zaterdag 3 december 2016

Interview Joan

Name: Joan / Miss Scarrific piercer bij Classic Ink&Mods and Dare2wear in Amsterdam (NL)

Can you describe yourself in one sentence?
Kimbe raid pa moli’ (creole quote)

How long have you been piercer?
About 8 years
How long have you been piercer?

Piercing came on my path when i was studying art, it started as a a part-time job. I became very fond of it and aimed at learning scarification… it is still my biggest passion next to my other activities. I enjoy working with great artists in an international environment. Everyday is different, it s also a great human experience if i may call it so…It can be demanding at times but always rewarding too.

How or from whom did you learn the skills?

In a piercing and tattoo studio, i keep learning and training by attending body modification conventions and this year for the first time went to the APP Convention in Las Vegas. It is not something ‘you have learned’ but a continuous learning process, exchange experiences with co-workers…which makes it very fascinating.

Your first piercing was a?
A surface piercing on myself

Who or what inspires you?
So much! Although not fond of social media, it is a very handy tool to look at the work of many great artists worldwide…from piercers to jeweler, performers…the people i work(ed) with ...books … travelling experiences…the evening conversation with the owner of the small grocery store near my house…

Can you tell something about your studio/workspace?

A traditional tattooshop that also offers other professional bodymodification (piercing, scarification, beading and other bodmod projects). The tattoo artists are internationally renowned, the piercing is done professionally with the highest quality jewellry…always with personal attention. A place buzzing with creativity! The studio is located in the heart of Amsterdam, on top of our faithful customers we get to meet an amazing diversity of people from all around the globe! A great place to be!

What type of piercing do you prefer?
"Ear projects’ can be great fun , I also like to perform the more ‘extreme’ piercings…

What's the best piece of advice you ever got when you started out and think it would help other starters in this industry?
Take your time

Do you have a nice or weird experience as a piercer you want to share with us?

Sometimes ago a beautiful tiny chinese lady of about 65 years old, carrying tons of grocery bags, came in the studio curious about the jewellry in the window. After an interesting conversation she decided to get her ears pierced…and came back regularly to stretch her earlobes, she now wears beautiful hangers. When she came she brought these delicious homemade pastries telling me special life stories…and how her grandchildren didn t understand why she was doing it. Her visits always gave the day a magic twist!

Does your work involve more than just piercing?
Scarification, procedures like magnet/rfid implants and body suspension. I got ‘addicted’ making pictures of special jewellry so i do this regularly too

How do you see yourself in 5 years?
Working on combining bodymodification and other passion like celluloid film performance, body suspension…more collaboration work…and somehow doing something with my jewellry photography.

Do you have a tip or do you want to add something to this interview?
Thank you Angie!

www.classicinkandmods.com

www.dare2wear.nl

www.scarrific.com

-Answers and photo's: Joan
Angie
-Published Tattoo Planet eMagazine 116/ December 2016

Story behind a known piercer / modartist Jef Saunders

Jef Saunders

When started your passion for piercing?

The very first time I saw a piercing performed, it was like lightning struck me. I was watching my girlfriend get her tragus performed. I walked in really knowing so little about it, just that you couldn't get it done with an ear piercing gun. But the whole thing was so strange to me: there was so much cleaning, and so many pairs of gloves! I knew right then I had to learn how to do it. Honestly I didn't think I'd become a professional piercer, I simply needed to know how it was done.

How did you become one, and who was your teacher
I started apprenticing under a friend of mine who had just finished the Gauntlet class in New York City. She was far too green to actually train me to pierce, and we both knew it. That was a fun experience but ended quickly. Then I ended up training under the piercers who worked at the shop I first got pierced at. But the people I should really credit with getting me where I needed to be were the folks at the Fakir Intensives. I cannot emphasize how big of an impact they had on me. The class was literally life changing. Even if I hadn't become a piercer, I'd still be happy I did that class.

