"I’m making
a living being an artist.” – Mike Skiver of Personal Art Studio
Mike Skiver, a well-known tattoo legend from Somerset, Pennsylvania,
welcomed me into his shop,
Personal Art Studio, for a short interview. Upon
arrival, I looked around
his walls which were lined of photos of himself hugging
fellow tattoo artists
such as Kat Von D from TLC’s LA Ink. Then, Mr.
Skiver took me around
for a tour of his shop. Personal Art Studio is one of
the only tattoo shops
on the east coast featuring a tattoo museum. Then, it
was time to get to business. I found a seat in front of the television with Mike
right by my side.
Q: So, I’m sure the first thing everyone would like to know is how long have
you been tattooing?
MIKE: I’ve been tattooing professionally for a little over 26 years.
Q: How long all together? Unprofessionally, and professionally?
MIKE: Over 40 years.
Q: And how old does that make you?
MIKE: Older than my kids and younger than my mom. Just old enough
to
have 25 grandchildren. You couldn’t pay me enough for that information.
(laughs)
Q: Let’s talk about tattoos. A lot of people hear horror
stories about the
risks of tattooing. Have any of your customers ever had any harmful reactions
to their tattoos?
MIKE: Never.
Q: What are some possible risks of tattoos, other than infection?
MIKE: Hepatitis is always out there. It’s a scary thing. But if you have a
tattoo done right, by
a certified tattoo artist, than you have no need to worry.
Too many young kids are
out there opening shops not knowing what they are
doing.
Q: What kinds of inks are used for tattooing?
MIKE: I use pure pigment and make my own inks. Buying ink from
companies is too risking,
you don’t know what they put in that stuff. I make
my own needle too and
highly recommend it.
Q: Is it true that a lot of people are allergic to red ink?
MIKE: I’ve never had any problems with it.
Q: Among your customers, what have you determined to be the most painful
area for a tattoo?
MIKE: Hm… Rib cage.
Q: I’d have to agree. Can you tell me anything about the
healing process of a
tattoo? How long does it take for a tattoo to heal?
MIKE: It can take from 10 days to 2 weeks.
Q: Will it bleed, pus, or scab?
MIKE: Your skin will peel like a sunburn. Just keep lotion on it.
Q: How should you care for it?
MIKE: You should know this, I tattooed you.
Q: (laughs)
MIKE: Lubriderm lotion two times a day. Wash and pat dry once daily.
Q: Is there a difference in the appearance of a tattoo after is has healed?
Will
it be brighter?
MIKE: It depends on the person’s skin tone, and the area of the body where
the tattoo was done.
Q: Briefly, how is a tattoo done?
MIKE: Clean the area that’s being tattooed, apply the design, and tattoo it.
Q: That was very brief. How does the machine work?
MIKE: Electromagnetic.
Q: And what is that exactly?
MIKE: Hun, I would take up your whole page answering that question.
Q: How do you clean up after the tattoo?
MIKE: All my needles are single use, and the whole area is wiped down, and
all the supplies are sanitized.
Q: How do you price a tattoo?
MIKE: My prices range from 60 dollars to a second mortgage. It depends
on the time of work your
doing, the complexity of it.
Q: How are colors blended?
MIKE: From dark to light.
Q: When are stencils used, and when do you draw the design directly on the
skin?
MIKE: It depends on the capability of the artist.
Q: Has tattooing had an impact or effect on your life?
MIKE: Oh, yes. It’s definitely bettered my life. I’m making a living being an
artist.
