Now serving 2 locations - Southern Star Tattoo

Tattoo by Keet D'Arms

Long regarded as the capital of the south and widely known as Hate City, Atlanta has become one of the leading areas for the tattooed arts over the last several decades. Classically managed parlors and unique boutiques alike seem to appear overnight in each of Atlanta's many neighborhoods, but are quality tattoo artists still outshining their less proficient competitors? With one look at Southern Star Tattoo – now with two locations in the city – the answer is clearly yes.

Tattoo by Chris Howell

Back piece by Eric Thrice

Though Southern Star's first location on Ponce de Leon did not come into fruition until 2010, the shop's dedicated team members have well over 50 years of expert work and patient styling on their side. But the men who tattoo at both Southern Star locations are more than just employees of a business; They're close friends who share a common vision in work ethic. Some might just call this success, while others know it best as Ponce Life. This original location, settled firmly in a strip of trend-setting bars and clubs, gained such notoriety because it represented the community so much. With a brightly painted wall on their prime Ponce de Leon real estate, Southern Star quickly became much more than just a tattoo shop, and overnight they've become a tattooing institution. They've adopted the motif “Hooked on Ponce,” and one visit will have you hooked, as well. The artist lineup at Ponce de Leon includes Demian Bouchon, Bill Conner, Brian Gattis and Josh Haynes.

Tattoo by Keet D'Arms

The same determination carries over into the new location in Atlanta's Little 5 Points shopping district, located less than two miles from the original shop. While the physical locations of these two Southern Star parlors are relatively close to one another, Atlanta's characteristic neighborhoods allow both locations to cater to completely different clients. If you spend any real time at either spot, you'll start to notice that even the bums who slum around outside have a slightly different swagger than their respective counterparts.

The idea for a second shop came about when Colette, owner of Holy Mother Tattoo, offered up the space. Despite Holy Mother's closing, the space was to remain a tattoo shop.

“The opportunity was there,” says Keet D'Arms. “Colette offered it up, and since it was going to be a tattoo shop anyway, it might as well be us.”

Back piece by Eric Thrice

Situated right in the center of Findley Plaza, the newer Little 5 Points location hosts Keet D'Arms, Chris Howell, Eric Thrice and Tim McGrath. Much like the Ponce location, the new L5P shop is adorned with brilliant flash artwork, original paintings from the country's best tattoo artists and funky folk art from around the world.

But the artwork and professionalism of Southern Star are the two leading qualities in the brand's success. No matter the artist and style, every member of the team is a studied craftsman with careful attention to both detail and traditionalist values. Whether you're looking for true Japanese artwork or want to immortalize a passed family member with some simple script, Southern Star Tattoo has you covered. All eight of the working artists between the two shops has some connection to the old world of tattooing. Bridging that gap between early 20^th century sailor imagery and today's needs is what puts Southern Star at the forefront of Atlanta's tattooing scene.

Tattoo by Chris Howell

Keet D'Arms, Brian Gattis and Chris Howell have each painted their own flash for Jesse Gordon and Sean Baltzell's Eleven Fourteen book project, now on sale and available for pre-order. The book features over 200 pages of the country's finest tattoo artists from the very best shops, a great representation on where Southern Star ranks among tattoo establishments in the United States. 

Both locations are open seven days a week and appointments and walk-ins are both welcome. For hours of operation and artist availability, visit their website or call them to talk more about how they can turn your dream idea into a reality. 

History in a Bottle - Inksmith & Rogers

By Matt Wooddy

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.