Skin deep

Tattoos have come a long way from Navy ports, biker bars and prison cells. What was once considered a rebellious display of body modification has transitioned into real art. It’s just on a different kind of canvas—the skin. The tattoo industry is gaining popularity, acceptance and even becoming more regulated. So as the industry booms, we offer a guide for potential customers about what they should know before getting inked and introduce a few local artists who, despite their many tattoos, aren’t scary. They just want to create awesome, custom artwork for you.

Staff box

Editor: Jenn Kistler
Cover & layout design: Miles Harley
Cover photography: Anne Stokes
Editorial intern: Stephanie Rodriguez
Copy editor: Kimberly Brown
Cover model: Leslie Rodriques
Web publishing: Kelsey Falle