Photo by Kelly Sullivan/ Peninsula Clarion Lori Salyers, who is getting a black and white image of a cat sitting beside a tombstone just below her shoulder, said the tattoo was inspired by her favorite holiday, which is Halloween, Saturday, March 14, 2015, at Ink Works in Kenai, Alaska.

Photo by Kelly Sullivan/ Peninsula Clarion Lori Salyers, who is getting a black and white image of a cat sitting beside a tombstone just below her shoulder, said the tattoo was inspired by her favorite holiday, which is Halloween, Saturday, March 14, 2015, at Ink Works in Kenai, Alaska.

Local tattoo studios grow in popularity

  • By IAN FOLEY
  • Saturday, March 14, 2015 10:05pm
  • News

One growing industry is leaving its mark on the community.

Over the past few years, tattoo studios have become more common across the central Kenai Peninsula. The nearly half dozen shops in the area point to a growing acceptance of an art form that once held a social stigma.

Todd Gipson, tattoo artist at Family Tattoo on Kalifornsky Beach Road, said that the increase in tattoo popularity is due to them being more accepted in society. He said people from all walks of life get tattoos these days.

“You’ve got doctors, lawyers, nurses, firefighters, officers,” Gipson said. “Now, (tattoos) are so commonplace.”

In the past, people associated tattoos with gangs, but perceptions have changed, said Jordan Curren, tattoo artist at Skin City Tattoos on K-Beach.

“(People) realize that it is a piece of art,” he said.

Some studios in the area even try to attract certain demographics. While people of both sexes are welcome at Forget Me Not Tattoo Boutique in Soldotna, the studio promotes itself as female friendly.

“It’s not a typical tattoo shop,” said Larissa Price, one of the studio’s artists. “That’s why we call it a boutique.”

She said that another reason tattoos are becoming more popular is that they’re safer than they used to be and the ink stays sharper.

While the abundance of tattoo studios in the area may lead people to believe there is a lot of competition, the artists appear to share a common respect for each other.

“I’m happy for everybody,” Gipson said “They do what they do. I do what I do.”

Joe Hayes, owner of Ink Works Tattoo in Kenai, shared a similar sentiment.

“Tattooing isn’t really a competition thing anymore,” he said. “Everyone is trying to learn from each other.”

As tattoo studios continue to multiply, so do the amount of tattoo styles. Hayes said he’s amazed at how the art form is progressing.

“It’s limitless what you can do with a tattoo machine now,” he said.

Hayes said the artistry seen these days is a stark contrast to that of years past. He said that anymore, the skill is so high that it’s like one needs an art degree to get into the industry.

Curren said that tattoos used to look like simple flash art, but now the images can look more realistic.

“Photo realism is picking up most,” he said.

While more and more people are getting realistic looking tattoos, many of the popular tattoos on the peninsula remain the standard flowers, dream catchers and anchors, Curren said.

He said every person has a unique reason for wanting a tattoo. Some people simply like the way an image looks, while others may want a tattoo to honor a deceased friend or family member.

“It’s such a privilege and honor to be able to give somebody something that will go to their grave. It’s a great feeling,” Curren said. “Nothing beats it.”

While tattoos are increasing in popularity, many of the artists including Price believe that the art form is not a fad; rather it’s here to stay.

“Well,” she said, “(tattoos) are permanent.”

 

Reach Ian Foley at Ian.foley@peninsulaclarion.com.

Photo by Kelly Sullivan/ Peninsula Clarion Sam Hayes works has been working for Ink Works since just after it opened three years ago. She said her favorite client was 79 before she received her first tattoo, and had five drawn on her before she passed away Saturday, March 14, 2015, at Ink Works in Kenai, Alaska.

Photo by Kelly Sullivan/ Peninsula Clarion Sam Hayes works has been working for Ink Works since just after it opened three years ago. She said her favorite client was 79 before she received her first tattoo, and had five drawn on her before she passed away Saturday, March 14, 2015, at Ink Works in Kenai, Alaska.

Photo by Kelly Sullivan/ Peninsula Clarion Lori Salyers has more than 20 tattoos, she said, Saturday, March 14, 2015, at Ink Works in Kenai, Alaska. It is hard to chose her favorite, but the ones commemorating her daughters triumphant battler with cancer are likely her top picks.

