Local artists win big at Cleveland Tattoo Arts Convention

SANDUSKYpletcher@sanduskyregister.comFor thousands of years, human beings have marked their bodies with tattoos. The permanent designs have served many purposes over the course of history such as defining societal position to religious expression and even means of therapy.As with most art forms, tattoos have evolved with mankind. Today, they are a celebrated part of pop culture and have inspired television shows, exclusive publications, fashion and cosmetic lines and even multiple-day conventions and expositions.One such occurrence is the Cleveland Tattoo Arts Convention, which took place for the first time Jan. 29-31 at the FirstMerit Convention Center of Cleveland. Presented by Villain Arts, the affair featured more than a hundred artists and vendors, including local artists Robin H.M. and Amber Joy of 546 Tattoo Studio."A tattoo convention is where tattoo collectors and enthusiasts can gather in one place," said H.M. "Conventions help separate "tattooers" and "artists" because tattoos are not very forgiving. You're working with a living, breathing canvas and there is no room for error."H.M. and Joy are on six tattoo convention circuits that take them out of the state on an almost monthly basis. Upon checking in, setting up and opening their booth, both artists and their team of assistants begin work tirelessly creating new ink masterpieces.At the Cleveland Tattoo Arts Convention, H.M. and Joy collectively won seven awards. H.M. was honored with first place for "Best Large Black and Grey", and "Best Medium Color" as well as second place for "Best Fusion". Joy secured first place for "Best Small Color", second place for "Best Color Portrait", and third place for "Best Medium Color" and "Best Color Portrait, Female.""I was unbelievably excited because I never get a chance to enter anything," Joy said on winning multiple awards. "Our tattoos go up against some of the best in the industry. That's why winning these contests is so big for us."In addition to making a name for themselves by participating in these conventions and contests, both artists firmly believe in encouraging clientele they meet along the way to visit their shop, as well as other Sandusky-based businesses."No matter where we're at, we rep Sandusky," H.M. said. "The Cleveland overflow has been unbelievable for us. They didn't realize that we were so close and we're pulling them back to our local area."Looking to the future, 546 Tattoo Studio has plans to continue participating in bigger, more elite conventions, such as the Empire State Tattoo Expo and No Limits Tattoo Convention, as well as launch their own stylish apparel line. Additionally, they hope to once again win at the Funcoast.com Readers Choice Awards, which are underway.For all these reasons and more, the decision was made to close the Norwalk location at the end of January and continue on as an exclusively Sandusky-based shop. All pieces done in Norwalk still have their lifetime touch up guarantee and all gift certificates purchased at the Norwalk location can still be redeemed."It was a bittersweet decision but it's for the best," H.M. said. "We're on the road so much, and we have to pull our road crew from the shops. We don't have the manpower and I won't hire just anyone to have more bodies in the shop."The collective work of both Robin H.M. and Amber Joy can be found online at 546tattoo.com and facebook.com/546sandusky. Appointments can be made by emailing 546tattoo@gmail.com. Sandusky based artists Robin H.M. and Amber Joy of 546 Tattoo Studio bestowed seven awards from inaugural event. Sandusky based artists Robin H.M. and Amber Joy of 546 Tattoo Studio bestowed seven awards from inaugural event. 546 Tattoo from Sandusky accept their award for best tattoo parlor during the Funcoast.com Readers' Choice Awards at Small City Taphouse on Monday, March 30, 2015.