May 28th
If you're in Bowling Green looking for a tattoo you may sooner or later end up at On The Edge, where a team of tattoo artists share their love for body art and dedicate their time and talents toward satisfying customers every day. Located on N. Main St. in the downtown area, the studio was opened a number of years ago by husband and wife team Tobe and Cameran Drew.
A diverse group of artists work at the studio. The manager, Dennis, has earned over 60 awards in tattoo competitions. Another artist, Shawn, has 20 years of experience with tattoos and specializes in fine-line black and grey tattoos. Tobe works on a variety of tattoos such as portraits, figures, and celtic designs, usesing tattoo equipment he designed himself. When Cameran isn't showcasing the extravagant artwork across her body, much of it done by Tobe, she might be found doing a cosmetic tattoo such as permanent eye liner.
Doing personal works that touch the heart are a favorite for Tobe. When applying a tattoo of a loved one’s name or face, he knows he’s creating lasting artwork for a customer, and he's confident in his ability to "create something that's going to be permanent and unbelievable for that person.”
Customers can bring in a design of their own if they'd like, from which a stencil is made. The artist will stay as close to the basic design as possible, cleaning it up as necessary for a more professional look. In preparation for any tattoo work, the area of skin for the tattoo is shaved and then sterilized with a bacterial solution. Fresh needles are opened directly in front of the customer to ensure the work is safe and clean. When the tattoo is finished, it is dressed appropriately or left open for air to help it heal. The careful procedures at On the Edge have lead the health department to recommend individuals to their studio.