Starting your own shops Rockstar:
Rockstar was a spectacular experience for me. I started the first one in 2002, and the second in 2013, and sold them in 2015. The first shop was a much needed upgrade from the shop I had initially pierced in. We had appropriate facilities to actually pierce in, but also to reprocess instruments and showcase jewelry. We also developed an incredible staff of desk people who developed a keen eye for jewelry. When I opened the second shop, I wanted to do the things the first Rockstar did well, but even better. I was heavily influenced by Cody Vaughn's "curated" jewelry selection. He's made his shop so intelligently that you cannot help but leave looking good. I tried to emulate that. I also wanted to attempt a 100% disposable facility. I didn't know a lot about how that would go, but within 2 months I had fallen in love. Now I teach disposable piercing classes! I sold the shops to my good friend (and former apprentice) Peter Jett. I'm pleased to say he has only made them better. Going back to Providence and getting to pierce there is a real delight.

When and how did you get involved with the APP? Why do you love it so much?
Once again, this story involves Cody Vaughn. I had never joined the APP even though I had written the answers to the questionnaire as far back as the late 90's (I just recently found the paperwork!). Cody convinced me to join, but told me to get involved immediately. This was truly eye opening. I realized that the APP is built on volunteerism. And it may be cliche, but the more you put in, the more you get out.

It's been a joy to participate in sharing ideas and improving piercing.

Being instructor at Fakir and teaching :
Because the Fakir Intensives experience was so important to me, I quickly found myself doing anything I could to participate more. I took every class Fakir offered. I started flying cross-country just to visit. Eventually, Ken Coyote, the course administrator, asked me to start teaching. I am thrilled with the classes we offer and the quality of education we consistently deliver.

Lecture for the APP:
It wasn't very long ago that I got my first offer to teach at APP conference! I was overjoyed. The APP has allowed me to teach a variety of different classes, and work with amazing instructors. I am looking forward to what we have in store for Conference 2017!

Why did you sell the shop?
Selling Rockstar was a difficult decision, but I had decided that my family would be better off living near my in-laws. I couldn't be happier with the decision or my life in Michigan.

Starting your blog:
I started my blog for the same reason anyone starts a blog. I wanted to share something I was passionate about. It has slowly but surely turned into something far more than that. I am really happy to regularly discuss technique and theory. It's been a rewarding experience, and one I plan on continuing for years to come.

Do you do more than just piercing?
Piercing is my first love, but I am also interested in a variety of different things. Craft beer is a keen interest of mine. Last year, I began working at the very first sour brewery in North America. I had to leave, as piercing work was my chief priority, but I still help out at their pub in Michigan.

A daddy’s life and traveling?

Traveling has been a learning experience. I have a blog entry I've been working on for some time about the ins and outs of being a guest piercer. Being a dad has been transcendental. My wife and my son are the most amazing people in the world to me. I couldn't be happier.

What has been the high point of your career so far? What are you most proud of
Probably the high point has been receiving the President's Award from Brian Skellie. Brian is one of my biggest influences as a piercer. Receiving a pat on the back from him would mean a lot to me. To receive an honor from the APP and him? It was amazing. I am most proud of my work with the Fakir Intensives, specifically the work we put into the Comprehensive Piercing Intensive. We knew when we put that class together that we would be teaching experienced piercers, and we needed to deliver something really special, but also relevant. I believe we were successful.

How does it feel to be president? What would you like to see change ?
Being President is a big responsibility. I don't feel burdened by it, though. I feel like I have a unique opportunity to make piercing safer and our organization better. There are several new things in the works, most of which I don't want to unveil until they are ready. But the mission is the same: safe piercing through education.

What is your personal goal?
I really just want to pierce people as safely as possible, make them happy, and give them wonderful experiences.

How do you see the future? Are there plans?
I have so many plans they seem overwhelming right now. I have a new shop in the works, as well as a bunch of different projects. I wish I could elaborate more but right now everything is in it's infancy!

Do you have any advice for our readers, or do you want to add something
I think the best advice I can give is try your best, think critically, and have some fun doing it.

Jef Saunders

www.piercingnerd.com

President of the Association of Professional Piercers

Instructor for the Fakir Intensives

APP Business Member At Large

-Answers and photo's : Jef Saunders
Angie
-Published Tattoo Planet eMagazine 116/December 2016

Jef & Angie, APP16 Las Vegas

vrijdag 4 november 2016

Interview Monique Kristel

Name: Monique Kristel,
co owner at Tattoo O.K. Corral Amersfoort (NL)

Can you describe yourself in one sentence?
Incredibly driven in terms of piercing technique for the most beautiful result.

