John Oliva|Corpus Christi Caller Times
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Itching for a new tattoo?
Maybe you don't have one yet and have been waiting to take that big step of permanent ink on your skin.
There are many tattoo shops in the Coastal Bend.We gathered a list of 10 parlors in Corpus Christi. From Flour Bluff to over the Harbor Bridge, these local businesses have you covered --literally.
AXIS TATTOO/ELECTRA ART TATTOO
701 N. Chaparral St. (Axis Tattoo), 9938 S. Padre Island Dr. (Electra Art Tattoo)
These two sister shops have the same owners, with Electra Art being the oldest tattoo parlor in Corpus Christi. With the two locations on opposite ends of Corpus Christi, one in Flour Bluff and the other in the downtown area, customers can easily get tattoos and body piercings.
MINIMUM RATE:$80
HOURS:11 a.m. to 11 p.m. daily.
CONTACT:361-882-5440 (Axis),361-937-6895 (Electra Art),electraartcc.com
ELECTRIC COBRA STUDIO
3001 E. Surfside Blvd.
For nearly six years, Electric Cobra Studio has been a welcoming tattoo parlor with a laid-back atmosphere. Owner George Gonzalez, the studio's only tattoo artist, makes sure all of his clients feel comfortable and relaxed.
MINIMUM RATE:$60-80
HOURS:By appointment only.
CONTACT:361-633-7626,instagram.com/electriccobratattoo
FOREVER ART TATTOO
6341 S. Padre Island Dr.
Forever Art is home to seven tattoo artists and one body piercer. While getting a tattoo from an artist whospecializes in realism, Nordic style, Hispanic style or portraits, parents can gettheir children's ears pierced atthis family-friendly business.
MINIMUM RATE:$85; every Tuesday, select tattoos are $31.
HOURS:10 a.m. to 10 p.m. Tuesday through Saturday; private appointments Sunday and Monday.
CONTACT:361-992-3729,foreverart.com
G&S TATTOO STUDIO
5520 Everhart Rd.
G&S Tattoo Studio, opened in 2011, believes in quality over quantity.With no flash sheets --tattoo designs drawn on paper --this tattoo parlor has one-on-one sessions with clients to create a design they are happy with.
MINIMUM RATE:$80
HOURS:12 p.m.
CONTACT:361-334-3121,facebook.com/gnstattoostudio
HIGH TIDE TATTOO STUDIO
525 Glazebrook St.
For five years, High Tide has been known for tattooing coverups for clients. The studio has two tattoo artists whospecialize in photorealism, American traditional and portraits.
MINIMUM RATE:$60
HOURS:12 p.m. to 10 p.m. daily.
CONTACT:361-906-8293,instagram.com/hightidecorpuschristi
PINNACLE TATTOO
1041 Airline Rd.
Pinnacle Tattoo has six permanent artists and at least two have nearly 50 years of experience in tattooing. Aside from creating body art, this local parlor also performs laser removal to get ridof tattoos.
MINIMUM RATE:$80
HOURS:11 a.m. to 8 p.m. Monday through Saturday; 12 p.m. to 6 p.m. Sundays.
CONTACT:361-994-8200,pinnacletattoo.net
TATTOO NATION
2541 S. Padre Island Dr.
Known for its cheaper prices compared to other tattoo parlors, Tattoo Nation has been in business for nearly 15 years. The shop helps with community fundraisers, donates proceeds to charities often and has specials for the formerly enlisted on Veteran's Day.
MINIMUM RATE:$50
HOURS:12 p.m. to midnight daily.
CONTACT:361-851-0635,facebook.com/Tattoo-Nation-167987973222724
THUNDERCAT TATTOOS
4035 Ayers St.
ThunderCat Tattoos has been serving Corpus Christi for three years with tattoos and piercings. The local shop is family-friendly, but recommends children getting their ears pierced to be of age to understand what is happening.
MINIMUM RATE:$50
HOURS:2 p.m. to 10 p.m. Tuesday through Saturday.
CONTACT:www.facebook.com/ThunderCat-Tattoos-449062082507145
3RD WISH TATTOO
1718 S. Alameda St.
With four artists specializing in hyperrealism and traditional styles, this tattoo shop's motto is, "You think it, we ink it." Potential clients should keep an eye out for3rd Wish Tattoo's monthly specials onFacebook.
MINIMUM RATE:$50
HOURS:11 a.m. to 8 p.m. Wednesday, Thursdayand Sunday; 11 a.m. to 10 p.m. Friday and Saturday.
CONTACT:361-585-8891,facebook.com/3rdwish
What should I expect before and after getting a tattoo?
- RESEARCH:Explore multiple tattoo shops, including the artists at each location. Some tattoo artists specialize more in traditional American design than hyperrealism; depending on what style you want, look up their previous work to decide where you want to go.
- TAKE YOUR TIME:Tattoos take time depending on how big or small you want your design to be. Also, in case you forgot, tattoos are permanent. Make sure you will not regret your tattoo later on in life.
- FEEL COMFORTABLE:When you visit a tattoo shop, make sure you feel welcomed and at-ease with the staff. You're trusting someone to alter your body. If you are feeling negative vibes or don't feel at ease, it's best to go look elsewhere.
- START SMALL:You don't want your first tattoo to be a huge piece that will take weeks to months to finish. Start off with a name, quote, lyric or something minimalistic to where it won't hurt too much for your first time.
- AVOID PAINFUL AREAS:For your first tattoo, we would suggest getting it on your arm, back or calves to avoid painful areas. These spots include your face, neck, spine, ribs, armpit, chest, hands, feet and ankles.
- IT'S GONNA HURT:No matter where you decide to have your tattoo, it's going to hurt. A thin needle is piercing your skin to force ink inside, so it feels like a repetitive prickling sensation.
- TIP:Remember this is a service tattoo artists are doing for you, so like you would your server at a restaurant or hotel maid, tip them for their time and hard work.
- AFTERCARE:Each tattoo artist has different tips for aftercare. Some say to keep it covered with plastic wrap while others say to let it breathe. Your tattoo artist will go over their best procedures to take care of your new body art. Feel free to ask any other questions before leaving.
- DON'T SCRATCH:Your tattoo is going to itch, make your skin raise and burn a little bit. You have to remember, it's kind of like a scab. Make sure you don't pick it at because that will ruin your tattoo. We suggest wearing gloves or mittens when going to sleep to be on the safe side.
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John Oliva covers education and community news in South Texas. Consider supporting local journalism with asubscription to the Caller-Times.
