The Illustrated Daughter

Making your mark in the tattoo history books.

2011-08-03T15:50:00.000-07:00

noun, plural -ries.

the branch of knowledge dealing with past events.

a continuous, systematic narrative of past events as relating to a particular people, country, period, person, etc., usuallywritten as a chronological account; chronicle: a history ofFrance; a medical history of the patient.

the aggregate of past events.

the record of past events and times, especially inconnection with the human race.

a past notable for its important, unusual, or interestingevents: a ship with a history.

I was talking to my friend Ms. Mikki a couple of weeks ago about the lack of women tattooers and their place in history. Why is the history of tattooing mostly a boys club? Where are the women who have paved the way for women and men in tattooing today? Many of the books published are by men and about men. Ms. Mikki has been tattooing for 24 years. She has worked with many of the women who pioneered tattooing for men and women in the tattoo industry today. Suzanne Fauser, Vyvyn Lazonga, Kari Barba, Patty Kelly to name a few. Ms. Mikki was the first woman to work at Temple Tattoo and AWR and other shops as well. And after years of tattooing Ms. Mikki was told that she should hang out more with the guys and maybe then she could be a part of the books being published. Isn't history made up of the hard work and determination of the people. Wasn't it the Freedom Riders, Rosa Parks, Martin Luther King Jr. and countless others hard work and determination during the Civil Right's movement that made it in to the history books? Or was it the story of the guy's life who was watching from the sidelines that made it in to history. I don't know, but I am pretty sure I have never heard of that guy before.

When I first met Dan one of the things that inspired me most about him was that he was up to something. He was making the best tattoo machines he could, so he could leave a legacy behind when he was gone. If the machines he made were not the best, he would bury his head in a book and put in time working out the new information in his machines. Hard work and determination. Dan is the first to say that he doesn't know everything. Sure he knows a lot but he continues to learn every day.

I have had the pleasure of visiting Lyle Tuttle's collection of tattoo history. I have also had the pleasure of visiting Henk Schiffmacher's Tattoo Museum. Dan and I have been invited to participate in the opening of Henk's new museum opening in November. What I have seen in these particular collections is a vast and complete collection of the history, past and present of tattooing. Including men and women from around the world and the accomplishments and failures of artists that have innovated the industry we love so much. Lyle and Henk gather information with respect. Research what is and what isn't. They are true contributors to the history of the industry.

I have noticed there are many books on tattoos, tattoo machines, and tattooing readily available on the internet. Google the word tattoo on the internet and about 408,000,000 results come up. So what does that say about the future history of the tattoo industry? Well for starters it says tattooing is no longer for sailors, whores and criminals. It says anyone can get a tattoo (196,000,000 Google results), do a tattoo (146,000,000 Google results) or build a tattoo machine (1,030,000 Google results). But who is contributing to this immense wealth of information. Is it the tattooer tattooing everyday, studying their craft and changing peoples lives? I cannot imagine that this form of electronic history is made up of all of the tattooers who have paid their dues and continue to pay their dues day in and day out. So what about the information published in books? I started to research actual published books on tattooing and the number is so immense, and frankly I found a couple of sites that have low cost publication, so really I suppose anyone could publish a book.

Accordingly, what can be done? Who are true contributors and not just information regurgitant's? I imagine it is the tattoo community. A community that must come together. Especially in this time of electronic history and tattoo schools. A tattoo community that is rich with ideas and conversation, from people all over the world. With diverse backgrounds, men and women, young and old, rich and poor. I envision a community full of communication. I know some might say, "well, isn't that what the internet is?" I agree, yes that is what the internet is. But there are so many disreputable sites and individuals who write what they want, and say what they think is the truth. The truth is out there. True contributors are busy making their mark on history. Research and find what is real. Work hard with determination. Keep ego out and let talent rule.

The tattoo industry is no longer this thing, kept in the dark. For sailors and whores done in underground shops. It is main stream, it is on television shows, commercials, movies, in fashion and in magazines. It is rare for me to go out and not see other people with tattoos. Maybe because I live in Hollywood, CA or maybe not. One thing is for sure tattoos are out there. I think it is time that history is updated and representative of what is a true record of past events and times, and not of what a few say it is.

So much has happened, so much to say....

