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