How long have you been piercer?
Now almost 22 years working as a piercer. To be exact I started in April 1995.

Why this profession? Dealing with different people, and in particular the personal attention to everyone.

How or from whom did you learn the skills?
I'v learned from a very good piercer Pelusa. And developed myself further on.

Your first piercing was a?
My first piercing was a belly button piercing what really isn't the easiest one to start with.

Who or what inspires you?
I am extremely inspired by Jeanne d ' Arc ( which also drawn up the regulation of the public health service GGD) . Had her own shop in the Netherlands Noord-Holland sadly due to illness had to stop.

Can you tell something about your studio/workspace?
Since 1990 I work at Tattoo shop o. k. Corral and Iam part-owner of this shop.
We have an incredibly fun team of 4 tattooists and since september first an extra piercer. Very passionate team with lots of talents in a lot of levels.

What type of piercing do you prefer? I think each piercing is a challenge, because every human being is so completely different in terms of Anatomy and personality, try aesthetically the most beautiful result.

What's the best piece of advice you ever got when you started out and think it would help other starters in this industry?
Try to get as much possible knowledge by watching and listening to the professional piercer. And then learn from every piercing as much as possible to gain knowledge. Be calm, try each piercing step by step to master and go learn the next piercing step by step.

Do you have a nice or weird experience as a piercer you want to share with us?
 There once came in a man for a belly button ring that was carrying a large bag, on which I asked what was in it. He had a great beam level with him to see for sure if the piercing was going to be straight.
And a man who came in for a Prince Albert asked for a particular ornament because he was wearing a chastity belt. stupid I asked if he needed it for his work which of course he didn't.
Also, I had a father who's daughter wanted a belly button piercing. After the piercing I walked with her to the mirror, the father then asked for some water which I brought to him and the man (almost 6 feet) fainted and fell into my arms cause of his daughters piercing.

Does your work involve more than just piercing?  No I am also Floor manager in the shop answering the phone and mail, and everything a manager does.

How do you see yourself in 5 years?
I want to continue to develop myself in piercing. In addition, I also do more in the field of addiction treatment. That keeps my life in balance.

Do you have a tip or do you want to add something to this interview?
Stay engaged in knowledge, but especially on qualitative terms and don't go for quantity. And especially don't do things your not comfortabel with.

www.corral.nl
info@corral.nl

Answers and photo's : Monique kristel
-Angie
Published Tattoo Planet eMagazine 115 November 2016

Never stop learning (APP2017)

In my fourth year as a professional piercer now,
I still consider myself as a rookie.
For years I look up to the masters in this industry, not only because they are so much more experienced, but also because many of them have made this industry possible, or others have again improved it in techniek, material, sharing experiences to others, caring for the public health and more.

I have really found my passion, and want to do this in the best way as possible. It takes a lot more then a 3 day (not recognized) course, or at home practicing on friends with cheap materials. If this really is your passion, then you will want to know and learn everything about it.

In this profession you never stop learning, rules, techniques, materials and types change. It is therefore important to stay informed, keep up. This can be done by following workshops, shadow others, network. or you can visit the annual BMXnet (body modification exchange network) in Germany.

No body is the same, so no piercing is the same, this makes the job just so fun, you keep learning time and time again, and getting experiences on doing, you recognize the places and know what fits better with the person, or what maybe can get a problem later on.
Your advices are longer and the troubleshooting is getting shorter.

Are you such a piercer? inquisitive? Then I must recommend this, as you may know, I was one of the lucky ones last summer that was selected for a scholarship to the Conference of the APP 2016 in the USA for me it was really one of the highlights of my career, an experience to remember.

That is why I keep saying, even though you're just getting started as a piercer or have many years of experience, do not doubt , but do it, your worth it !

Until december 18th you can enrol for the Al.D.scholarschip for the APP Conference 2017 on June 11th till 16th. Click on the link below to subscribe:

http://www.safepiercing.org/nl/learn/conference/al-d-scholarships/

Al.D scholarschip:
-free Conference pass including all required classes that you want to follow
-free ticket banquet dinner
-free shared hotel room for all the nights

All they ask in return is to help as a volunteer, what I personally liked very much to do, and it also gives you more of a behind the scenes look, it is a great team.

