The tattoo industry is an often type cast field, in many instances it is thought of as a delinquent activity carried out in remote and filthy cesspools of social deviancy by large hairy burly men who cant get a "real" job due to past felonious activity. I hope to shoot this popular misconception full of holes. One will find through experience only that this is truly not the case, these are legitimate places of business, ran n accordance to all health ordinances by law abiding citizens.I have targeted a tattoo studio on Bessemer avenue, by the creative name of "Inkslingers." As a matter of fact I received three of five tattoos here by Kevin Spainhour who is also the subject of my interview. Judging by the parking lot, you would never suspect this place as being a successful propriety. The lot is ragged and broken with no more than half a dozen parking spaces, of those three are occupied by employees. As you approach the bright yellow sandstone building you cant help but admire the airbrushed artwork for a moment. The entrance is surrounded by tonguerings earrings dice and other assorted items.As you walk in the front door you find yourself standing in front of a glass jewelers case. This is the counter where you pay for your overpriced tattoos, jewelry or other items. The man behind the counter was a very friendly black man about six feet tall with a pierced eyebrow. He greets each visitor with a welcoming "hello." There is a partisian to the right that sections off the tattoo artist's offices. This is where they go to prepare the stencils for each tattoo. Past this room is a lounge with two bright red couches and a glass coffee table with between them. On top of the coffee table sits two tall stacks of tattoo magazines. All four walls of this room are covered from the floor to the ceiling with flash. Flash are the pictures and designs that the studio provides for customers to choose from. Each section of flash is ab...
