Get a tattoo before 2012...

All was lost.  We were all booked up with no room for anyone to get tattooed.  Then Sue Addison from Pretty Devils Tattooing came in to save the day!  Sue will be dong a guest spot with us December 28, 29 & 30... just in time to get that special tattoo you have been wanting to get all year!

Call the shop to book your appointment, 604-738-3667.

Happy Holidays Everyone!

Liquid Amber on Global TV

"So, do you have a tattoo?" 

I suppose it's a natural first question for people to ask when you explain that you're doing a couple of feature stories on the tattoo industry in BC. 

I don't in fact have a tattoo. I'm too fickle to have a piece of permanent art on my skin, and I'm not sure I could sit still long enough to go under the needle. 

I have, however, been intrigued by tattoos since I was a child. 

For as long as I can remember, my dad has had this mark on his left forearm, about an inch square. When I was old enough to talk, I asked him about it. 

At some point as a young teen, he decided it would be cool to have our last name tattooed on his arm, in English. He started jabbing away at his skin with a fountain pen filled with black ink. He got as far as the 'K' in Kwan before he stopped -- I've never been clear on whether the pain was too much or if he was interrupted. 

When my grandfather discovered what my dad had done, he was furious. He threatened to chop his arm off with a meat cleaver, because back then, 'only the Triads had tattoos.' Please keep in mind that my grandfather was born at the tail end of the 19th century. He was the very definition of old school. 

The mark on my dad's arm has faded and spread over the years, and now looks like a dark blue blobby X. It may not have turned out as intended, but what it has done is inspired my healthy curiosity over the years about distinctive tattoos. 

It's that sense of curiosity that prompted me to ask new questions around where social acceptability of tattoos stands now, where does the industry goes from here, and what's involved with the removal process if a piece doesn't work out. 

Here are some of the interesting facts I've discovered along the way. 

A good tattoo artist costs as much as a decent lawyer per hour, which means that a significant piece of work has the same price tag as a car. 

The new social divide seems to be less about whether you have a tattoo, and more about where it's placed. Facial and neck tattoos seem to be the most taboo regions. 

People with tattoos or those in the industry still face discrimination, from bankers who may be hesitant to give them loans to landlords who don't want to have them as tenants. 

Kimberly Law, a certified image consultant, tells her clients with tattoos to conceal them before a job interview. She says it reveals too much about someone's personal identity -- much in the way an over the top hairdo or style of clothing would -- when the focus should be on someone's job skills and overall employability. 

Having a tattoo removed is an expensive and time consuming process. Darker ink is easier to remove than white or yellow, based on how it absorbs the laser. Doctors also have to account for a patient's skin tone when performing treatments -- they may need to reduce the intensity of the laser and bump up the number of treatments if someone has darker skin. 

Learning about the industry was a journey. I hope you get something out of the stories, whether you already have lots of tattoos, are considering having one taken off, or have never thought for a minute about getting one.

 

Read it on Global News: Global BC | Tattoos etc.

Cool tattoo Rene did today...

This is an inverted script tattoo, meaning it is legible when you look in the mirror.  I took two photos. The first is straight on, the second is through a mirror. Cool concept!

Client: Martin

Tattoo Artist: Rene Botha

Date of Tattoo: October 6th, 2011

Tattoo Artist Sue Addison is coming...

Attention Liquid Amber clients, fans and sexy people... Sue Addison of Pretty Devils Tattooing is coming for a guest spot in just a few weeks. She is only here for a short time so call NOW to book your consultation.

Wanna check out Sue's BIO & PORTFOLIO? 

August Summer Hours

 

HOURS AT THE SHOP IN AUGUST:

Wednesday to Sunday 12 -7pm for appointments & walk ins. Although we recommend calling and booking ahead of time. We are super busy!

Monday & Tuesday are by appointment ONLY. Thanks :)



Liquid Amber 10 Year Anniversary Party a total SUCCESS!

Thank you thank you thank you to everyone who came out to support Liquid Amber at the 10 Year Anniversary Party!!  Visit our facebook page to view the first wave of photo's which have surfaced.  Soon to come: more photo's and a video which will be available on our youtube channel.

 

A big special thanks to all our Sponsors for putting smiles where they belong... on the faces of Liquid Amber clients!

 

Seen in this photo, Liquid Amber supporter Dawn gets a gift certificate from The Chop Shop.

ONE WEEK TO THE PARTY OF THE DECADE!!!

