HOPKINSVILLE, KY (CHRISTIAN COUNTY NOW) – From downtown Hopkinsville to Oak Grove, locally owned tattoo shops across Christian County are home to artists creating custom artwork for loyal clients in the community. A few seasoned tattoo artists shared their experiences with local clientele ranging from how the industry has changed over the years to what trends they are seeing with artwork.
“The local clients really have core similarities,” said Johnathan Capen, an artist with Hell or High Water Tattoo Shop in Oak Grove. “They’re friendly, supportive, appreciative and respectful. A lot of times we will end up trading services or advertise for each other within the community.”
Having been in the industry for 16 years, he said that as warmer months approach, they are about to enter their busy season at the shop that will extend through the summer, “The warm weather seems to entice people, the days staying brighter longer.”
Other artists noted that there is a clear spike when March approaches, with shops staying booked and busy until fall.
How to find the perfect tattoo artist in Christian County
Troy Simpson operates by appointment only at Rising from Ruins Tattoo in Hopkinsville. He has been perfecting his craft for the past 17 years, with plans to expand at a new location in March.
He shared that over the span of his career, he has noticed that more people are interested in becoming tattoo artists. With this rise popularity, he has noticed that some steps are often skipped in order to compete in the industry. Because of this, he encourages people to do their research and speak to artists in person before committing to a tattoo.
“It’s very important to be comfortable with not only who is doing your tattoo, but know the quality of the work they are putting out,” said Simpson. Capen in Oak Grove agreed that this is an important part of choosing an artist saying, “Go to their shop and talk to them in person. A lot of communication can get lost or misconstrued through messages. Taking the time to stop by and see how you and your ideas can mesh with the artist is important.”
How the tattoo industry has evolved, recent trends
Chad Spurlin with Savage Heart Tattoo and Piercing has spent years in shops and has been actively tattooing for the past five years. He told Christian County Now that the evolution of tattoo equipment, materials and ink has changed the game
“We’re seeing colors heal out brighter and more vibrant than ever, and with the advancements in presterilized disposable materials, tattooing is safer than it’s ever been,” said Spurlin. Advancements in wireless tattoo machines, tablets for drawing and other changes have also made the process more efficient according to another artist.
While tattoo culture as a whole has become more normalized in the past few decades, Christian County Now asked these artists what recent trends they have noticed with designs as the standard “mom” tattoo and skull and crossbones are no longer the standard.
“I think memorial tattoos are timeless and never go out of style,” said Spurlin. “I also do a lot of fine line tattoos.” Simpson from Rising from Ruins Tattoo has similar experiences saying, “Fine line black and grey floral has been pretty popular the past couple years in my opinion.”
Over in Oak Grove, Capen said he has noticed an increase in religious themed requests for tattoos with personal meanings.
Tattoo parlors in Hopkinsville and Oak Grove
Hopkinsville and Oak Grove have a combined population of around 39,000 people, divided up between around 10 shops in the county. On the other hand, there are roughly 45 shops in nearby Clarksville, Tennessee to serve a population of 185,000.
Here’s a look at tattoo parlors across Christian County and where to find them.
Hell or High Water Tattoo Shop
- Location: 16484 Fort Campbell Boulevard, Oak Grove
Savage Heart Tattoo and Piercing
- Location: 123 West Seventh Street Suite 200, Hopkinsville
- Location: 2002 Greenville Road, Hopkinsville
- Location: 927 Skyline Drive, Hopkinsville
- Location: 601 North Main Street, Hopkinsville
- Location: 205 Griffin Bell Drive, Hopkinsville
- Location: 318 East Ninth Street, Hopkinsville
- Location: 15234 Fort Campbell Blvd, Oak Grove
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