Tattoos leave mark

The number of middle- and upper-class professionals who are getting tattoos these days is turning the once "shady" business into a booming and reputable industry. While negative stereotypes still abound, the tattoo industry is quickly dispelling the past beliefs that only "tough guys" have tattoos.

Celebrity Tattoo in Lakewood is one tattoo shop that is leading the way. "I want to change the way people view tattooing," said owner Zeke Pusateri, who started his first tattoo shop in 1978 and has since seen tattoos gain acceptance with a much wider audience. "It's becoming mainstream. We have clients from all walks of life."

When visiting Celebrity Tattoo, patrons are greeted by a fish pond and hanging plants; artwork adorns the waiting room, furnished with comfortable couches -- the setting more like a dental office than tattoo parlors of old.

The tattooists themselves are indeed professionals, all having completed apprenticeships, and many have studied graphic arts.

"We have created a serious, professional business for tattoo connoisseurs, as well as first-timers. People feel comfortable here," said Pusateri, who hopes to expand his tattoo business from the metro area into Breckenridge, taking the tattoo industry to the tourist trade.

Vicki Weskamp, a buyer's assistant for the Jefferson County School District, has two angel tattoos, one on each shoulder, representing her daughters. "A tattoo should be something that has meaning to you," she said. "It's a piece of art that you display on yourself. It should reflect who you are."

Some of Celebrity Tattoo's other clients include a computer professional who had a computer chip tattooed on his back and a bicycle racer who had a bike tire tattooed on his back.

"In the past, rebels got tattoos. Now it's an art form," said Debbie Kennington, creative services manager.

The professionalism of the people giving the tattoos is helping to change the industry's image as well. To become a bona fide tattoo artist, an apprenticeship is required with an experienced tattoo artist. "Apprenticeships can last a few years, depending on how hard you work," said Sheri Matlack, a local tattoo artist. Apprentices must maintain cleanliness standards, have a good attitude and possess a background in art.

"Anyone can tattoo, but to become a tattoo artist you must have talent and training," she said.

With 1,000 members, the National Tattoo Association is dedicated to upgrading the profession and ensuring quality standards.

"We only sell to people who are referred to us. We don't want our equipment in the hands of disreputable tattooists," said Donna Grau, manager of an equipment supplier for the tattoo industry and a member of NTA. "We only sell to artists who work out of a storefront studio, and who have done apprenticeships."
The embodiment of art

Traditionally, tattoo clientele has consisted of truckers, bikers and other "bad-boy" personalities, but that's changing. "There's still that tough guy, image to contend with. It's mostly just with older people. Some are actually scared of us," said Chris Weskamp, who sports nature, animal and American Indian tattoos.

"Tattoos are a lot more common than you might think. Many people get them in places they can conceal," said his wife, Vicki Weskamp. The couple got their first tattoos a few months ago and are adding to their collections regularly.

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