give credit where it is due by proudly saying that my very first tattoo was done in this shop, along with the next 3 (or 4). Sorry mom.

Scott Ryan is a tattoo artist as well as certified piercer. He does great work, and if you are uncomfortable at first, he has a way of making sure that you feel right at home.

Now that Nadwe I is remodeled, there is a back room where piercings take place. That way, if your nerves get the best of you (or you don't want your goodies to be shown to people passing by) you are in complete privacy!

Check out their website and online portfolios of all the artists, including Robin! If colorful ink is your thing, she's your girl.

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Round II, and GO:

Nadwe Zibe II is conveniently located in Niles Michigan, and provides you with more opportunities to get what you want out of your ink.

With new and upcoming artists, it is important to scope their work before committing. However, these 'kids' know what they're doing. Again, I've personally gotten a tattoo at this shop as well! Look familiar? :

Torie is an amazing artist, whom I've had the pleasure of studying with in college. We took an art class together, and she kicked my keaster. She is extremely talented and worth checking out!

Two shops, one goal... to provide quality art to those in the Michiana Area!

Happy Hunting!

Stillhouse Tattoo & Piercing

It wouldn't be right to exclude the backbone of this tattoo shop, previously known as Point Blank. Owner  Chris Newman passed away suddenly fall of 2010. Chris was an amazing man, father, brother to all who loved him, and a great friend.

The shop lives on under a new name, Stillhouse Tattoos in the same location as the late Point Blank, and is run by the original people who have spent endless hours within its walls providing ink and metal to many in the Michiana area.

I must give credit where credit is due: I myself have four tattoos from under this roof done by the magnificent Aaron Ryan and Deuce. On a "metal" note, in February of 2010 I received my first micro dermals from Chris, and came back for more later that summer, which Joel so gently took care of.

Watch the video of the madness!

If you're not ready to commit to ink just yet, maybe piercing is the way to go. Joel Frechette  is the man, and has brought pain with needles to many of my friends, including me!

Step back, pause... by pain, I mean "you'll live, take a deep breath, you'll be hardcore in the morning."

Micro dermal piercings are something that I am currently infatuated with, and can be placed in unique spots that can be customized to your own liking! Look:

Ever hear of bedazzling? Bedazzle yourself! Besides,  who doesn't love a little "sparkle".

Marvel

Half Pint.

Okay, this blog just wrote itself. Enough said! Eh hem... maybe not. I should for sure elaborate on what those two words mean to many people in this town.

Marvel Tattoo in South Bend is known for the quality work their artists produce on a daily basis. If I can be so biased for a moment, Half Pint is one of Michiana's best artists. Don't believe me? See for yourself.

By all means, don't be mistaken to think that he is the only artist in the shop who will deliver. I have family and friends who swear by this shop, and the people in it.

Noel is a  talented woman who specializes in piercings! Anything from micro dermals to the newly trend of genital beading (oh yeah, it's the real deal).

Check out their website, look at the portfolios, and decide for yourself who does the best work for your style of ink.

Happy Hunting.

Submitted by Eric - Artist: Ryan

Submitted by Jade of South Bend - Artist:

Wicked Ways

wick·ed adj \ˈwi-kəd\  1 : fierce, vicious

                                              2:  going beyond  

                                               reasonable or

                                               predictable

                                               limits :

                              of exceptional

                                        quality or

                                        degree.

 

When searching in the Webster's Online Dictionairy, the definitions given for 'wicked' do not do the main artist and owner of Wicked Ways Tattoos in Lakeville any justice.

If I may be so bold, I consider Rodney Eckenberger to be one of the most talented artists in the Michiana area.

 

From greyscale pieces, to bold and rich colors, he is your man.

If you assumed that the above photo were of a drawing or painting, in a way you are correct. Take another look:

Rodney's work on such detailed pieces were what first caught my attention several years ago, when posting artwork and tattoos on MySpace was the popular thing to do.

Words from Shakespear himself (or Stephen Tyler, whichever you prefer) could not describe the art that is created within the walls of Wicked Ways.

Check out their Facebook page daily for online portfolios of tattoos and artwork for sale. Wicked Ways also does most piercings for $20.

If this is a shop/artist that you are interested in, make the call: 574-784-2985.

For any tattoo decission, make sure it is your BEST.

Ink is like most STD's, it's for LIFE.

Happy hunting.

Why Should I Research First?

Getting a tattoo is a decission that will affect an individual for life.

 It is extremely important to research the piece you desire, as well as the artist whom you make an appointment with.

Since I was a child, I have been interested in the art amongst the tattoo world, as well as the reasons supporting people's individual decisions regarding their ink. To me, tattoos are a trail of memories which otherwise would be lost. I have many tattoos that represent my past, present and future.

If you are in the Michiana Area, this blog will help you decide for yourself and contact the artist and shop that best suits your needs.

About the Author

I've realized that I have neglected telling you WHY I have such a passion for tattoos in general. I grew up with a father who was in a traveling rock and roll band, and a mother who was his biggest fan. Though tattoos weren't as prominent in the 80s, there were popular public figures that weren't afraid to flaunt their ink.

I remember in fourth grade, seeing a live concert DVD of Motley Crue with my father and being mesmerized by drummer Tommy Lee's tribal designs (that is of course before the ever so popular tribal band became a trademark for fraternity boys across the US).

The patterns on his skin were more than a social statement. To me, they were art and a way of expressing ones self permanently, rather than a piece of clothing which would ultimately end up in the trash or a shadow box on a fan's wall.

Since then, having a tattoo has become the norm, rather than a unique characteristic.

It is often rare to find someone who does not have a tattoo, than one who has.

I recieved my first tattoo on my 18th birthday, and have aquired seven more five years later. To me, tattoos aren't to rebel and make my parents angry. They aren't to impress my friends or give myself a certain social status. Tattoos are a way of expressing myself, showing a map on my body of where my heart has been.

In a sense, I literally do wear my heart on my sleeve. Though in this case, is also displayed on my foot, hip, ribcage, wrist, bicep, lip, stomache and other locations that are to be determined.

So, next time you see someone's ink, don't be so quick to judge them. Think why they decided on that specific design in the first place. You could learn more about the most complicated person by looking at their cover, and continuing to read inside out.