2011-07-11T15:06:00.000-07:00

Last month was super busy. First we had Ink and Iron tattoo convention at the Queen Mary in Long Beach. I barely made it to the convention at all. I was going to go on Saturday but I'd heard it was hot and crowded. I guess as I am getting older and working more in the office side of things here at Dringenberg & Co., I feel less like hanging around not working at conventions. Besides with my new school and work schedule I have to try and make time to rest. Even though I have taken time off from school to work this summer I am still finding it hard to find extra time. After Ink and Iron was our one year wedding anniversary. While we have been together for what seems like forever, we only got married one year ago. This year we celebrated our anniversary at the Tattoo Masters Invitational at Hollywood Park. It was really fun. Although there was not that many people coming thru the door, it was a tattoo convention for tattoo artists. I feel like everybody there was able to get a small piece from someone and really take the time to visit with each other. the night before the convention started was a roast. It was my first tattoo industry roast. The Roasters were Bob Roberts, Joe Vegas, Jack Rudy, Freddy Corbin, Philadelphia Eddie, Paul Jeffries and Permanent Mark. The Roasted was the legendary Hanky Panky Schiffmacher. I though all of the guys told some great stories and there were more laughs than awkward silences. So to me the evening was a success. It was really nice to see Freddy and Lisa Corbin. Freddy married Dan and I last year and I always enjoy when I get to the wives. It was additionally cool because I got to meet Henk's lovely wife Louisa. I had never met Henk so getting to meet both of them was awesome. Long ago when Dan was away and I lived in Italy, I had taken a trip to Amsterdam with some friends. I dragged them to the red light district to go to Henk's tattoo museum. So meeting the Schiffmacher's and being invited to the new tattoo museum opening was for me very rewarding. It's like things are stating to come full circle. It feels good to work hard at something and be able to experience the fruits of your labor.

Which brings me to what is happening now. If you are in the tattoo industry and you are on Facebook then you probably know what I am talking about. There hasn't been one day in the past week where there hasn't been a posting on Facebook to boycott or sign a petition to boycott some new tattoo t.v. show. I will not give ANY credibility by naming it, but you all know what I am talking about. Here's the thing. Why should we help them with free advertising. All the posts and google searches only fuel the fire that is already burning. If you are a true artist then such nonsense shouldn't affect your trade. My father is a world renowned musician. Don't you think there are music schools and internet videos already in existence that could potentially take business away from him? Let me tell you, there are. And good for them. But what does that have to do with him? NOTHING... For him, he wakes up every day and goes to work. Whether he has a gig or not. He is up practicing his instruments at a minimum 8 hours a day. He has been playing since he was 4, and professionally since he was 14. His craft supported a family of 5 children and none of us ever went with out. So I ask, why is everybody so worried about this new t.v. show? If you are a true craftsman/woman of the tattoo industry and you work every day perfecting your craft, this show will have no impact on your life. They say it takes 10,000 hours to make a master. So just work on that and let the chips fall where they may. Do great work and your life will be blessed. I realize this business is a business and there is a certain amount of the game you have to play. While I may not agree with all of the politics they exist and we have to coexist whether we want to or not. But please, please,please......stop giving credibility where no credibility is due and just get to work. Work on your 10,000 hours and be rewarded by your achievements.

Tattoos and Television

2011-06-03T16:16:00.000-07:00

Last night was the premier of NY Ink. I am so happy for our friends on the show. Our friends have been on all the TLC shows, Miami, LA and now NY. I always hear so many tattooers say that by being on these shows, people are selling out. Really? Selling out? Wouldn't they if they had the chance to be on TV jump at the chance? I'm sure 8 out of 10, if not 10 out of 10 would if they could. I watched it. I had to see what the new shop looked like. I had to support my LA friends and give them a little west coast love. I can't say for sure that I will watch it on a regular basis. Having lived thru most of my 20's in a tattoo shop working as the shop girl, when I watch TV I like to escape my own reality and dream about someone else's. Never the less it's a cool show with wonderful artists and some of our dearest friends.

After I watched NY Ink and studying for finals and cooking dinner. It was time for some good old fashioned scripted television. I was watching a show on NBC. It was and hour long 'dramedy' about four couples I think. I say I think because it was kind of all over the place. I couldn't even tell if it took place in New York, LA or San Francisco. Truthfully, I wasn't really watching it. I was practicing my guitar and had it on in the background. Anyway, I have a point. I promise. There was one couple, who the husbands character was a tattoo artist. The wife had black hair and a raspy voice. They both wore leather cuffs on their wrists. I guess if I had been the costume designer I probably would have dressed them the same way, but since I wasn't, and I am actually married to a tattoo artist, I thought it was pretty typical. Typical costume and casting. The man kept bringing up that he was a tattoo artist. Going so far as to point to the one tattoo he had on his arm (put there by the make up department), and even drawing a tattoo design to give to a girl he sat next to on the plane. As I watched this I sat and wondered. Is it so main stream now to be a tattoo artist that television is writing 'tattoo artist' as a character? For me I'm married to one so naturally many of my friends are tattoo artists and their wives, but is this true for people outside the tattoo industry? Or is it that now there are just so many tattooers in general. Has tattooing become as main stream as lawyer, doctor, barista? Cut to the commercial break. It was a commercial that said turkeys don't make good tattoo artists, they make good turkey burgers. Seriously? They even had the turkey doing a tattoo on a girl in a tattoo shop. What will they think of next?

