Born
from tattoo legends Eric Inksmith and Paul Rogers -- the latter of
whom is long considered the father of American tattooing – Inksmith
and Rogers Atlantic Boulevard has stood at its current location since
1990. However, the Inksmith and Rogers brand has been at the
forefront of Jacksonville tattoo culture since 1984, and its roots go
back much further in tattooing history. Artists come and go from this
and the other four locations, but each one leaves a lasting
impression on the community and tattoo world at large.
I
caught up with the artists at the Atlantic Boulevard shop to get a
better glimpse into their window of the tattoo world. Stepping
through the doors of the Jacksonville shop, history comes alive right
before your eyes.
Most
of the artists have been tattooing for more than 10 years, with Pauly
Granger being the exception at just three years. Mike Bruce, a
Wisconsin native transplanted to Florida with 17 years of experience
on his side, embodies the nature behind traditionalism in every piece
and flash he creates. After negotiating a tattoo trade for painting a
mural on a local Minnesota shop while in college, Mike soon became
interested in pursuing the artform himself. Combining his style of
dreamlike fonts, caricatures with attitude and general sense of
mischief with classic tattoo imagery, Mike Bruce remains a rare breed
of tattooers that pushes the envelope within an aging style.
But
the rest of the Atlantic Boulevard location tattooers are equally
proficient in terms of design and execution. Jeremy Swed has been
tattooing for 16 years, himself. Exemplifying traditional tattooing
with bold colors and off-the-wall themes, Jeremy fits in quite nicely
with the Inksmith & Rogers namesake.
Peter
Raizis is a Michigan transplant to the Sunshine State, and he brings
over 11 years of brilliant tattooing to Jacksonville. While he has a
firm grasp on traditional Americana styling, Peter infuses classic
Japanese art into his tattoos and paintings, as well.
James
Buie, also an 11-year tattooing veteran, takes his cues from hot rod
caricatures, sailor designs and pin-up models of yesteryear. The
Jacksonville native adds extensive detail and coloring to make his
tattoos stand the test of time,
Originally
from Long Island, Pauly Granger comes to the Atlantic Boulevard by
way of Wilmington, NC. He may be the newest member to the I&R
family, but his outward enthusiasm for learning shows in each of his
pieces.
Chris
Rosenberg has been piercing for 16 years now, and his quick yet
efficiently clean methods have guests in and out of the shop with
their new piercings before they even realize what's hit 'em.
Like
any authentic tattoo shop, the artists at Atlantic Boulevard pride
themselves on the custom, original tattoos that they've created in
the combined 70-plus hours of professional work. However, they still
very much invite walk-ins to stop by with a design in mind.
“For
the most part people usually follow the trends. For example, tribal
arms bands have
now
turned in to Polynesian style tribal; and everyone wants meanings
behind them.”
Everyone
has their own style to fit a customer's needs, and that ranges from
traditional American and Japanese to portrait and realism.
The
gang has been lucky to tattoo some of the top athletes, bands,
celebrities and many more of the who's who variety, but there's
nothing quite as refreshing as when a 50- to 60-year-old tattoo comes
through the doors.
If
you would like to make an appointment with any of the artists at
Inksmith & Rogers Atlantic Boulevard, feel free to visit the shop
at 13720 Atlantic Blvd in Jacksonville or contact them through their
website: http://inksmithtattoo.com.
After all, tattooing is a permanent form of artwork, and only the
best will ensure you get something perfect to gaze into for the rest
of your life.
