.: 2012

Till the Season...

Happy Holidays everyone! Tis the season once more.

...and the gift giving begins again as well.

Are you still looking for that unique gift for that special someone? (Sounds like a jewelry commercial, right?)

Well, here's an idea... How about the gift of ink? Since I'm sure you've never given this gift before, your friends, family, co-workers, wives and mistresses will all be surprised and astonished at you for your unique thoughtfulness.

Anyway... Here's how it works. You purchase a $50 Think Before You Ink Gift Certificate by selecting the button on the right, as you can see. However, be sure to click the PayPal button and not the picture above it, then PayPal will direct you thru the rest.

Once you pay, you let us know who you are and who the recipient is and any small sentiment you would like to share thru either email or text. Once I receive your gift order, I will contact you to confirm

Then all they have to do is just show I.D. at the shop and they can receive their $50.00 tattoo or $50.00 off any tattoo.

Again, Happy Safe Holidays to everyone from Sky and the entire staff at Think Before You Ink.

Election 2012 - Moving Forward

As many of you know, ...

https://www.paypal.com/cgi-bin/webscr?cmd=_s-xclick&hosted_button_id=FYWW38HF78YNC

I can't count how many times clients come to me with a picture form the net requesting "original" work, but they want it to look that picture. HELLO! That's not original.

SOMEBODY, SOMEWHERE has that same idea no matter what style it's done in. Praying hands will always be praying hands.

But what if you could have something that represents YOU. Something that WOULD be...

OFFICALLY ORIGINAL!

I'm sure you've seen these crests or ones like it. Well, these all tell a stories about either a family bloodline, a civilization, or a manufacturer. So, what if you had your own "crest that represents

YOUR story. YOUR personal "Visual Biography"

Fallen Angel into the Muse-ik.

Here's an example of one I finished for a client this past Spring. He told me all he wanted was an angel falling and to 'just do me' for the rest. Because we've known each other since high school, I pretty much knew what he would like to go with it. So, that's what came out.

So, now that you've learned how to become "Officially Original"

call me and let's start today.

216-269-8849 / 718-361-6079

sky759@thinkbeforeyouink.com

On Stage with The Roots

As some of you may know from last weeks posts on Instagram for those following me, that the Roots were in town performing at Studio Square's Beer Garden in Long Island City, Queens. It was my first time there for a performance and was pleasantly surprised at all the open space yet intimate surroundings making for easy access to the stage. Knowing at least that much, I launched a plan the night before to create a piece of art in honor of them and somehow get close enough to present it to them, with the possibility of chopping' it up with them as I had once upon a time in my open mic days) after the set.

Unfortunately after staying up all night completing the project and with a heavy appointment load the next day, I wasn't able to stay for the whole set. However, I was able to get back stage, with the assistance of some understanding, 3 times my size, security staff members who seemed eager to help me complete my mission.

So, there I was waiting with the piece held high, for Black Thought's (the lead vocalist/MC) attention.
As he sipped water at the top of the stage stairs, he glance over and I saw the excitement in his face as he motioned for me to hand to him on stage. And the rest is in the slideshow pics. Check it!

Slide Show

Black Thought receiving the painting, "Illadelph"

Black Thought on stage in front of the piece.

Another Element Has Fallen into Place.

First, I'd like to thank all my loyal clients and faithful followers. I truly could not have gotten this far without your support and encouragement. But up until now, I've only been preparing for all the ideal elements to fall in place.

Some of you may know that I live in Brooklyn, but originally from Cleveland (the home of this year's NBA ring bearer, I might add), and like "Bron-Bron," I too, had to seek my champion ship ring elsewhere. Cleveland for me was like a boot camp training style of living if you were in the art community. It let you know right away if you were cut out to be ANY kind of artist or if you should just settle down and work for Cleveland Clinic Hopsitals or Progressive (which by the way, are great jobs there IF you can get one).

New York has been the proving ground I had to perform in and prove something to myself in before I decide to take on the world...

As far as those elements? Well, I think another may just have fallen into place... A studio! Thas major for me. I definitely need a place I can stretch out all my talents, not just tattooing, and accomplish a specific mission which was the overwhelming motivation to move here.

So without bending your ear too much. I'd like to introduce the THINK BEFORE YOU INK STUDIO members..

For more information on what we're up to this Summer in the lab, check the TBYI link on your right or email me at sky759@thinkbeforeyouink.com for questions and scheduling.

The tattoo loft right above the art gallery and merchandise area.

Born in Cleveland and raised as an only child, much of my time was spent creating imaginary worlds of colors, words, and characters that replaced the presence of sibling. Therefore, I am connected to my work as if nourished creatively through a socially sensitive umbilical cord. It's the lens through which I invite the viewer to see beneath the common perceptions of everyday things and events. My process of bringing ideas into fruition is multifaceted in that inspiration for my paintings is never forced and is usually comprised of actual objects that may or may not be directly associated with the developing theme. My work is typically motivated by social observation and it's emotional and physical outcomes in general. It also serves as a sounding board and punching bag for the affects of my “unique mental processing ability."

The influence of this uniqueness is often represented by lucid flows of geometric constructs, text, and color splashes resulting in art that reflects the intensity of core feelings both good and otherwise. Because I holdmyself to no rules when painting, my instruments usually become anything within reach. Although much of my canvas work can be categorized as "painting," it sometimes calls for a mixed medium of acrylic paint, enamel aerosol, masking tape, pencil, and media clippings. This same enrichment that influences my paintings, also carries over

into my illustration and graphic work.

Formally trained as a product and graphic designer, I took to painting as an exercise in unrestricted sometimes spontaneous expression. Granted, this is in direct contradiction to the rigid confines of applied art. Not until recently, have I revealed these painted visual biographies publicly. Now, I use my fine art as an unspoken language for my audiences to decipher and enjoy.