The Localista wants you to “think local first” for all your needs; be it shopping, eating, reading, or even getting inked. Now, I’ll have you know that the only ink I’ve ever come into contact with is of the writing kind. But, I did not want that to deter me from bringing you the story behind Classic Tattoos, which moved to new Downtown digs a month ago after nearly four years in Pinellas Park.
I have to admit that I didn’t quite know what to expect having stepped inside just a few tattoo shops in the past. They were either dark, slightly threatening or more like gallery spaces where tattooing takes place out of sight. I was beyond pleasantly surprised when entering the door of Classic Tattoos and finding one of the most appealing and refreshing interiors I’ve encountered Downtown, not to mention a feeling of having stepped back in time. There’s a lot of wood, old-fashioned desks with roll tops and Americana on the walls. How fitting that they moved in during the July 4th weekend as everything they bought for the shop was made in the US. It’s the complete opposite of intimidating and certainly not what many might associate with a tattoo shop. A large window that runs the length of the shop doesn’t just let in tons of light, it allows for “tat virgins” like me to peer inside and observe a process that is normally hidden from view.
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St. Pete native Ryan Cullen, who is one of the co-owners, wanted to achieve exactly this kind of look and feel in their new space. He said he didn’t want the typical “scary skulls and scary names scaring people off.” Ryan was the first person Keller, the other co-owner, ever tattooed during his apprenticeship at a shop in New Port Richey where Ryan eventually apprenticed too. They decided to venture off together and opened their own place in October 2007. Both studied commercial art and they believe their custom tattoos are what set them apart and, clearly, they must be doing something right as Keller was deemed the “Best Tattoo Artist” in Creative Loafing’s 2010 Readers Poll.
I have to say that Ryan, Keller and the other artist who works with them, Steve Lanier, really impressed me – each in their own way. Keller, whose wife owns Sweet Cheeks Candy & Beauty Bar, helped her come up with a wonderful “Keep St. Petersburg Local” decal you can pick up at Classic Tattoos. Steve, whose card reads “Bonafide Tattoo Gentleman” and who is a character in every sense of the word, came up with a “Get What You Get” box. What a fun way to select a design! Albeit it, you’ll need a sense of adventure (and $50). He’s got a book of photos of past “getters” too, so your mug will be added to his album if you choose to go this route. Steve’s also the one who told us when questioned about the pain aspect of a tattoo that “it’s not how bad it hurts, it’s how bad you want it.” Ryan described it as “controlled abrasion.”
What impressed me the most, though, were Ryan’s comments about his customers and the community. He wanted to thank their customers “who have been loyal and let us do what we do.” When I asked him why he wanted to be Downtown he said that it was where he grew up and spent time and he wanted Classic Tattoos to be “part of the memory kids have of hanging out here.” There was no feeling of community where they were before and now they’re where they belong and where they can make art. A warm welcome to you, Classic Tattoos, we’re glad you’re here!
The Localista always asks business owners what was their favorite book as a child. Ryan’s is not a book, instead he fondly remembers Lowrider Magazine. Lowriders are his hobby and most days you’ll find his Chevy C-10 pickup parked outside the shop. Keller said he loved anything with pictures, but if he had to pick a favorite it would be Where the Sidewalk Ends. Steve offered just one mysterious clue, “Wink,” which he claims he found under his father’s bed. My cursory research turned up a PG-rated pin-up magazine, which no doubt has influenced his persona.
Classic Tattoos is located at 1441 Central Avenue and is open Mon-Sat from 11:00 am to 7:00 pm
727-823-2121
www.ClassicTattoos.com
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“The Localista,” aka Olga Bof, will be opening her own local and independent business, Cheeky Monkeys Books & Toys, later this year in Downtown St. Pete (www.facebook.com/cheekymonkeysbooks for updates).
Photography provided by Featured Artist of the Burg (FAB) Sheri Kendrick of Enchanted Forest Photography(www.efpgallery.com).
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