Tattoo artists advise customers to do research before choosing

Ray Dwyer and Bubba Long, co-owners of Ivory Tiger Tattoo in Summerville, are veteran tattoo artists who have weathered battles to legalize tattoos in this state while continuing to love their work.

Before Long went into business as a tattoo artist, he was a carpenter.

Twelve years ago, he broke his spine on the job. Thus began his transition to full-time tattoo artist.

Dwyer began his career in his native New York many years ago, before he moved to South Carolina and met Long.

Long and Dwyer have been in business together for two years.

Both recount stories of customers who have come in to correct poorly crafted artwork, done during the years tattoos were illegal in this state.

In those days, many people had friends who lacked proper training to give them tattoos.

Dwyer and Long advise customers to think through the decision to get a tattoo. Many mothers have brought their children in to get work corrected, Long said.

"Choose wisely," Dwyer added. "You want to do your homework, just as if you are getting an operation — get a second opinion."

He urges people to ask a lot of questions before getting inked.

Ask for recommendations and see a portfolio of the tattoo artist's previous work, he says.

Both men say conservative attitudes and legislation in South Carolina have restricted the proliferation of tattoo parlors.

With recent talk of lowering the legal drinking age to 18, they believe the legal age to get a tattoo should be lowered to 18 as well.

Despite constraints, the independence and creativity of being a tattoo artist has kept them in the business.

"This gives me the chance to make a living at something I love," Dwyer says.

Long agrees with his business partner. And he remains passionate about doing his work well.

"I hate to see wasted skin," he says.

Reach Jasiri Whipper at 745-5863 or jwhipper@postandcourier.com.