If you want to know more or if you have any questions, please feel free to contact me

links:
about the Conference itself : http://www.safepiercing.org/learn/conference/
about/BMXnet Conference: http://www.bmxnet.org/

Angie contact: info@modernbodystudio.nl

Text Angie
-Angie
Published Tattoo Planet eMagazine 115 November 2016

zaterdag 8 oktober 2016

Type 4 Part 2

Change the law on FGM!

This campaign/petition, seeks to correct UK government's misrepresentation of adult women choosing to have genital body piercing as "female genital mutilation" (FGM).

Controlling an adult UK woman's sovereignty over her own body is both unfair and sexist.

We demand immediate clarification in the laws and policies around the issue of FGM.

Popular western adult female practices such as professional body piercing, cosmetic surgery and beauty treatment were never intended to be the target of United Nations' campaign against third world traditional people's practices of female genital mutilation on young girls.

As individuals who love adorning and modifying their bodies and as consenting adults, this is your decision to make we should not be labelled as a victim of FGM you haven't already head on over to:

http://www.thepetitionsite.com/…/5…/522/047/fga-freedom-now/

Sign and share, make all the Public aware.

This is completely and utterly preposterous that women in 2016 are being told by law that they do not have the right to choose what they want to do with their own bodies. I as a body piercer am completely in support of the rest of the law about FGM, and think it is horrific what some young women are put through. Forcibly having their genitals cut/burnt/removed etc.....
So how come in 2016 the law is now criminalising people who are running a legitimate business, who are registered to pierce parts of people's anatomy? How is it fair that a male who wants to add piercings to his genitals is allowed but a woman has no personal choice in this matter anymore? I completely agree that FGM law should be upheld, however to take away the consenting choice of women to have a piercing for themselves is completely sexist and goes against our human rights of free will and free choice.

Why should a government body be in charge of what a woman wants to do with her own body ? Why should I as a body piercer have to give up part of my legitimate business?

Something needs to be done to change this law to exclude body piercing, as it completely belittles the awful and horrific trauma that genuine sufferers have gone through.

Please sign and share this far and wide. This petition isnt just about my business, it's about standing up to the nanny state that is taking away a womans right to choose what she does with her own body, whilst still allowing males to have free choice.

If we want to talk about human rights let's start there..... No one should be told that they are not allowed free choice of their own body. This has nothing to do with abuse and it completely undermines the whole purpose of passing a law that is supposed to protect women. This aspect doesnt protect anyone it just simply removes free choice for women and this is unacceptable in 2016.

Whether you want a piercing in your genital region or not everyone should sign this as it is more to do with how the governing bodies are now trying to remove a womans free choice.

On top of this what is going to happen to the women who want this piercing done and cant find someone to do it for them? They may try to do it themselves and this could end in disaster.

So piercers/body artists/ beauticians and women and men around the world please unite with me to help portray these facts to the governing bodies.

It is completely unfair to class something that is upto an individual as FGM and taking away the womans right to give consent. There are women around the world suffering genuine abuse and awful horrors every day. This shouldn't ever be classed on the same level, as it is quite clearly not.

Samantha Booth

Interview Cas Willems

Name Cas Willems
Owner and piercer at Studio One Spirit Collective in Arnhem (NL)

Can you describe yourself in one sentence?
No, actually I can't.

How long have you been piercer?
Around 9 years.

Why this profession?
Because there's nothing more beautiful than this. Ever since I was little, I had a fascination on how people express themselves. Over the years I learned more and more about self-expression and the different ways people do that. And from the first time I saw a tattooed and pierced person, I was fascinated by that image and started my adventurous journey in the body modification. This is my passion since childhood and I'm blessed that hard work and perseverance have brought me there where I am now.

How or from whom did you learn the skills?
I spent years searching for a good artist or studio who wanted me and could learn what I was looking for. You need an awful lot of determination, will power, research and need for openmindedness. Because you're never done learning, even in general life. So, this mindset is extremely important: continue to learn, every single day!

The first piercing you did was a ?
Earlobe on a good friend of mine.