Photo by Kelly Sullivan/ Peninsula Clarion Lori Salyers has more than 20 tattoos, she said, Saturday, March 14, 2015, at Ink Works in Kenai, Alaska. It is hard to chose her favorite, but the ones commemorating her daughters triumphant battler with cancer are likely her top picks.

Photo by Kelly Sullivan/ Peninsula Clarion Sam Hayes works on a black and white image of a cat sitting beside a tombstone just below Lori Salyers shoulder, Saturday, March 14, 2015, at Ink Works in Kenai, Alaska.

Photo by Kelly Sullivan/ Peninsula Clarion Sam Hayes works on a black and white image of a cat sitting beside a tombstone just below Lori Salyers shoulder, Saturday, March 14, 2015, at Ink Works in Kenai, Alaska.

More in News

Various electronics await to be collected and recycled during an electronics recycling event in Seldovia. (Photo courtesy of Cook Inletkeeper)
Cook Inletkeeper celebrates 20 years of electronics recycling

More than 646,000 pounds of electronic waste has been diverted from local landfills.

Liz Harpold, a staff member for Sen. Donny Olson (D-Golovin)​, explains changes to a bill increasing per-student education funding and making various policy changes during a Senate Finance Committee meeting on Thursday, April 24, 2025. (Mark Sabbatini / Juneau Empire)
Revised education bill with $700 BSA hike gets new policy measures, advances to Senate floor

Changes easing charter school rules, adding new district evaluations fall short of governor’s agenda.

Students of Sterling Elementary School carry a sign in support of their school during a special meeting of the Kenai Peninsula Borough School District Board of Education in Soldotna, Alaska, on Wednesday, April 23, 2025. (Jake Dye/Peninsula Clarion)
District adopts budget with severe cuts, school closures

The preliminary budget assumes a $680 increase in per-student funding from the state.

A vote board shows a veto override attempt Tuesday by the Alaska Legislature on a $1,000 increase to per-student education funding falling short of the necessary two-thirds majority with a 33-27 vote. (Mark Sabbatini / Juneau Empire file photo)
Senate adds $700 BSA hike to school phone policy bill a day after veto override on $1,000 increase fails

Lawmakers say quick floor vote by Senate, concurrence by House may set up another override session.

The Soldotna Public Library is seen on a snowy Tuesday, Dec. 27, 2022, in Soldotna, Alaska. (Jake Dye/Peninsula Clarion)
Soldotna library advisory board hears update on federal funding cuts

The federal government’s dismantling of the Institute of Museum and Library Services could cause the reduction or elimination of some statewide library services as soon as July 1.

Protestors stand with an American flag and a sign that reads “DEFUND HATE” on Saturday, April 19 at WKFL Park during the “Sustained Resistence, Makes a Difference” Rally. (Chloe Pleznac/Homer News)
More than 600 gather in Homer for ‘Sustained Resistance, Makes a Difference’ rally

It was at least the third time this year the Homer community gathered to protest the Trump administration.

Sen. Jesse Bjorkman, R-Nikiski, speaks in support overriding Gov. Mike Dunleavy’s veto of House Bill 69 at the Alaska Capitol in Juneau, Alaska, on Tuesday, April 22, 2025. (Mark Sabbatini/Juneau Empire)
Legislature upholds governor’s veto of increased school funding

The governor last week said he vetoed House Bill 69 because it didn’t include any policy changes and because of the state’s “deteriorated” revenue outlook.

Kenai Central High School’s Kyle Foster speaks during the 35th Annual Caring for the Kenai Oral Presentations at Kenai Central High School in Kenai, Alaska, on Thursday, April 17, 2025. (Jake Dye/Peninsula Clarion)
Seward freshman wins 35th Caring for the Kenai with thermal asphalt proposal

Twelve finalists were chosen in this year’s competition.

Gov. Mike Dunleavy (R-Alaska) speaks to reporters about his decision to veto an education funding bill at the Alaska State Capitol on Thursday, April 17, 2025. (Jasz Garrett / Juneau Empire)
Dunleavy’s veto of education funding bill puts pressure on lawmakers during final month of session

Governor also previews new bill with $560 BSA increase, plus additional funds for policy initiatives.

Most Read