(SAVANNAH, GA) Original Skin Tattoos and Piercings, located on the upper level of the Savannah Mall, is pleased to announce it received the “Best in Show” award at the first annual Savannah Tattoo Festival, which attracted 200 artists plus exhibitors and competitors from more than 50 tattoo shops from the U.S. and abroad.
Bill Cassat, resident artist, created the winning project, a three-dimensional depiction of the face and head of a woman with a bearskin headdress. The full-color tattoo was applied to a male client’s left thigh, just above the knee. It took Cassat nearly eight hours to complete the project on-site at the festival.
“This subject matter is very popular right now, but Billy has the ability to depict it in an unmatched way with 3D realism,” said Chap Chaplin, owner of Original Skin. “There are only a few artists out there working in this style, and with this award, Billy has proven he is one of the best.”
Cassat’s design won both the “Best Tattoo of the Day” on Saturday and overall “Best in Show” award. He is a resident artist at Original Skin, which is one of Savannah’s newest tattoo shops, yet one with a well-seasoned staff who have a combined 22 years of experience amongst the three lead artists. The store opened at Savannah Mall in August 2014. Although it seemed like an odd location for a tattoo business, the selection turned out to be a good move for both Chaplin and his clients, and is a favorite with Mall patrons.
“Tattoo shops typically don’t have much business over the winter and I wanted to put my store where people usually go to shop over the holidays,” Chaplin explained. “The Savannah Mall was a good choice for that and to showcase the talents of our artists. The front of our shop looks more like a downtown art gallery that a typical tattoo parlor. People who might never have considered walking into one frequently drop by. They browse and shop, and sometimes do even more.”
Chaplin recalled a Richmond Hill mom who accompanied her daughter to the store and left with “a cute little design” on her wrist. Instead of being an oddity, he says people now often think of tattoos as mainstream. He has also noticed a trend with those in the 40-and-up age range getting them. But he realizes one of the most appealing aspects for clients is that his custom shop helps them feel comfortable in their decision to get a tattoo because they can be part of the creative process.
The Inaugural Savannah Tattoo Festival was held at the Savannah International Trade and Convention Center. The highly anticipated three-day event featured more than 200 artists from across the country and celebrated all aspects of the tattooing industry. It also incorporated music, local fine artists, tattooing on-site, circus sideshows, contests and other entertainment. A annual event is already in the planning stages for 2017. For more information, visit http://savannahtattoofest.com/
With a combined experience of 36 years, the artists of Original Skin Tattoos and Piercings offer a variety of tattoo styles, specializing in 3D realism, portraits and cover-ups. They also offer body piercings. At the front of the shop, a gallery showcases local artists and features displays of paintings along with handcrafted metal and leather jewelry, plus accessories, photography and skin care products.
For more information, contact Chaplin at originalskinartworks@gmail.com, or visit the Original Skin Facebook page at www.facebook.com/originalskinartworks.
ABOUT SAVANNAH MALL
Originated in 1990, the Savannah Mall, located at 14045 Abercorn St., features anchor stores Bass Pro Shops, Dillard’s, Target, Burlington Coat Factory and A.C. Moore. The 960,000-square-foot, two-level mall is also home to Victoria’s Secret, Bath & Body Works, Gymboree, Game Stop, Champs, Hibbet Sporting Goods, Kay Jewelers, Shoe Dept., Zales Jewelers, Rue 21, Cato, Savannah Piano, Fitness Emporium, Relentless Records and Vapors Smoke Shop. Virginia College offers a variety of classes in areas such as cosmetology, medical billing, culinary arts, business, healthcare and more. The Savannah Mall’s Food Court features Chick-fil-A, Sbarro Italian Eatery, China Max, Sakkio Japan, Cajun Café, American Deli, Sarah Janes Kitchen and Subway. Other dining options at the mall include Ruby Tuesdays and Texas Roadhouse, along with Savannah Candy Co., Cold Stone Creamery and the Nuts About Savannah. The Savannah Mall has a double-decker carousel in the Food Court and soft play area on the lower level for children. For leasing information, contact Becky Orsi, marketing/specialty leasing manager at 912.927.9663 or borsi@urbanretail.com. For more information about the Savannah Mall, call 912.927.7467 or visit www.savannahmall.com. Find the Savannah Mall on Twitter at at @savannahmall.
CONTACT
Chap Chaplin
originalskinartworks@gmail.com
912 659 5675
Original Skin Tattoos and Piercings
14045 Abercorn St. #2316
Savannah Mall
Savannah, Ga 31419
MEDIA CONTACT
Marjorie Young
Carriage Trade PR
marjorie@carriagetradepr.com
912.844.9990