Who or what inspires you?
Life and most importantly my family. But as for piercing, the APP (Association of Professional Piercers), and especially it's ex-president Brian Skellie.

Can you tell me something about your studio/workspace?
One Spirit Collective is the brainchild of Swan, Andy and myself. We are a collective of artists working together with one thought, one goal in mind: One Spirit.

Swan is my wife, who works under the name Swandala. She creates art and tattoos mainly in earthy and natural (dotwork) designs.

Andy is our colleague for many years and he works under the name Zafar-One. He makes tight graphics and is really in its own style with psychedelic influences. We were the very first piercing studio in The Netherlands that only worked with internally threaded jewelry. Quality is of paramount importance to us, that reflects in our approach and choices of our jewellery, aftercare products and opinions. Meet us at: www.OneSpiritCollective.com.

What kind of piercing do you prefer?
The beauty of my job is that no person or placement is the same. And I don't have a favorite piercing, every prick is a new experience and new story.

What's the best piece of advice you ever got when you started out and think it would help other starters in this industry?
Advice, I have little but experience I have gained enough. Trust your gut and be open to other approaches and other people's opinion. The moment you no longer accept anything else or think you're done learning, that's the moment you'll find yourself lashing. Learn of every setback and enjoy every victory. Push yourself every day to be better then the day before.

Does your work involve more than just piercing?
I also create geometric works of art, sell quality jewelry and do scarification sporadically.

How do you see yourself in 5 years?
5 years older and wiser.

Do you have a tip or do you want to add something to this interview?
You have only one body, take good care of it and treat it with respect. Go for quality, trust your gut and dare to ask.

info@OneSpiritCollective.com
www.OneSpiritCollective.com

Angie
-Answers and photo's: Cas Willems
-Published Tattoo Planet eMagazine 114/October2016

BMXnet 2016

This year it was the 10th Anniversery of BMXnet (Body Modification Network).
Didn't want to miss out. So I catch the train to find myself again in Essen Germany from 8th till 11th september.

Elayne Angel

Four days of seminars, lectures and workshops taught by the best of the industry, like "successful surface piercing", "Septums, where skill meets luck", "Initial jewelry for a happy and better healing" and much much more.

Pinchy & Bethrah

There was the opportunity to watch or experiencing a suspension provided by "Wings of desire", and in the evenings we were entertained by shows, karaoke, superfly and more.
And you could shop for jewelry, vendors from Trust, Maya, Lovely lobes, Wildcat and more.

Karaoke

Photocredit: Milan Ectric Urinowitsch

My highlights this year:

To see my fellow volunteers of the APP16 Las Vegas again.

The advantage of BMXnet is that piercings and other treatments can be performed live during a class, and this year I was one of the individuals where everyone could watch while a nape piercing was pierced on me by Luis Garcia. (see video below)

Samppa von Cyborg

And this year I attended a workshop "Tongue Split" given by Samppa von Cyborg. Let's see if my town is ready for it :)

Paul King

And I have yet again enjoyed the lecture given by Paul King. This year about
"XXX history of piercing in porn"

All in all, learned and gained enough again! still have to find time to work out my notes. and bring my new ideas/techniques in practice.

As a piercer it's so important to experience a conference atleast once, the atmosphere, networking, the ideas,trics and tips you hear or get, only benefits for a better studio and yourself

Education is the key!

Hope to see a grow in my fellow Dutch colleagues next year.
looking forward to BMXnet 2017

Thank you! Luis

Love these guys 💜

Attendees

Links:

Geschiedenis piercing

Paul King

Text and photo's: Angie

Published Tattoo Planet eMagazine 114/October2016

dinsdag 20 september 2016

APP2016

AL.D. Scholarship

Al.D. Sowers

Al D. Sowers was passionate about the necessity for sharing knowledge. He believed in order for piercers to be successful, they should be properly educated and education should be industry specific. It was that passion that pushed Al to become one of the first industry specific OSHA blood-borne pathogen instructors in Seattle, where he also began his own piercing seminars. Along with his local teaching, Al helped develop some of the core curriculum that would be presented at the annual APP Conference. Al also played an important role in the early days of body jewelry.

Before he passed away in February of 2001, Al devoted much of his piercing career to the education of piercers. It there for is only fitting this scholarship is named after him.

The scholarship is a funding for approximately 8 piercers, who are in need of financial assistance to attend the APP conference. Accommodations and conference registration are included in the scholarship. Winners are required to share a room with other recipients and work more than 30 hours during the conference.

WAUW, is the word that comes in to mind. APP2016, what an adventure and I don't know where to start. I'm so many (first) impressions and experiences richer.   I always wanted to attend the largest piercing conference of the world, but I considered myself too inexperienced and my studio too small for that (yet!). And lets face it, it isn't right around the corner either. Until I found out about the AL. D. Scholarship.

It all started when I was considering signing up, but still had major doubts. After the support of my family, and with a final push by Shorty, I signed up two days before closing date for the AL. D scholarship. All in good faith, but if I didn't make it, hey, at least I've tried, right? Without giving it much thought, I received an email after a while, saying I made the first round.

OMG, the stress began, that would last a month, waiting to see if I would also make it through the other rounds. And on April 5th 2016, around 1am, I got a Skype call from Caitlin saying: "Do you want to come to Vegas?" I could not believe, this little Dutch chick is going to Vegas!!

After the great news sunk in a little, stress took over again, 'cause I had never traveled on my own so far. So this and worrying about connecting flights, my husband Lex thought would be very funny if I would call him from Abu Dhabi instead of Vegas. Yes, I would be blond enough to get on the wrong plane.

As the date got closer, a lot of information with instructions and introduction of the others came by email. Information about the tasks, what you need to do, how to handle and where to pay attention to. It was 'homework', which brought me back in doubting myself again. Can I do this, do I get it and traveling alone? Panic and stress!

Friday July 22th, the day of departure. Why did I made so much fuss about?! Everything ran smoothly and reached my destination Hotel Bally's with no problems at all! I was welcomed by Caitlin, who had my room key. Proud of myself, I fell asleep in my shared hotel room.

The first two days was filled with meetings with the team of volunteers, practicing the tasks and setting up the conference. I really need to say, I tip my hat to the organization. Everything was thought through, everything ran like clockwork and the cooperation between everyone from all over the world was great!

Team Volenteers

The conference officially started on Monday to Friday, but many already signed in on Sunday.

Everyone got a program schedule, with all the information and lists about the given classes and times at the registration desk. This along with a name pass in different color codes, equipped with a QR code and extra ribbons with more recognizable information, like someone came for the first time, whether you're a volunteer, member of the APP, or even if you're into Pokemon Go. Everyone wore these visible around the neck, for everyone to read and to get you scanned for the classroom.

On Monday night was the opening pool party and on Thursday night the banquet, with great food and a show, the lottery and the exchange of Board members.

Piercersoup

Brian Skellie & Jeff Saunders (photocredit:Matte Erickson)

Five long days filled with seminars, workshops and lectures and they were all great, given by different mentors and masters we look up to. Everything was divided into various aspects, especially for the piercer, like studio design, client connections, materials, stories and tips from experience, advanced piercing, safe practices, ear projects, trouble-shooting, advanced stretching and more, much much more!

As of Tuesday, you could visit the "Sailor Sid Archive" and the expo floor, a giant room filled with vendors, including quality jewelry of BVLA's, Industrial Strength, Anatometal, Gorilla Glass, Tawapa, Neometal and many other big names known in the industry. A mecca for many!

It's just so great to see, the gathering of people from all over the world and countries, and all of them have the same passion and purpose, piercing and wanting to know and learn more about it. Whether you've just started to practice as a piercer of a month, or have over 20 years of experience, you are one of them. All friendly, all interested, all open for a chat or a hug. It is thé place to network, make friends and have fun with drinking buddies.

But just by having conversations with others, you will learn new things. It will give you new ideas and you will get new advice. In one week you increase your knowledge and expand your view!

photocredit: Luis Garcia

Photocredit: Luis Garcia

I would like to give a big round of thanks to the APP (Association of Professional Piercers) and in particular the sponsors, who gives you the chance to experience this. But most of all, a big thanks to Caitlin McDiarmid, Mama Duck, for her unbelievable hard work and guiding us 'chicks ', the Al D Scholars and volunteers.   

Now I have seen what goes on behind the scenes, you really appreciate the work, time and love that goes in to it and recognize all this wouldn't be possible without those sweet volunteers and the strength and motivation of Caitlin.

But it's also the caring and looking out for each other, asking if you have enough to eat or drink, or when you have a door shift, willing to get or make you something. The snacks or small rest moment at the office. The high fives when you pass another volunteer in the hall, it's just amazing! The organization, and all for the love for the profession!

 Friday afternoon, the conference ended and the cleaning began. Everyone had his own tasks and it went smoothly again. I just had enough time for a quick last dip in the pool, before the last evening began, a dinner with all the volunteers, sponsored by Badur Ramji, to show his appreciation for the hard work all week.

Singing along loud with 'Bohemian Rhapsody' by Queen on the bus ride to Carnival World Buffet at Hotel Rio. Stellar dinner, with some speeches at the end, and farewells and goodbyes.

While waiting outside on the bus that would bring us back to Bally's, I looked at the bright light coming off the famous Vegas strip and the clear sky, and I suddenly realize the week, a miraculous week is over. And now, as I'm writing this, comes back the tears, just like that night, thinking back about the speech that Jacob Spjut gave with his powerful words. I really miss my family and I'd really like to go back in time.

I'm so happy, to have been part of this event. I feel so much richer by meeting you guys and I've made friends for life. I've got a new family now, to share my passion with.  It really was worth the blisters, swollen feet, the 3 week cold and loss of my voice caused by the airco. But despite the busy schedule, with little time to eat, I was happy with my Bellvitas, Ice Coffee and Advil.

Photocredit: Sarah Wooten

The doubts and stress I had, was really not necessary. It felt like home right from the start and the atmosphere was great. I've never received so many hugs in one week and I really miss everyone. But I hope to be there again next year, as a volunteer.

I'm unbelievable honored to have received the AL.D. Scholarship, and I really CAN recommend this to all fellow colleagues. Whatever you do, you have to try to apply for the AL. D. Scholarship APP 2017. Not only to save costs, but also to experience this, getting richer in all aspects. So, if you want more information, have questions or if you want to know how to sign up, please feel free to contact me, I'm glad to help!

Impressions:

Caitlin McDiarmid, Lawrence Kansas USA
(Mama Duck)/administration APP Organization

This year we dropped in attendees, mostly from the US, because the conference was held mid summer this year. And for many studios it's a to busy to leave or close shop. But we did have an increase in attendees from Europe and other countries.

 

Jamie Biggers, Santa Rosa California USA.  
Piercer at Electric Monk/AL. D. Scholar/volunteer

This was my first APP conference. Educational classes, great atmosphere and great to see all these people together with the same love for piercing, while I was used to see them as competition. I'm going again next year for sure!

Ken Seyler, Barrie Ontario Canada
Piercer at Matrix Tattoo & Piercing/Volunteer

This was my 5th visit to the conference, and this year it was great and everything went well. Volunteer makes it worth while. I can't think of not being a volunteer here. So I''ll be back again next year!

Greg Tromp, Oranjestad Aruba,
Piercer at Black Sheep Body arts/Attendee

This was my second time. It's great and it was crazy, getting the best experience you can get. Meet many people, learn a lot and bring the theory in practice at home.

Jane Absinth, Düsseldorf Duitsland,
Piercer bij Living Illustrations Tattoo & Piercing Atelier/AL. D. Scholar/volunteer

First time. Inspiring, not only because of the classes, but also by many new ideas and tips by other piercers. Impressed by the professional industry and sharing all the information and experiences. We all sail on the same boat!

Daniel Dye, Brisbane Australia
General manager, Wildcat Australia/Attendee

My first time to the event and I'am hooked! The opportunity to meet and learn from the best of the industry was amazing, and never have I been surrounded by so many like-minded people. I learned so many valuable techniques and met so many amazing people, I will definitely be returning for APP 2017!

Questions about the Al.D.Scholarschip? mail me info@modernbodystudio.nl

Angie

-Text and Photo's : Angie
-Photo's : Luis Garcia & Matt Erickson
APP: www.safepiercing.org
-Source Al.D. Sower: the Point magazine ( safepiercing.org)
Published Tattoo Planet eMagazine 113/september2016

Photoalbum: