New Work Schedule

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I’m still in action here at Eli’s Ink! We have added 2 new artists to the mix, so the variety of style and skill available here is definitely going to help us move the shop in a positive direction. Guaranteed not to disappoint, and the team of artists we have at the shop now will allow us to provide top level service to any and all tattoo enthusiasts on Guam!

For the foreseeable future, will be doing most of my tattoos by appointment. I will occasionally be available for walk ins, but an appointment is the best way to make sure you’re able to get your tattoo done. The best times to catch me at the shop are between 2pm and 8pm Monday-Saturday. For a while there, I was only able to work 3 days a week, and it was driving me crazy being out of the shop so much!

For Appointments:

Since I started making tattoos on Guam, I have been obsessed with improving the quality of the tattoos I do. In order to put in the time necessary to prepare for custom work, I will be doing most of my work by appointment. There will be times, especially for larger work, where it will be necessary to stop by the shop for a consultation. At any time, you can stop by the shop during regular business hours to discuss any ideas or ask any questions. I can also be reached anytime here. Be sure to include a name and telephone number, and idea of the subject matter, size and placement you would like. I will answer any and all emails in a timely manner!

I am required to take a deposit on all appointments. Once we have all the details worked out, we can schedule a date and time to work on your tattoo. Deposits are non-refundable, and count toward the price of your tattoo. In the event that you miss an appointment without 24 hours notice, another deposit will be required to reschedule. If you are not on Guam or for some other reason you are unable to make a deposit in person, I can accept payments online for your convenience.

I do my best to accommodate everyone. However, I have come to accept that I can’t win them all, and there will be times where I am already booked or I am just unable to do the tattoo.

Aside from all that seriousness, Happy Holidays Guam! I hope the best for you and yours throughout this holiday season and for all of 2018. Something tells me that next year will be better than this one, and this year was pretty damn good! As usual, be safe and I hope to see you soon. Eli’s Ink will be open and ready to serve all of your tattoo needs this holiday season, and you can reach us at 989-6087 to inquire about artist availability. Otherwise, just stop by! Walk ins are always welcome, and everyone is welcome to stop in and see what’s going on.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Second Chances

PhotoGrid_1481354809317The tattoo starter kit has been a top seller for many years now.

  • Are you an emo teenager who is into dark art? Get yourself a tattoo kit!
  • Do you want a lot of small tattoos with out those ridiculously high shop minimums? Get yourself a tattoo kit!
  • Do you feel like you could do a better job than any professional tattooer in your area? Get yourself a kit!!!!!!!!!!

Guam is no exception to this craze. Considering shipping terms and the scarcity of companies willing to ship to the area, a lot of time and effort goes into putting your friends and family at risk of getting a bad tattoo, or even worse, infection.

There are a few common misconceptions that contribute to this phenomenon:

First, prices are too high. It’s understandable that people shop around for a better deal. While that may work for a car to get you from point a to point b, or maybe a dvd player, it isn’t the only consideration when looking for a tattoo artist. Like many other things, you usually get what you pay for, and while there may be exceptions, that car that gets you from point a to point b might not help you get laid. Same goes for tattoos. I have run into countless people over the years who are afraid to take their shirts off at the beach because of their bad tattoos. Guam has some of the most beautiful beaches in the world. You’d miss out on some of the best parts of island life if this were to happen to you.

Secondly, a tattoo is a tattoo. Mathematically this is true. Once ink is stuck in your skin, technically it is a tattoo. However, sometimes you don’t realize the difference in quality until it’s too late. You may be more comfortable on a living room couch or in an outside kitchen so you can smoke while you get your tattoo. These are good indicators that you may be getting a tattoo you won’t be happy with.

Third, if you can draw, you can tattoo. The ability to draw and the ability to tattoo aren’t mutually exclusive. Drawing is only one aspect of tattooing, and considering that many tattooers have been successful in their endeavors despite not being able to draw, it isn’t even a necessary skill. Likewise, there are many people who draw who don’t do tattoos.

The list goes on…

The worst part is that this is permanent. Sure there are removal options, but the reality is, you don’t want to have to experience that. LAser treatment and dermabrasion are painful to say the least, and very often you are left with scarring that may look worse than what you had in the beginning. When it comes to fixing or covering a bad tattoo, we are limited in what can do, and in many cases, it can’t be done at all.

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Tattooing has come a long way over the years. The internet has allowed us exposure to many different styles and opened our eyes to the achievements of all those who continue to push the possibilities of the craft. Guam has it own unique tattoo culture, and because of our diversity of visitors, there are several subcultures included in the mix.

Anyone who has spent some years collecting tattoos probably has a tribal tattoo of sorts. Especially on Guam, the tribal tattoo was a necessary accessory to complete the island image. Times change though.

Sometimes you want to leave the past behind and either cover or update that tattoo you got with your friends after graduation. Completely understandable, and most likely possible. Tattoos that were done professionally are less likely to have glaring mistakes and scarring. This makes it a lot easier on us, and we would definitely talk less shit than if you had some backyard junk.

If any of this applies to you, we would be happy to help in whatever way we can. It isn’t always possible and your options are limited, but Eli’s Ink has an experienced staff that may be able to cover and/or jazz up your existing tattoo. We hope to see you soon!

 

 

 

Eli’s Ink

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My current base of operations is Eli’s Ink in Anigua, Guam. Since October of 2016, I have been making tattoos at this iconic location along Marine Corps Drive.

Iconic? Eli’s Ink has been open since 2013. At a little under 4 years in business, the shop is hardly one of the older fixtures in the local tattoo scene. However, the location has been a tattoo shop for around 15 years now. Previously, the shop was named Tribal Images, which is a name recognized by most of the older tattoo collectors on Guam. For almost 20 years, Tribal Images was one of the most trusted names in the business.

I spend most days at the shop from 3-9pm. In our efforts to keep up with technology, we have several social media outlets through which we can be contacted for your convenience. Still, the best way to initiate the process is to come by the shop and work out the details. Whether I am drawing or tattooing, I am never too busy to entertain questions from anyone who takes the time to stop in and see what we have to offer.

My focus the next couple of years is to expand my knowledge of tattooing. In order to do so, I will be spending some time traveling to meet and work with other tattooers. Last year, I did a couple of guest spots in Saipan, and the experience reminded me that my profession doesn’t confine me to Guam, and there is no reason why I shouldn’t take any opportunity to pursue new experiences. After all, evolution is a key aspect of tattooing, and to stay static may mean being left behind. Guam has some of the most talented people in the whole world, and many of the tattoo artists here are no exception.

I will keep you all updated!! Use the contact form for any inquiries or stop by the shop one of these days and see what I can do for you!!!