Karen Tattoo Design / Work On Karen Tattoo Design / Work On Karen

Karen, how would you describe what you do.

Well, I help Bill out and keep the phone away from him. And there's a lot of behind the scenes chores, sterilizing and prep work. Talking to the customers is an important part of what we do too. This is a big event to most people. They don't do this every day, so naturally they need a little help. Maybe a little comforting, or an endorsement of their idea. When Bill is busy tattooing he can't give the people out in the lobby the time they deserve. And I'm better at it than he is anyway. Is he listening?

Interesting. Better how?

Bill's very quiet and not much for chit-chat. That can be a little intimidating. Night after night I've seen him go home and draw for hours on end for someone he doesn't even know, but earlier they could hardly get two words out of him. He's a little bit insane. Actually he's a little shy and I'm just the opposite, so I like to deal with the people first. It's better that way.

I've seen you in action. It looks like it gets hectic here.

Oh, God yes! I'm a little manic and hectic is when I'm at my best. I'm a good juggler.

What do you tell a first time customer?

Relax, this isn't a horrible process. Don't go too small just because you're nervous. Small is fine if that's really what you want, but you only have one chance to get your first tattoo. Make it significant.

Was your first tattoo significant?

In more ways than one. Partly because of the subject matter--the comedy and tragedy masks have always been a part of my life, and partly because that's when I met Bill, although it was many years before we met again.

You have some pretty involved work on you. It looks like it took a lot of time.

About 50 hours or so. I love things to be big and bold. I've always been flamboyant.

Anything to add?

Yes, give us a call, we're here 'til nine.