As I sit here and write this I wonder. Is the old school of tattooing so old now that future generations of tattooers will only have the era of tattoos on television to base their careers on? What will the tattoo industry be like then? Will people's kids grow up will they want to buy tattoo equipment because they are bored and need a new hobby? I can't say.

But I can say this. If tattoos are so main stream now, than you can stop touching my tattoos when I'm in line at the grocery store, the mall, the post office, the bar, at a concert or anywhere else I may be.

Tattoo's are FOREVER...or are they?

2011-05-19T18:26:00.000-07:00

It used to be that when you got a tattoo, that was it. You had it for life. Period. I have heard of extreme cases of it being burned or cut off, but I always thought that only happened if you were in a gang and they no longer wanted you to wear their tattoo. As technology advances so does the tattoo removal industry. I still see ex-gang members trying to turn their life around and willingly remove their tattoos. Recently, however I have seen a new crop of people getting their tattoos removed. Young kids( I call 'em kids because they are younger than me) are getting their first and only tattoos, big. My first tattoo was a small sun on my hip that I paid 20 dollars for. I wasn't 18 so I had to walk in with confidence and hope the tattoo artist didn't ask for my ID. It was so thrilling when I got it. I was pushing the boundaries of my life and getting away with it. The shop smelled of green soap and A/D ointment. The only design to choose from was something off of the wall. But these kids are getting half sleeves of their whole sides tattooed. I guess maybe it is because there are so many tattooers now a days that will do a large piece for a low price. I don't know what the reason is for sure but I can only guess. Anyway, as with my tiny sun tattoo on my hip, these large tattoo pieces end up being not the best idea in the whole world and now, it isn't so difficult to get it removed. I saw one girl with a solid half sleeve tattoo. A professional tattoo full of color and detail. For some reason, she was done with it and wanted to remove it. I couldn't believe it. As great as the tattoo removal technology has gotten, it still takes many painful and expensive sessions to remove tattoos. If it had been me, I would have just gotten another tattoo on my other arm and lived with the one I wasn't stoked about. I mean I can get on board with getting an ex's name tattoo or some gang insignia removed, but removing a professional piece that even if it didn't cost that much money, I know it cost time in the chair. Why do they get it removed? Most of the time the reason I hear is because they just don't like it anymore. To me tattoos have always represented a time in my life. Maybe I'm not the 16 year old who loves the idea of a sun on my hip anymore but I certainly can appreciate the 16 year old girl I was once before. Every time I look at it I remember how much I wanted to rebel against my parents and I laugh a little. And why get it removed at all? Why not add to it or change it into something you can live with. I always joke that if Dan and I ever break up, I'd change the tattoo of his name from Dan to Ran. I think the accessibility of tattoos and tattoo removal is killing creativity. So I guess I wonder why even bother getting a tattoo at all, if you're just going to change your mind about it and get it removed anyway. What is it about getting exactly what you think you want, RIGHT NOW, that is so appealing? Maybe you should just buy new shoes. New shoes always make me happy and then if you get tired of them you can always be sure that next season there will be a new crop of shoes to choose from. Seems less time consuming and less painful to me.

An Engraving for Morgwn Pennypacker

2011-05-17T18:25:00.000-07:00

Today Dan finished this engraving he made for Morgwn Pennypacker. We just finished framing it. It will be in the Torch Tattoo art show this weekend. Saturday May 21, 2011 1755 S Claudina Way, Anaheim CA 92805. You should stop by and check it out if your in town. See you there...

The Original True Tattoo Grand Re-Opening Party

2011-05-05T15:24:00.000-07:00

Last night was the True Tattoo Grand Re-Opening. When Dan came home from work I wasn't ready to go so he went with out me. It wasn't until about 11 o'clock that I got a text from Leah our old office girl all the way in LA from the OC that I got ready and made my way down the street. I can't believe I almost missed it. They had drinks, music, raffles and a photo booth. Clay Decker, Oliver Peck, Paul Stottler, Jack Rudy, Lil Roy, Lindsey Carmichael and Leah, Rick Walters, Bob and Charlie Roberts and many others were in attendance. It was a really fun party and I was glad I didn't miss it.

New Blog from Jaz.....

2011-04-21T15:19:00.000-07:00

OMG!It has been a crazy couple of weeks for me. We finally upgraded our computer system. YAY! The downside has been is that I have had some major technical difficulties getting everything up and operating with maximum synchronization. I am no computer whiz, but after all of this I am sure I will know so much more than I knew before. It has slowed down the office a bit and I am sorry if you have suffered any complications. I will have this resolved by the end of business tomorrow. Fingers crossed...
I wanted to tell you that Dan has added another tattoo convention to his schedule.

Dan will be giving a seminar on Sunday at 1PM, right after the Tim Hendricks seminar. Email us or contact the show promoters to sign up for the seminar.
Also, the Eugene Oregon convention is coming up and once again Dan is doing a seminar and has engraved the tattoo machine prize for Best in Show, it even has diamonds in it.
Since this is a new blog, I thoght I'd put some photos of what we have been doing here and there.

Jack Rudy came up for a visit and tried his hand at engraving.

St. Patricks Day with The Mahoney's.

San Diego with Luke Wessman, Tommy the Truth and Dre Perales.

Tattoo Artist Wives at The Rudy wedding....

Hope you enjoy the new direction of the blog. Keep following, we are building a new website and it is going to be easy to use and easy to look at.

Talk to you soon.....JAZ

2011-03-17T14:20:00.000-07:00

It's March, the holidays have come and gone.Spring is right around the corner. We have Started the new year and said hello to a new face in the office. Her name is Jen and she has taken over the office and we couldn't be happier. Even though we had to say good bye to Leah, she is still and will always be a part of the Dringenberg & Co. family.

Here's what has been happening here.

Dan has already been to three conventions and has at least two more already scheduled.
Oregon Ink, Eugene Oregon May 6-8, 2011
Portland Tattoo Expo, Portland Oregon October 7-9, 2011
He still has room in his schedule so if your are interested in having him at your convention give us a call.

We did not move locations. We were going to move our shop to a bigger location but decided that being here in Covina is still the right place for us. I want to thank you all for being patient with us as we went through that transition phase. We really like it here. It's small and familiar.

We had our first seminar in January and managed to pack in 13 eager participants in to a three hour lecture. We made a video recording and as soon as I get it edited we will be able to show you how it went. We will be continuing our seminar series in the months coming ahead. Please check our Facebook and Twitter to find out when these are happening.

Finally, as you all get to know Jen in the office, I have taken some time and gone back to school. It has always been a dream of mine to graduate from college so I am back at it. Dan is amazing and so supportive of me and my dreams. The guys at the shop have also been super supportive in making this transition easy for me to do. There aren't many words to describe how grateful I am to all of them.

Today is St. Patrick's Day. Jen pointed out to me that we shipped a machine to Ireland today. I don't believe in coincidences, I believe in hard work and determination. So with hard work and determination even on St. Patrick's day we ship to Ireland.
Talk to you soon....
JAZ

Happy New Year!

2010-12-28T11:37:00.000-08:00

And so this year,
is coming to an end.
So happy to have met you,
and made so many friends.

You follow our tweets
watch for sales on our facebook,
thanks to our Leah for making the fliers
with chart topping good looks.

P-Series and Jonsey's,
and Lindsey's and custom's.
Engraved or not.
We've been happy to give you,
all that we've got.

Keep watching, keep following
us to see what we do.
In 2011 we'll have lots
that is new.

Happy new year to you,
from Dan & Jaz Dringenberg,
and all of our crew.

A note from Jazmin....

2010-12-08T13:00:00.000-08:00

It's the most wonderful time of the year! Or at least that's what people say. I gotta say for me the most wonderful time is all year long. But I do enjoy the holidays. Not sure if I like the holidays more than I love the summer, but it is really cool for a change of pace. Instead of sunshine,swimming and barbecues, there are turkey dinners, family, parties and presents. This year Dan and I will be treating our crew to a family dinner for the holidays. Hopefully next year I will get it together and be able to have a big party and be able to invite all of our friends and family. This has been a remarkable year for Dan and I. We got married. We have grown as a couple and as business partners. We have a level of communication that inspires me. We put into production a new machine. Dan's engraving has excelled to another level than he was one year ago. I am so excited for the year ahead.

Here are three things I am looking forward to in the new year.
1.Leah, will be working on a new website. I have a feeling we will have something awesome to show you very soon.
2. Starting in January, we will be offering in shop seminars. The first one will be given by Dan, and we look forward to having guest speakers and maybe grow this into a place where we can have workshops too.
3. Our continual efforts to revolutionize the tattoo industry. We have been committed to and will maintain our commitment to grow American made businesses. This is just an example of some of the things I am looking forward to.

As the year comes to an end, I am hoping to have Leah write some for me on this blog. She is a joy to work with and has a great view of the world and I am excited to share her with all of you. Call us, email us, follow us on Twitter and our Facebook fan page(sorry, we can no longer add any friends to our friend page). Keep the conversation going with us. I look forward to hearing from you.

I better get back to work, Christmas is coming and well, I have to make sure Santa shows up.
Merry Christmas and Happy New Year!
Jazmin

Authorized Distributors

2010-10-18T11:55:00.000-07:00

Many people contact us and want to carry our machines. Mostly, these are new companies, trying to build a name for themselves by attaching our name to their website. I am always open to the conversation, but usually these guys just want something for nothing.
It has taken Dan 2o years to build his reputation. These guys, just want in on the tattoo industry and think having a supply business will be their in. Most are not even tattooers. If they are tattooers, their tattoos aren't good.
When the relationship isn't established, why do they keep our name on their website? I know why. They get some sort of credibility. However, when I get calls from our loyal customers telling me of the illegal use of our name, Dan and I are not thrilled. I had one guy tell me only 18 people went to his site based on our name. After further research there was only 22 people that went to his website at all. 18 out of 22, really? No wonder you kept our name on your site.
I am writing this today simply because I am so tired of this happening. Please just build your own company and reputation with your own hard work and leave us of out it. I may just be the wife, but I have worked with Dan for the last 10 years growing our company. I would never have suggested to Dan that he piggy back on the name of his predecessors, as so many of these new "supply" companies try to do these days. I mean come on, starting a supply company is not a new idea. How very original of you. Way to push the envelope and innovate our industry.
There are a few supply companies who we work with and will continue to work with.
Joker Supply
Lucky Supply
Saltwater Tattoo
Skin Candy
In addition to Dringenberg & Co. all of these companies ship worldwide. So if you are an international customer, you will be able to get what you need. And as always, when you buy from us your machine is covered by a lifetime guarantee. If you see our name on another supply company website, beware. They are probably not authorized. Give us a call or email if you want verification.
I guess that's all I have to say about this for now.

Dringenberg & Co. News

2010-09-20T13:40:00.000-07:00

What can I say? After months of planning, packing, and lots of hard work....We are not going to be moving. We were very excited to move into a larger space. A space where we could have seminars, art shows, and a showroom. But, at this time it just isn't right. We are still making new machines and have figured out a way to catch up and maintain stock in the shop. So there's that. If you're wanting to order a stock machine from us right now, there's not much waiting. Custom machines still take the usual approx time, but we are moving ahead. I just wanted to touch base with you all and let you know what is going on over here on our side of town. That's all for now. Thanks for all of your continued patience and support.
Talk to you soon,
Jazmin

What's new at Dringenebrg & Co.

2010-08-19T11:06:00.000-07:00

Well, well, well....Where do I begin? For starters we are going to move our shop from Covina to Glendale, CA. That's the plan. I found us a beautiful building with so much space I could roller skate around the shop. It is going to be great. I can't wait. At the new space we will be able to have a showroom. So you all are invited to come and see new products and check out what we are up to. We will be having monthly seminars by Dan and by guest artists who like us, are interested in growing our community. Our first seminar will be in September 2010, so look out for the details for that.

One thing that excites me most about the move is we will also, have space to have a gallery. I can't wait for our first art show. So far I have no idea what the subject will be but I figure with the support of our community, I am sure we will be able to come up with something fabulous.

At the same time that we are growing our business, Dan and I got married in June. We had a beautiful wedding and Freddy Corbin officiated. My dad is a musician and walked me down the aisle playing his saxophone. There wasn't a dry eye in the house. It was hot in Palm Springs so naturally when the party was winding down we jumped in the pool, in our wedding clothes, no less.
As far as life goes I think we are pretty much on track.
Wedding, check.
Have babies, Dan has a beautiful daughter so, check.
Buy some property, working on it.

AND......to top it all off.....I am proud to announce that we we have a brand new machine available. It's frame less and only weighs 5.6 ounces. You can have it engraved for $550 or plain for $500. It is Dan's answer to the rotary machine. His answer to light pneumatic machines. It's light and new. Not like anything we have ever done. It was really a group effort. Dan, Pete, Randy and John all worked together and came up with something amazing. You really ought to check it out. It's been in testing for the last couple of months and we have taken notes to make improvements where necessary to give you the best that we can do.

There is so much going on for us now I just wanted to catch up with you and let you all know how it is going over here. I just wanted to thank you for your commitment and loyalty to Dringenberg & Co. It never goes unnoticed and is always appreciated. We have an amazing group that we work with. So call Leah or myself anytime, we are here to be of service to you.

Looking forward to telling you what's next.....
Jazmin

Accidental Uniforms

2010-03-03T12:17:00.000-08:00

We don't wear a uniform to work. I didn't go to catholic school. I remember once at ER HS they tried to enforce a dress code. We all organized a walk out. I sit and wonder sometimes what does it look like to work for a multi-million dollar company? They probably wear uniforms.
You know how we are. If there's a rule, we wont follow it. We like to walk along the sidelines of right and wrong. I like to say I am very inappropriate. Truth is I just like to do what I like to do. Today, we had to fill up a 30 yard roll off full of trash. The trash that was left behind. It was an abomination of refuse piled high and we shoveled it, walked in it, smelt it. I could have lost my breakfast if I had eaten any, of course.
I had to think to myself as I was shoveling trash this morning, why am I taking this mess on as my own? Sure I could delegate the responsibility to the guys. I could be in the comfort of my office answering emails, smoking cigarettes and drinking hot tea. The most simple answer is this, this is my life. I chose it and Dan shared his vision with me. What we have we have built together with the help of an amazing team. I would do anything to keep this. If I have to shovel feculence literal or figurative I will. Merrily, merrily, merrily, life is but a dream.
They poor guys were covered in it. I tried to help as much as I could. In the end though there was one thing for me to do. Go and buy them some clean clothes. At the store I bought them each a pair of clean pants, a new t-shirt and a couple of pairs of clean socks.

Out with the filthy clothes of this mornings exercise, in with the unfamiliar uniform. Accidental or not, they look nice to me.

Where is 2010 going?

2010-02-22T14:01:00.000-08:00

OMG. Time is flying quickly by. As this month comes to an end I have some things to update. First of all, we had a wonderful time at the SLC tattoo convention. It's always a joy to be there. Even though we did not place first in the best booth contest, I had a great time judging the worst tattoo contest. Which BTW is not as easy as it sounds. There are a lot of people out there getting some pretty bad tattoos out there. Yikes!
I spent a lot of time at the Jackalope Bar with my girl Roxan. Which is an awesome bar if you're ever in the SLC area, it's a must see. The Wednesday before we left was my birthday and Misty threw me an totally awesome party with dinner, drinks and friends. Then Roxan decorated her whole bar with balloons and threw me a party too. What a loved girl I am.
The convention for us was a success. We sold some machines Dan did some tatts, and we got to hang out with our friend Lyle Tuttle.

Last weekend was Musink in the OC. We didn't have a booth and we didn't even take any machines to sell. It was the first time I have ever gone to a tattoo convention with Dan that we weren't selling anything. It was nice to just go and be with him. It was also so nice to see all of friends in from out of town that we hardly ever get to see. I had a funny experience before we went down there. My Dad said to me he read about Musink in the LA Times. After all the years I have been with Dan in the tattoo industry, I am always thrilled when my dad makes an effort to be apart of this part of my life.

I am updating Dan's convention schedule. There were some on the list we decided not to go to and there are a couple of new ones I had forgotten to add.

Kansas City, Missouri March 13-15, 2010

Musink
Dallas, Texas April 9-11, 2010

Fresno, California May 1-2, 2010
*Tattoo Machine Seminar*

Oregon Ink
Eugene, Oregon May 7-9, 2010
*Tattoo Machine Seminar*

Ink & Iron
Long Beach, California June 11-13, 2010

Wildwood, New Jersey September 10-12, 2010

We are still planning on moving out of Covina. We had a funny little reminder of why we can't wait to leave Covina this morning. Today when Dan was getting some smokes from the local 7-11, he was pulled over. When I say pulled over I mean he was walking in to the store and a cop pulled up to him and asked to search L.O.T.E.( "Living on the Edge"a.k.a. our brand new whip). We used to drive around buckets and get pulled over all of the time, but you would think having a clean new car would stop the harassment. It doesn't. They had Dan sitting on the curb for 30 minutes while they searched for something we didn't have. Did they give Dan a ticket? No they did not. They just wanted to violate his civil liberties. This kind of thing happens so often out here. I get it, it's not the best area, but just because we have tattoos does not mean we are breaking the law. Frankly, I am so tired of getting pulled over for nothing more than the cops wanting to see what we are up to.
I know what we are up to. Making the best tattoo equipment for tattoo professionals. Getting up and going to work. Taking a stand for our country by providing jobs and goods for export. That's what we are up to in case the cops in this town really wanted to know. ugh. I could go on forever about this. So that is why we are moving outta here. I hope by the time the summer rolls around, I will be able to complete the move and start fresh.
So as the end of Jazuary(It's my birthday month) rolls around, we continue to move onward and upward. Towards the goal of a new building that we can have our machine shop, an art gallery, and a retail store. It will be so fun.
Take it easy....
Jaz

Double D's tentative travel schedule for 2010.

2010-01-05T12:49:00.000-08:00

So here it is..... I am working on getting together a list of all the conventions Dan will be attending this year. The first 6 months are pretty full and I will not be adding any more until after our June Wedding(yay!)
This year will be the second year for Dan in doing Tattoo Machine Seminars. The few that he did last year turned out to be so fun for him, we are even working on opening our shop and having them here as well. We had one last week. We planned it totally last minute and loved the adventure in doing the seminar here, and not at a convention. So, for sure keep your eyes out for the next in shop seminar coming soon.

Back to the list of conventions, for now these are the ones coming up.

Salt Lake City, Utah February 12-14, 2010

Motor City Tattoo Expo
Detroit, Michigan February 26-28, 2010

Fresno, California May 1-2, 2010
*Tattoo Machine Seminar*

Oregon Ink
Eugene, Oregon May 7-9, 2010
*Tattoo Machine Seminar*

Ink & Iron
Long Beach, California June 11-13, 2010

Wildwood, New Jersey September 10-12, 2010

So that's all for now. As the dates fill up for the end of the year I will post that hear as well.

It has been raining hard all day long here in sunny LA. No one ever knows what to do in the rain. Usually I like to stay home and hibernate. Funny to do since it is only rain. What do you think people do when its freezing and snowing and they have to still work? My friend Kori told me that in Boston it gets so cold you have to let your car run for a while before you can even go anywhere, and you have to scrape ice off the window. What a nightmare! They still manage to get out to work, and apparently out for some fun too. Anyway the rain was like a time machine today. It rained and rained and now it is time to go home. Well I have the gym first and then home. Back to Hollywood for me. I'm off and running 2010 like it's nobodies business, moving the shop closer to Hollywood, planning a wedding for my ol'man and me and keeping this ship on course. I couldn't have a better life. It is exactly as it should be.
Ttyl......Jaz

Getting ready for 2010

2009-12-17T14:45:00.000-08:00

Well, the year is coming to an end and what a year it has been. For those of you who don't know, Dan and I separated last November, got back together last June and have been riding the bliss of realizing we are meant for each other. Dan had a major traveling schedule last year. He spent half the year in Miami, made a few trips to Scotland and managed to hit up a convention about once a month. We lived and grew with the help of our friends, old and new. We have continued to be committed, loyal, and extraordinary in what we do. This year we welcomed the newest member to our family, Leah. She work with me in the office and has been a burst of new energy catapulting us into the new year. She took it on creating for us a new website with a store. OMG! Finally you can buy on-line. What a concept for us. We have relied on the word of mouth of our reputation for for so long. It's time for us to live in the present and use the computer as the tool it was made to be.

Now that we have or team complete and together our possibilities are many and endless. So, what's next for Dringenberg? Well to start with we are planning on moving the whole operation west. We have been existing about 25 miles outside of Los Angeles. Smack in the middle of the suburbs. It's time for us to get back to the city. Where we can find inspiration from our surroundings and community. Somewhere where we can feel the pulse of the people in the city. So we have been looking and planning and soon we will have new headquarters to call home.

Dan will be attending a few conventions this year. As soon as I have the dates confirmed I will post his schedule so you can stop by and meet him and maybe catch a seminar. As soon as we get moved we plan on opening a retail store so there is a lot for us to look forward to.

Stick around and watch what happens.
See you next year.......
Jaz

And so....

2009-11-24T12:48:00.000-08:00

the holidays begin. For Dan and I we are always traveling from one family to the next. Being natives to Los Angeles, we find ourselves splitting our time between both of our families. It's hard to say this out loud, but sometimes I have even wished we lived across the country so we could just stay in and eat a turkey with each other. I know this is horrible to think. I know we are so lucky to have our family alive and well and so close. But even you have to admit sometime the pressure of the holidays make you say, ugh.

This year we will try something new. I bought a turkey and I am going to cook it. Friends and family alike have encouraged me to buy a pre-made dinner. I really just want to cook a turkey and gravy, the old fashioned way. I want to make my own turkey stock. Maybe even throw in a green bean casserole just because I have never had one.

And so....I will give to my family a home cooked meal. I am so thankful they are around, and close by too......

