I was going on a road trip from San Francisco to New York and it just dawned on me: "Wouldn't it be awesome to get a tattoo during the trip?!"
Sometimes inspiration comes, and you just run with it. So I scoured the web for possible shops to get some work done and I eventually found Gypsy Rose.
I was a little wary because I had found the shop on the internet, rather than being referred to by word of mouth after meeting someone with work done by an artist. But James Ann was great. In addition to the piece of art she gave me, she also taught me the difference between real artists and guys just tattooing out of their basement. The two are extremes that should not be compared.
Also, as proof of James Ann's awesomeness I have transcribed the following conversation I had with a random run-in in South Dakota.
Me: Whoa, those are some pretty dope tattoos! Do you mind if I touch? (I don't know why but I really like touching other people's tattoos).
Lady Barber: Thanks and no, I don't mind at all!
Me: I'm actually planning on getting a tattoo while passing through South Dakota.
Lady Barber: Oh, yeah? Which Shop?
Me: Gypsy Rose. Have you heard of it?
Lady Barber: Heard of it? I go there! James is the best we've got around here! How do you know about her? Do you know people from here?
Me: Really? Uhh, I kind of just found her on Google...
Lady Barber: Wow. That's amazing. Crazy shit the internet can do for you these days.
Which reminds me, I need to write a review on her barber shop. It was awesomely filled with awesome antiques. read more