After tireless research and phone calls I happened upon a little (possibly even hole in the wall sized) tattoo shop and was incredibly excited to get some work done after speaking to an artist named "Shack" (not Shaq, he continuously reminded me). A few minutes on the phone and the date was confirmed and everything was in order.
Walking in to the tattoo shop was like a breath of fresh air. The walls were a neon-ish green color and the art was incredible! I couldn't help but bombard poor Shack with questions about the art, his work, and the work of the rest of the artists in the shop. Surprisingly he was more than willing, if not adamant, to answer each and every question that I had brought with me that day.
His form was comfortable and quick. Very light on the tattoo machine, so as not to hurt my skinny frame. He even went as far as to pick music that was to my liking. Nothing was spared in making me feel as much at home as I could.
In addition to Shack (later i found out his real name, Michael Shackleford), there are numerous talented and experienced artists at Think Ink Tattoos, including David Bruehl, who might be one of the best out there; Fernando "Fern" Casillas, whose portraits are shockingly realistic and probably the best I've seen anywhere in this part of the US; Josh Crane, the shops owner is another very talented artist who deserves special attention; and the latest addition to the Think Ink family, David "Hek" Rogers. Being the latest artist to join the team, I haven't had a chance to check his work as thoroughly as the others, but his portfolio has incredible work in it and is definitely worth a close look.
My personal choice is Shack due to his polite, courteous, and professional attitude, his unbelievable talent with a tattoo machine, and his choice of dress (a skintight pair of jeans with a worn pair of converse, a pearl-snap rebel flag shirt, and to top off the ensemble, a black or white bandanna tied around his shaggy mane of brown hair at the brow). Give Shack, and the rest of the guys at Think Ink a try ASAP!!! You won't be disappointed!!!!!!!
-Jordan Keith Bowline- read more