Ushi Oni!

The Ushi Oni is one of many strange malevolent beasts from Japanese folklore. Part spider, part cow, and all Demon- it's sole purpose is to reek havoc at sea, terrorizing fisherfolk and destroying seafaring vessels. Of course, it is rare that someone would even see the fabled creature and live to tell the tale. Fortunately, we came through unscathed, and have the photo to prove it!

Sleeve of Masks

Merlin's sleeve of Oni masks has come along nicely! After four long sittings, save a few small polishes, it's pretty well finished- and it's another great example of how the combination of good subject matter and dedication make for the best Tattoos. Pictured, you'll see four devilish masks, each representing some gnarly aspect of the personality, surrounded by storm clouds and lightning. While themes like this are usually named for five masks in Japan, I had been told at one time or another that the wearer's face is meant to be considered as one of those five, so we rolled with that concept as well. At first, this imagery may seem pretty negative- but it is important to remember that masks are wearable or removeable at will. Self-mastery through adversity is the real underlying notion.

You Blew It....Again.

  This coming week brings our old pal Nick B. down to the shop from Fort Wayne, Indiana! He'll be doing really nice traditional style tattoos from Monday, July 29th to Thursday, August 1st. If you'd like one of said really nice tattoos, I'm afraid you're a bit late this round. Nick B. has booked up! Stop in and see him, though! You can talk with him about next time, and get his contact info...if you're lucky.
  Right after Nick leaves James Hunter will be coming down from northern Ohio to put some awesome illustrations on willing skin. Want an appointment? Stop in and put your money where your mouth is! Links to James' work, as well as any of our current artists or guests, are easy to find at our website: www.flying-tiger-tattoo.com. Thank you, and have a wondurful day!

Catching Up!

In light of being waaaaay behind on posting new photos, here are some nice ones I've finished in the past few weeks. A set of Pharaoh's Horses, a Broken Lantern, a folky revolutionary-period Snake, and a leaping Tengu Swordsman- all on some of my favorite visitors! Cheers, Fellas! I've got to get back to it....

New Friends!

 Flying Tiger Tattoo is both delighted and proud to welcome Meghan Dietz aboard our staff! You may have already caught her at the shop making super-nice Tattoos. Her regular hours will commence after she visits the Cleveland Tattoo Expo this weekend with Nate Hudak and Andy Blair, and you can see samples of her work at our site: www.flying-tiger-tattoo.com. Stop in and get a really good job done on your design!
 Also, our friend Eric Brocious will be visiting the shop this week Friday through Monday! He's coming all the way from Sunny PA, some come by and get something cool from him if you have the chance! You can see his work at: www.ericbrocious.com. Have an awesome day!

Visitors From Afar

Hey! This Friday and Saturday, Jimison of Epicenter Tattoo in West Virginia will be coming by to grace the shop with his awesome abilities in the realm of traditional-style tattooing. Come by and get something cool to wear! Just stop in- he'll be here! Also- don't forget- Andrew Wesley Bennett of Rising Tide Tattoo in Newark will be here the week of the 17th, and of course, a big huge thanks to Jemola from Resurrected Tattoo in Syracuse, NY for hanging out and making some really killer art last week! Hooray!!

Current Events

 This month we will have two great artists filling in while folks take vacations. Jemola from Resurrected Tattoo in Syracuse New York will be here from June 5th until the 8th, and Andrew Bennett of Rising Tide Tattoo in Newark, Ohio from June 17th until the 23rd. These two make excellent Tattoos, and are great fellows to boot. If you'd like to wear some of their work, stop in while they're here, or contact the shop.
 We've still been having a lot of fun tattooing this Spring. Here are a few designs from the past couple of weeks: