Ancient Arts Tattoo Studio & Art Gallery                1065 K Street, Arcata, California, 95521                707-825-TAT2 (8282)

Ancient Arts

Tattoo Studio & Art Gallery

Directions

Ancient Arts is located at 1065 K Street in Arcata, California, 95521, between 10th & 11th Streets.

From Eureka (approaching from the south on the 101):
Take the 101 NORTHbound to Arcata.
Take EXIT 713 for Samoa Boulevard (255).
Drive WEST on Samoa Boulevard to K Street. Turn RIGHT.
Drive 6 blocks; Ancient Arts will be on your left.
Street parking has no time limit.

From Eureka (approaching from the south on the Samoa Bridge):
Cross over the bridge & turn RIGHT toward Arcata.
Stay on Samoa Boulevard to the first stop light in Arcata. Turn LEFT.
Drive 6 blocks; Ancient Arts will be on your left.
Street parking has no time limit.

From McKinleyville (approaching from the north on the 101):
Take the 101 SOUTHbound to Arcata.
Take EXIT 713 for Samoa Boulevard (255).
Drive WEST on Samoa Boulevard to K Street. Turn RIGHT.
Drive 6 blocks; Ancient Arts will be on your left.
Street parking has no time limit.

From North Arcata (approaching on Alliance Road):
Take Alliance Road SOUTH towards downtown Arcata; it turns into K Street.
Cross 11th Ave.; Ancient Arts will be on your right.
Street parking has no time limit.

The Studio

Finally, pictures!

Exterior view. Notice how our car matches the studio. Swanky, no?

The view as you enter. Artist Damien hard at work.

The gallery wall. There is also space to hang art in the windows, and along other walls.
Hanging here is Damien DeNolf's Demento Mori show.
Exhibits change monthly, opening during Arcata Arts!Alive, the second Friday of each month.

Artists' tattoo stations. You'll have plenty to look at while getting tattooed.

The clean room - not the prettiest room in the studio, but the most important.

Our Philosophy

Ancient Arts is an artist-owned and -operated tattoo studio and art gallery. It is the aim of Ancient Arts to serve our clients with the highest standards of safety and artistry in tattooing and to promote unconventional and local art.

Ancient Arts offers a full range of tattoo services, from custom tattooing to a selection of over 10,000 quality designs. We work in full color, black-and-grey, and solid tribal black. We are highly skilled at covering up or repairing old or regrettable tattoos. We work by appointment or on a walk-in basis, from noon to nine five days a week (Tuesday through Saturday). Ancient Arts is the home of Humboldt County’s only professional female tattoo artist.

Ancient Arts is also a multi-cultural oasis for the arts. We offer our clients a relaxing experience to the sounds of world music and the sights of artwork. The décor melds objects from various world cultures with art hanging in the gallery portion of the studio. We offer ongoing displays of contemporary and local artists’ work, and are especially interested in promoting artwork that is unconventional, such as "outsider art," folk art, and junk art. Through professionalism, music and ambiance, we seek to make this important life experience as pleasant as it can possibly be.

Ancient Arts is committed to the highest levels of sterilization and sanitation, and welcomes oversight and inspection. All needles and instruments used in all procedures are sterilized in an autoclave, the same method used for surgical instruments in hospitals. To ensure sterilization, the functioning of the autoclave is spore-tested periodically by an independent laboratory. Needles are never reused; each tattoo requires new needles that are then disposed of in an approved sharps container. Any other materials, such as pigments, razors, gloves, and wipes, are disposable and used only once. In accordance to the highest standards in the industry, we use nitrile gloves (not latex) , and refuse to order supplies from companies that sell "piercing kits" or "tattoo kits."

 Ancient Arts is sensitive to community standards and to our own artistic integrity. We work with our clients to offer quality body art that will enhance your appearance and not compromise your lifestyle. For this reason, we do not offer services to minors, defined under California State legislation as anyone under the age of 18. We do not tattoo gang symbols of any sort, and further reserve the right to refuse service to anyone seeking a tattoo that in our professional opinion could compromise your lifestyle or future aspirations.

We are also committed to improving lives through tattooing. For this reason, we offer tattooing rituals that mark serious life transitions, such as coming-of age, marriage, divorce, croning, and funerals. We have an ordained minister onsite who can legally preside over your wedding. In addition, we offer healing rituals; if you are seeking to cover a scar (such as a burn, surgical scar or mastectomy scar), we are committed to working with you to turn "ugliness" into beauty. Likewise, if you need to cover a name from a regretted relationship, want to get rid of a gang symbol or hate symbol because you have undergone a profound change, or are ready to fully commit to yourself through tattooing, we welcome you.

Ancient Arts seeks to advance tattooing as an art.

Your body is your temple; we are here to decorate the walls.

About Our Logo

Our distinctive logo is based on the oldest known figurative tattoo design in the world. Due to the impermanence of flesh, it is difficult for researchers to make any clear conclusions about the history of tattooing; however, tattoos have been found preserved on mummies. Our logo is based on a tattoo found on the "Ice Maiden," the mummy of a Pazyryk woman buried over 2,400 years ago on the Altai plateau in Siberia, the "Pastures of Heaven." Her people were semi-nomadic, some of the first to domesticate and ride horses, and related to Scythians. She may have been a shaman, warrior, or leader of her people; she was buried with great honor, in an eight-foot coffin carved out of a single log, and wearing a tall, elaborate headdress. She was surrounded by offerings and objects she would need in the afterlife, and her horses were sacrificed and buried with her. She had at least two tattoos that were preserved; our logo is based on one found on her shoulder. The image depicts a chimera creature, perhaps a combination of elk and horse. Its twisted body indicates that it is a prey animal. Its significance may have been to celebrate or assure success in the hunt, to give its bearer the qualities of the animal, or to honor its spirit. The design is both strong and beautiful, and very much in keeping with the tradition of Scythian and Pazyryk art as seen in leatherwork, carvings, and gold jewelry. A male mummy with similar tattoos was also unearthed in the 1950s, which may indicate that this is also the earliest documented example of multiple works by the same tattoo artist.

The issue of honoring our ancestors is very pertinent to the case of the "Ice Maiden," and her body has been returned to rest on the Altai Plateau. We at Ancient Arts hope that the sacred lands and burial places of the Pazyryk people and of native peoples around the world will no longer be disturbed by archaeologists, although we also deeply appreciate the knowledge brought before us. Both Lauraine and Damien honor the memory of our ancestors both in life and in tattooing by carrying this and another "Ice Maiden" tattoo. Lauraine has devoted an entire limb to Pazyryk tattoos, which have deeply resonated with her sense of design and aesthetics.

Tattoo FAQ

Before you get tattooed, do your research. Find a reputable shop, and inspect it yourself. Find an artist whose work you like and who treats you like a valued client. Ask questions. Be informed. The following are some of the most frequently asked questions about tattooing.

What does it feel like? How badly will it hurt?
This is usually the first question asked. The amount of pain or discomfort varies individually and by location of the tattoo. Many first-timers are often surprised at how little pain they experience. Tattooing usually feels similar to a bee sting, cat scratch, or slight burning sensation during the first 5-10 minutes. The discomfort will then lessen to an annoyance. Afterwards, the tattoo will feel like a sunburn - warm and slightly irritated, but not painful.

How deep does the needle go?
A tattoo is a shallow wound or intrusion in the skin. Your skin is made of two main sections - the epidermis (top) and the underlying dermis. A tattoo is placed in the dermis area. When you pluck or tweeze a hair, you are pulling from the same area that the tattoo needle will go. For an example of depth, look at the inside of your wrist, where the vein can be seen: A tattoo in that area would not puncture the vein.

Is there any blood?
We do not tattoo into the circulatory system. However, there are some body fluids involved, and minor surface skin bleeding similar to a shallow scrape or “road rash.” Clients who have been drinking within 24 hours prior to being tattooed bleed more, so care should be taken to prepare yourself for the tattoo by not drinking alcohol (see "How should I prepare for my tattoo?" below).

Is it better to get black or color work? Will colors fade?
Although this is generally a matter of preference, realize that if you work outside, or enjoy tanning, you will have to make an effort to maintain your tattoo. Because a tattoo is under the skin surface (epidermis), the amount of melanin (skin color) you have will affect the colors of your tattoo, much like looking through a tinted window. Consult with your artist about your choice of color. Once your tattoo is fully healed, a sunblock of SPF 20 or higher is recommended for the lifetime protection of your tattoo against the sun.

How is the tattoo done? What can I expect?
Basically, a group of solid needles will push a small amount of pigment into your skin's surface. Your body will heal the skin over the ink, resulting in a permanent tattoo. To receive a tattoo, your skin will be washed and may be shaved. A stencil will then be applied. Your artist will begin by laying out the basic outline. Then, he or she will begin shading, basically adding shadows or dimension to your tattoo. Then, if colors are desired, they will be added one at a time until the tattoo is completed. Your tattoo will be washed and bandaged, and you will be given aftercare instructions.

How long will it take?
It will take the time it takes to do it right. A large tattoo may take multiple sessions.

What about covering, fixing, or removing old tattoos?
Covering or fixing old tattoos is possible; the artists of Ancient Arts are highly skilled at reworking or covering old tattoos with completely new works of art. (See cover-ups by Damien and Lauraine.) Removal can only be done by a medical professional, with lasers, but this method is expensive, painful, and may leave a slight scarring of the skin. Just as with a tattoo artist, pick your doctor carefully, find out about possible complications, and ask to see before and after photos. There are currently pigments in development that are designed to be easily removed with a Q-switch laser; these are still undergoing testing and have not yet been made commercially available.

Can I get AIDS from a tattoo?
This is the most important question you can ask. The short answer is No. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), to date, there has never been a single transmission of HIV/AIDS through tattooing. However, other life-threatening blood-borne diseases such as hepatitis and infections such as MRSA (staph) can be spread when adequate precautions are not taken. Receiving a tattoo CAN BE COMPLETELY SAFE, as thousands of people are tattooed each year without any ill effect. Your tattoo artist at Ancient Arts strictly follows "Universal Precautions" and all standards and guidelines set by federal and state authorities. Any good tattoo artist should be happy to discuss the prevention of disease transmission with you; if they are not, RUN - don't walk - to Ancient Arts. Remember, no matter how good the artist, or how badly you want the tattoo, improper sterilization is never worth the risk.

How can you tell a good tattoo from a bad one?
The quality of work will depend on the artist that applies your tattoo. Be sure of who you are dealing with. Ask to see examples of their work. Pay attention: if they offer only a couple of photos, or if the quality is inconsistent, be aware that unscrupulous tattooists can put other artists' work in their portfolios and 'forget' to tell you. Ask around and check out other people’s tattoos. When looking at tattoos, look for breaks in lines, shaky lines, lines that do not meet or overrun each other. Look at whether the tattoo works with the size and shape of the person's body, and with other tattoos they may have nearby. Look for gaps in color or shading. Ask yourself: Does that tattoo look like art, like something I would want to have for the rest of my life?

How much does it cost for a tattoo? Why are they so “expensive”?
Tattoo studios have a minimum price to cover the base cost of supplies used and the work that goes into sanitation and sterilization. Behind every tattoo is a lot of work you don't see: daily scrubbing of the studio; cleaning and sterilizing equipment; making needles; ordering supplies; doing research on products, techniques, and health issues, etc. Ancient Arts charges a minimum of $50. Then, the cost of the tattoo is based on size, color, amount of detail, and location. Your tattoo will be with you permanently, so now is not the time to pinch pennies. That being said, talk to your artist about options for making your tattoo fit not only your body and lifestyle, but your budget too. Don’t settle for less than you want, or you will spend a lifetime regretting your decision.

What do you mean, you "make" your own needles?
Back in the good old days of tattooing, artists could not buy their tattoo needles pre-made and had to group and solder loose needles into the various needle configurations used for tattooing. At Ancient Arts, we still do this, not because it's cheaper (because if you factor in the time it takes to make needles, it's so not cheaper), but because it gives a better quality product. At Ancient Arts, we use needles made specifically for tattooing (not bug pins or sewing needles) that are made of surgical-grade stainless steel. These top-quality needles are not available "pre-made." We make all our needles (group, solder, clean and sterilize) and inspect every single one under 30x magnification to make sure that there are no bent, dull, or hooked needles. Each needle is like a hand-made piece of jewelry, and at the end of a tattoo, every needle is disposed of in an approved sharps container. NO NEEDLES ARE EVER RE-USED!

Do you use UV-reactive inks or glow-in-the-dark inks?
We at Ancient Arts have chosen not to use phosphorescent or UV reactive inks, as we are not fully convinced that these pigments are appropriate and safe for tattooing. Our research indicates that such inks are often plastic-based and can polymerize (solidify) under the skin. We are committed to ordering supplies only from reputable suppliers (for example, we do not support tattoo suppliers that sell "tattoo kits" and "piercing kits") who also conduct research on product safety and best practices in tattooing, and who only sell to licensed tattoo studios. Our suppliers do not carry these pigments for the above-stated reasons. We respect the individual's right to put whatever they want in their body, and request that our right to refuse to participate in what we consider ill-advised also be respected.

How should I prepare for my tattoo?
What you do before and after is the most important factor in the ultimate outcome of your tattoo. The better your health and the more rested you are, the better you will receive and heal your tattoo. Don't drink alcohol or take drugs, even aspirin (Tylenol is okay) in the 24 hours before your tattoo appointment. (If you take prescription drugs, consult your tattoo artist AND your doctor about getting tattooed.) Arrive for your appointment well-rested. It will help if you have eaten a small meal approximately one hour before your appointment. Most importantly, you MUST advise your tattoo artist of any health conditions you may have (such as being pregnant or nursing; having high blood pressure or diabetes; being allergic to any pigments, having any communicable disease) that will affect your tattoo experience.

How should I take care of my tattoo?
Your artist will discuss proper care with you as well as give you written aftercare instructions. Basically, keep your tattoo clean, don’t to scratch or pick at it, wash your hands before touching it, and don’t soak it in water or expose it to the sun until it is fully healed. Proper moisturizing of your tattoo is essential; Ancient Arts carries Ohana Organics Tattoo Butter, a locally-made, organic and vegan aftercare balm that we recommend very highly. Remember: No matter how professional or skilled your artist, your tattoo's ultimate quality will depend on how well YOU take care of it. If you have any questions about aftercare, talk to your tattoo artist!
 

Ancient Arts Tattoo Studio & Art Gallery                1065 K Street, Arcata, California, 95521                707-825-TAT2 (8282)