New Tattoo Studio Opens in Jamestown, NY
New Tattoo Studio Opens in Jamestown, NY
Black Cherry Tattoo Embodies the Idea of Art Embedded in the Skin
Tattoos used to be so taboo. Conservative people made rash judgments about the individuals who wore their tattoos proudly. In recent years, it’s become a bit more mainstream and it's typical to catch a glimpse of a tat wherever you happen to be. Regardless of your stand on the topic, there is no denying that the people who do the tattoos are artists using skin as a canvas. And at 205 Cherry Street in Jamestown, NY at Black Cherry Tattoo Co., you’ll find two of the best.
Owner Dan May and Co-owner Ann Maria share over 22 years of experience between them. They both have different styles, training and preferences, which makes them an ideal business team. EllicottvilleNOW spoke with both artists about why they chose this profession, where they studied and where they plan on going from here.
eNOW: What made each of you want to become a tattoo artist?
ANN: I’ve wanted to be a tattooer since I was in early high school. My mom was supportive of my drawing, but is super conservative so it was my secret obsession until I went to college. I’ve been spending a lot of time in tattoo shops and have had many friends in the industry since I was about 21 or so, and my love for it only grew with time. Finding a worthwhile apprenticeship is not easy to do, and I had my daughter when I was 19, so my goal went to the back burner for awhile. Once I moved to Jamestown four years ago, I was finally able to put in the work and time to make my goal happen and I love it more every day. Tattoos can really change how someone feels about themselves, and I love making people feel comfortable and beautiful in their own skin.
DAN: I got into tattooing by coincidence. I never had intended on pursuing my passion for art as a trade. I was stationed in Okinawa, Japan in the early 2000s and had become a collector of tattoos, and was doing some sketching for friends that wanted to get a design from someone they served with. One day, we all went into a local studio together and the Okinawan artist approached me and asked if I was interested in learning the trade. I told him I had joined the military for experience and to get more funds to go finish my engineering degree, so I wasn’t really interested. He insisted I come hang out for a few weeks before I make my decision. Two weeks later, my heart was sold on it and I have been tattooing since.
eNOW: Where did you study and how long have you been in the industry?
ANN: I’ve been taking art classes since I was a child. I took art classes in high school and college, and spent a little time learning to pierce in college as well. (Although we don’t offer piercing currently.) I learned to tattoo here in Jamestown, and have been tattooing for almost two years.
DAN: I continued to study tattooing in the studio until my tour was done in 2003. I flew home and was back on plane a couple weeks later and continued to work in the studio for a couple more years. In 2005 I started my first studio, Needle Slave Tattoo. From 2005 to the present, I moved the studio a couple times into larger facilities along with a few name changes and finally settled with Black Cherry Tattoo. Along the way, I took on five apprentices to grow the studio and share the experience that I was once gifted. Having that experience led to my continuous self-learning and then all of us sharing to help our advancement in the industry.
eNOW: What prompted you to open up a shop in Jamestown?
ANN: Dan and I chose to open the studio in Jamestown because we both have our families here. The kids go to Jamestown schools. I love the small town feel of the downtown area. You really feel like a part of a community here. There was a need for a calm, inviting tattoo studio in the area. We are a safe space for everyone. Somewhere that you feel comfortable being yourself, and know you will have a great experience, feel heard and respected, and leave with a beautiful tattoo.
eNOW: What type of art do you each specialize in? What are some of your favorite designs?
ANN: Before I was tattooing, I used mostly charcoal and pencils for my art. I enjoyed dark and creepy and detailed drawings, but now that I tattoo, I love bold vivid colors and fun or silly designs. I’ve always wanted to tattoo, so any time I have my machine in hand I’m happy, but I love my bold designs. I also really enjoy dot work.
DAN: I have always been all over the place with my art and tattooing. I love working in different art mediums and genres of the tattoo world. Using what I learn in one to improve what I do in another has always kept me happy in the trade. On a personal side, I have always been a fan of doing dark art, black and grey or bold color work.
eNOW: Looking forward, what are your plans?
ANN: Looking forward, we have the room for one or two additional artists. We want to bring in guest artists from out of town; both Dan and I have connections with some amazing tattooers from all over the world. We would like to offer piercing, and are currently looking for a studied and experienced piercer.
eNOW: Could you give us the shop details, how to book an appointment, how far in advance that should be done, etc.?
DAN: We are @blkcherrytattoo on all forms of social media. We have our Facebook and Instagram, which is the easiest way to message us for an appointment. We also have Pinterest and TikTok. You can stop in to book with us as well. Depending on the tattoo size and design, our availability varies, but we do have walk-in times available. We are open evenings during the week, and at noon on Saturdays, but can do other hours by appointment.
If you want to add to your tattoo collection or are looking to have your first piece of artwork done, look no further than Dan and Ann at Black Cherry Tattoo Co. They’ve got you covered (ha - a pun!) and can help make your imagined design a reality. Make sure to reach out to them and book your appointment today!