You have one week to come to Liquid AMber Tattoo at 62 Powell Street, and pick up your tickets for the Liquid Amber Tattoo 10 Year Anniversary Party.  $8 get's you a ticket so don't procrastinate!

We are pleased to announce a collection of incredibly talented, sassy and ear pleasing entertainment for your eyes and ears...

Sister Says, Razzel Tassel Tease Burlesque, Low Spin

We are also pleased to announce DOOR PRIZES from these fantastic local businesses:

The Lamplighter - HUGE gift certificate. Guaranteed to take care of you ALL NIGHT LONG!

Planet Claire - merch

Kimprints - a print by Alex Cherry

Stussy - merch

Milano Boutique Coffee Roasters - gift certificates

Devil May Wear - gift certificate

The Chop Shop - women's hair cut & men's hair cut

Low Spin - free shirt / CD

Spectral Theatre - 2 tickets to a "Late night Double Feature, Live Theatre for the Living Dead"

Ironhead Clothing - merch

Razzel Tassel Tease - merch

The Charles Bar - Gift Certificate

Man Up Event - Tickets


See you there!!

FYI: the tattoo shop will be closed on Saturday the 25th due to hang-overs :) 

Liquid Amber Celebrates It's 10 Year Anniversary

Tickets Available at Liquid Amber Tattoo for only 8$.  We hope you will join us to celebrate this event, we could not have gotten to 10 Years in business without you!  The party at Joe's Apartment is about celebrating Liquid Amber but it's also about celebrating our clients, friends and family who have supported us all these years!  Let us say thank you in style!  There will be door prizes, live music and a tantalizing burlesque show.  See you there!

Liquid Amber Tattoo Celebrates It's 10 Year Anniversary

Liquid Amber Tattoo is proud to announce their 10-year anniversary celebration this summer, June 24th, 2011 at Joe’s Apartment 919 Granville Street.

June 2001 marked the humble beginnings of a new tattoo studio located in Vancouver’s Kitsilano area.  Artist Justina Kervel and business partner Luvia Petersen started this company with the intension and desire to contribute to the rise and support of female tattoo artistry. This grassroots beginning has stood the test of time and experienced many changes and transitions.  Now in business for 10 years, Liquid Amber boast 4 female tattoo artists and operates out of a studio located in the heart of Gastown.  This exceptional sought-after group of artists specializes in custom work and each possesses the gentle touch one would come to expect from a female hand.  Liquid Amber is health board approved and adheres to the highest level of cleanliness and professionalism.  An open concept design coupled with exposed brick lends to a boutique style vibe and friendly atmosphere.

One of the main changes since Liquid Amber’s grassroots beginning is that lead artist Justina Kervel is no longer accepting new clients.  The last time Justina had a waitlist it was 2 years long and growing.  In order to accommodate her busy workload Justina made the decision to only take on projects that interest and push her as an artist.  Luckily for those clients wanting to be marked by Justina’s artistry, they don’t have to go far.  Under the guidance and careful tutelage of Justina herself, she apprenticed 3 amazingly talented female artists.  Jenny Jarrett, Kylie Gibson and Rene Botha alongside Justina Kervel, make up the talented and dynamic team that is Liquid Amber Tattoo. 

This June Liquid Amber will be celebrating their 10 year Anniversary Joe’s Apartment located at 9191 Granville street.  Those attending can expect a fun night of celebration and prizes including entertainment by musical guest Sister Says, Low Spin & some tantalizing fun from burlesque troop Razzle Tassel Tease.

Tickets on sale at Liquid Amber Tattoo $8 advance or you can wait and pay $12 at the door.  Doors are at 8pm show starts at 8:15.  Door prizes and giveaways all night long.  

For additional information, Contact: Luvia Petersen of Liquid Amber Tattoo 604-738-3667 info@liquidambertattoo.com

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Justina Kervel Wins at Tattoo Convention

Congratulations to tattoo artist Justina Kervel who won Best Small Black & Grey Tattoo and Best Small Colour Tattoo at the Westcoast Tattoo & Culture Show 2011 last weekend.  Keep up the good work Justina!  A BIG thank you to clients Erin and Kristin for entering their tattoos at the convention.  

Frankenstein & Bride Tattoo - Winner of Best Small Black & Grey 

Lois Royo Tattoo - Winner of Best Small Colour

Left to right: Kristin (Frankenstein & Bride Tattoo), Justina Kervel (artist), Erin (Lois Royo)