Ink, flesh, needles and a work of art

For tattoo artists Jamie Thornley, 21, and Jeff Williford, 24, success is spelled "Tattoo Revolution."

The two opened their salon under that name a year ago and the profit margin is excellent, Williford said with a grin.

To celebrate, these budding artists invited their customers and friends to an evening at Spinners Sports Bar & Grill, just a couple of doors down the road, Monday.

Just before the event, the mood was easy and low-key. Couples looked over the suggested art for tattoos in books, while others gathered in the front of the salon.

"Most of the art displayed here was created by these artists," said customer Mira Luna. "At other shops, they often don't display the artists' art, just flash."

Williford attributed their success in part to the salon's extended hours. The doors open from 10 a.m. to 10 p.m. Wednesday through Monday.

To keep up with business, these budding entreprenuers have added another station and hired a third artist, Mike Detweilier.

Thornley and Williford each have an apprentice and a guy named Tiger is doing the body piercings at station 4.

When they aren't creating designs on bodies, Thornley and Williford use airbrush techniques on canvas. Both have sold their artwork.

"We do it mostly for fun," Williford said with a shrug. "We don't actively promote our art - it's more for us, I guess."

Both recently took part in a competition, Lady Luck Tattoo Convention, where Thornley too second place in the "best color" category.

One of the oldest forms of creative expression, tattooing is seen in cave paintings dating to 8000 B.C. It has been practiced in almost every culture and is considered a sign of honor and status in the Marquesas Islands. The people of eastern New Guinea regarded tattoo marks on young women as signs of beauty, according to World Book Encyclopedia.

Tattoo Revolution is located at 3198 Deer Run Road, at the Deer Run Business Plaza. For more information, call them at 882-8585 or visit their Web site, www.tattoo-revolution.com.

Contact Susie Vasquez at svasquez@nevadaappeal.com or 881-1212.