Local tattoo and piercing shops for your next piece
Allison Vanderzanden | Lifestyle Editor
I know I’m not alone in itching for a new tattoo. With body modifications, including tattoos and piercings, it’s difficult to stop at just one. Here are some tattoo and piercing shops to check out within driving distance from Western.
Independence has two tattoo studios. Main Street Tattoo is owned by artist Kevin Hamlin who primarily does traditional-style tattoos. Check out his work and contact Kevin at his Instagram @outinthestyx.
Turquoise Studio features two artists, Kylee Halama and Hanna Martin. Their shop, according to their Facebook page, has been working to maintain privacy for clients by only allowing one artist and one customer in the studio at a time, so be sure to schedule an appointment via their individual Facebook pages, “Tattoos by Kylee” and “Hanna’s Tattoos.”
Salem boasts numerous piercing and tattoo shops, and Addictions Body Piercing and Tattoo is one that provides both body modifications. Featuring a total of four piercers and four tattoo artists, there is someone to cater to the desires of any client. Their website, www.addictionsinc.com, has much more information, including booking appointments. Immortal Ink is another shop in the heart of Salem with three different artists. Find each artist’s portfolio and contact information at the studio’s website: immortalinksalem.com.
High Priestess is a tattoo and piercing shop with locations in both Salem and Corvallis, as well as other cities in Oregon. As of Oct. 16, the Salem and Corvallis shops are only offering piercings for the time being. There are two piercers at each location, and appointments are being scheduled on each campus’ website: beststudioever.com/high-priestess.
Corvallis also offers several other studios, including Sacred Art Tattoo. This shop has three artists, and their individual work can be viewed on their website, sacredartcorvallis.com. Their site also offers multiple ways of contacting them, so pick the one that works best.
One final studio about 30 minutes from Western is DieHard Piercing and Tattoo in Albany. The shop’s owner, Jeremy “DieHard” McLain, does piercings, and three tattoo artists work at the location. Find them at diehardlife.com, check out their work, and email them to book an appointment.
Be sure to comply with the artist’s or piercer’s safety requirements related to COVID-19. Most studios are not accepting cash and do not allow guests to accompany clients.
Contact the author at avanderzanden19@mail.wou.edu
