Tattoo you

>> Local skin artist inks a new world order

by CHRIS BARRY

Name: Safwan

Job title: Tattoo artist

Age: 28

Salary: $100 an hour or, annually, about the same as a top-notch dentist.

Bio: This thoughtful martial arts enthusiast and former anthropology major first became fanatical about tattoo art seven years ago after witnessing the mockery other tattoo artists were consistently making of the skin-art designs he had conceptualized for his friends. "At the time, the old-school tattooists around here may have known about sterilization and stuff, but most of them had no passion and didn't give a shit about the art form." Learning everything there was to know about dermatology, dyes etc., Safwan subsequently dove into the tattoo business with a passion. He currently owns and works out of Studio Imago on Prince-Arthur.

How often an angry mother comes in yelling about the eagle tattoo Safwan has imprinted on her 13-year-old son's face: Never. Safwan doesn't do eagles nor does he work on anyone under 18 years old. "There's no law against tattooing minors but I don't feel comfortable putting a permanent body modification on someone who still may not be old enough to really know what they want."

Has he ever had a big smelly biker come in and ask him to tattoo his dirty butt crack? No. Most of the customers who come in to Safwan's studio are by appointment only and generally respectful of personal hygiene.

How often people come in with really ugly designs and insist that he tattoo them: From time to time. But Safwan politely informs them that he is uncomfortable with their decision and gently declines their business. "I can't and won't work on something that I don't believe in."

Has he ever gotten a boner while working on some sexy chick's private area? No, he never works on people's genitals--professionally at least. "You don't have a lot of leeway to do interesting work on genitals. Even breasts are a challenge. You want to do something that will still look good as a person ages and their skin changes."

Has he ever given himself a tattoo? Yes. Two lizards in a circle eating each other's tails.

The tattoo on his body he is least happy with: The one he did himself.

Best elements of the job: Being able to give something that has meaning and will last; feeling the trust and respect his customers have by allowing him to permanently alter their skin.

Most frustrating: The artistic limitations he faces in being obligated to collaborate on a tattoo design with the tattooee. "It's a challenge to come up with a compromise and challenges can be frustrating sometimes."

Personal inspiration: European tattoo artist TinTin.

Something else he does: Yells, plays guitar and writes music for his band Akuma.

Childhood dream occupations: Astronaut, then a pirate, then--as a teenager--a terrorist who would shake the new world order.

Hopes and dreams for a better tomorrow: That people will take responsibility for themselves and society in general. "Socially and culturally, we're getting what we deserve."

Last book read: Hagakure: The Book of the Samurai, by Yamamoto Tsunetomo.

Favourite recent film: Snatch.

Philosophy: "Stop complaining and stand up for what you believe in. Be true to yourself." :

Comments? dimwit@openface.ca