Dead Man’s Hand is a friendly place

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This article was published 10/10/2017 (3191 days ago), so information in it may no longer be current.

 

Drop into Dead Man’s Hand Custom Tattoo and Piercing and you’ll always receive a warm welcome.

 

Piercing apprentice Shannon Winning says the business has been operating at 1942 Main St. for the past 11 years and is popular with people who desire artistic and professional work.

She stresses that it’s important that those seeking tattoos or piercings to seek out a licensed shop with experienced operators.

“So many problems can happen if you go to someone who doesn’t know what they are doing,” she said.

I was curious about the shop’s name. Winning explained that it’s from a Motörhead song called Ace of Spades. One of the lines in the song is: “Dead man’s hand strikes again.”

Over the last 10 years the tattoo business has changed significantly. In the past, there was a huge stigma about skin art. People believed tattoos were displayed by criminals and hooligans. Now the medium has become more mainsteam.

“Everyone from teenagers to doctors or lawyers and public figures are getting them,” Shannon said.

Shannon added that there is a high demand for redos. People may have old images they don’t want anymore,  names covered up or they want an old tattoo to “come back to life.”

These days flowers are popular. So is script, whether it’s a motivational saying or a family member’s name. Desired tattoo areas are arms, collarbones, thigh fronts, ribs and feet. And as many women as men are getting tattoos.

Shannon, who has 25 piercings, says demand for tattoos and piercings is especially high among today’s young people. 

It wasn’t always so. Inks have become more vibrant. Black, grey and a rainbow of assorted colours are popular. 

Shannon, who started in the industry 10 years ago believes that tattoos have become trendy. They have different meanings for people. While some people like to decorate the walls of their home with pictures, others like to wear creative art on their skin.

Shannon, who works alongside Craig, Ashley and Jasmine, says the shop sees a lot of repeat business. But sometimes she is surprised by strange requests.

“We try to help our clients as best we can, but the great thing about this industry is, if we don’t feel comfortable we have the right to say no,” she said.

Tattoo shops are licensed by the City of Winnipeg and strictly monitored. Inspectors keep businesses informed about changing rules and regulations. Many tools are disposable, and tattoo and piercing needles are immediately discarded after use.

It’s all about building relationships, Shannon said.

“When people feel comfortable and trust you, they come back”.  

 

Freda Glow is a community correspondent for the North End.