Local Tattoo Artists Has a Talent That Touches Many

By: Amanda Held
Posted In: Entertainment

It seems fair to say that each day, when Jen Guertin arrives at work, she comes in contact with many different people.

As a tattoo artist, Jen’s talent requires a physical interaction between the artist and client. On the other hand, with each tattoo there comes a personal connection as well.

There is a sense of satisfaction for the artist once they see their work completed and also for the customer who now has this piece of artwork with them forever. Guertin spends most of her days at Anchor Steam Tattoo Gallery, located here in Newport, Rhode Island.

After visiting Guertin on the job, her enthusiasm and willingness to speak about her life and career reflected a natural sense of gratitude in knowing that she has the opportunity to come to work each day, able to “touch” people in such a unique way.

Q: How did you first get interested in tattooing? Was there a moment that you knew that this is what you wanted to do?

A: “It was mainly the crowd I hung around with. I had a lot of friends who had tattoos so it got me interested. I was also seeing a lot of tattoos in magazines and just the fact that tattoos were becoming more poplar at that time and more out there so it filtered me in.”

Q: Can you tell me a little bit about your background? For example did you go to art school, what age did you begin tattooing and do you design your own tattoos?

A: “Yes I did go to art school. I graduated from Rhode Island School of Design in 1996 with a Bachelor of Fine Arts in painting. A lot of people come in with ideas for a tattoo so my experience with painting helps me create the design for them.”

Q: In your opinion what makes the art of tattooing different from other forms of art?

A: “That’s an interesting question. In my opinion, it’s a craft just like anything else such as sewing or woodworking. What makes tattooing different is the moral value and personal connection you have with each client.

You have a lot of roles you have to play such as nurse and artist. You are also working with a much different type of canvas. One that is moving or sometimes even complaining. These are all a part of what makes tattooing a much more alive experience versus any other type of art.”

Q: Sailor Ron was the establisher of Anchor Steam Tattoo Gallery. Can you tell me a little bit about him? Did you know him and is that where the name came from?

A: “I didn’t really know Sailor Ron too well. It is a rather small business so heard of him through word of mouth while I was working in Providence. The shop was for sale for a while and in 2000, I was finally able to buy it from him. So, we met through the process and yes, he did make up the name.”

Q: How long have you been in Newport?

A: “Well I bought the shop in 2000 so I’ve been here for almost five years. There are a lot of different shops here so the trick is to offer something different to the people.”

Q: What types of people come in for tattoos? More male than female Tourists?

A: “I would have to say it’s 50/50. We get a lot of men and women from the navy, coastguard, college students, and tourists. There is a variety and they come in all ages.”

Q: What’s the price range for tattoos and what age do you have to be? Is parental consent necessary? If not, do you think this may lose business?

A: “The price is $50 for the set-up and time involved. After that it can go up. Big work is always done in sessions and we always quote the price beforehand. There is no parental consent in Rhode Island. You have to be 18-years-old. I think that this law could lose some business for us but I would never do it anyway. It is a good rule in my opinion.”

Q: What’s the strangest experience you’ve witnessed while in this business?

A: “Everyday is strange. Each day there are all different factors. One of these is nervous people. Some have been so nervous that they pass out or get sick. In these cases we just get some smelling salts out, wait for them to wake up and continue with the tattoo. Despite all of the strange experiences we never judge anyone. It is all part of what makes the art of tattooing so unique.”

Q: What are the safeguards you use in your tattoo parlor concerning health codes and sanitation?

A: “It is a very rigorous process to get a license and remain licensed here in Rhode Island. Above all else, a client should look for a clean shop where they feel comfortable. In order to make them feel more comfortable concerning sanitation, we open the package with the new, sterile needle right in front of them.”

Q: Is there any advice you would give someone who is thinking about getting a tattoo?

A: “Think about it carefully. Look at other people, magazines and especially the internet. Find reputable shops that have portfolios in order to see the quality of their work. Just find people that are nice to you, that’s all!”