Happy Thanksgiving to you all. May your day be filled with love, giving, and gratefulness. A little less ugh, and a lot more ahh....

www.DringenbergTattooCompany.com

2009-11-11T10:14:00.000-08:00

www.DringenbergTattooCompany.com is up and running. Feel free to shop online any hour of the day. Also, we are advertising our new machines on Facebook, Dringenberg Machines and on Twitter, http://twitter.com/DringenbergCo
Follow us and stay up to date with what we have going on. There are many new designs and specials starting now and continuing thru the new year. I am so excited to have you be a part of it.

Look for Dan this weekend at the St Louis Old School Tattoo Expo, November 13,14,15, 2009.
He will be in Corey Miller's booth hanging out. This will be his last convention of the year so if you get a chance to make it out there, stop by and say hello.

It's Wednesday and as usual, I have tons to do. So I will leave you now and talk to you soon
-Jaz

You are probably gonna think I am crazy....

2009-11-06T13:39:00.000-08:00

I'm sure you are all aware of my website hurdles. While I achieved getting a store attached to our website, it was brought to my attention that it did not function properly. Ugh. Trail and error is a rough road to travel down. After consulting with a few people they suggest I take it down. After all that I had figured out and the countless hours I spent working on it, I finally acquiesced. What next? It is almost impossible for us to operate with out a website. Good thing I have Leah here working right next to me. She reminded me the impossible could be possible. More work and research , done by her, has led us to.......Are you ready for this?

The all new, and improved.......www. DringenbergTattooCompany.com
Even better than a website we can actually add things too, is by Monday we will have full shopping capabilities. You will be able to pay us directly online. Of course I may be jumping the gun by telling you all of this when the store is not quite up and running, but I am just to excited to wait. Besides Leah has worked her little behind off and I think you all should at least take a look. We have so many pictures up now. It's been so long with the out dated site up I forgot what possibilities the world wide web had to offer. There is also a link to this blog there so keep in touch and I will talk to you later......JAZ

ONLINE STORE! NOW UP....

2009-09-25T15:14:00.000-07:00

Woo Hoo! After an amazing feat of hard work and determination. Our online store is up and running. Just go to www.dringenbergtattoo.net and order away! There is one minor glich that I am committed to fixing, soon. All international orders must still be placed through our office by calling (626)858-1945 or you can e-mail jdringenberg@gmail.com
I wanted to thank you all for your loyalty and patience. It has been years that we have had our website up with no store. Now you can shop 24 hours a day.

Dan will be at the London convention this weekend and has machines for sale. He'll be in the booth with Tim Hendricks so if you're in London town, stop by and see him.....
That's all for now.....
Best, Jazmin

online store.....thus far.....

2009-09-22T15:55:00.000-07:00

As many of you know, our website is less than functional. You cannot buy anything directly off of our site. I have taken it upon myself to start this blog and add an online store so you can buy direct until we are able to update www.dringenbergtattoo.net

It is with a small bit of defeat that I write to you today. I so far have only been able to get up the items, prices and pictures. If you fill up the cart I have provided you will not be able to check out. UGHHGHGHHH! I have spent countless hours working on this and will continue to do so. I gave you all my word that I would have it up by Monday, yesterday and I didn't. I will work on this tonite and tomorrow and have it up and functional very soon. I'd like to say by the weekend, but.....no wait. I am not gonna get beat by this. I will have this by the weekend, because I am up to nothing less than hard work and determination. So, I'll end this by saying, Thank you. For your loyalty to our product, and your tremendous patience. With out you none of this would be possible. I am looking forward to you being able to shop with us as soon as our store is ready, in two shakes of a lambs tail.........

Best......Jazmin

2009-09-22T15:47:00.001-07:00

Online Store Coming Soon.

2009-09-17T20:41:00.000-07:00

It's Thursday night, 8:41 p.m. I have been working all week on the online store. I am happy to say that this weekend you will be able to buy Dringenberg Tattoo Machines online, directly from us. What a feat this has been. I am not so computer savvy. I mean, really I can barely type. It has been a truly inspiring week. The more I worked on this, the more inspired I became. Once I have the machines up I will work on the other items and hopefully by the middle of next week you will be able to purchase our complete line.

Dan Dringenberg UK Tour 2009

2009-09-16T11:58:00.001-07:00

This year we had the pleasure of meeting a Scotsman, Paul.
He is the owner of Love Hate Tattoo in Edinburgh, Scotland.
He invited Dan back for some tattooing and traveling this month. I had a great time when I was in Edinburgh with Dan this past June. Paul and his family are lovely hosts. We drank many a pint when I was there. As you can see by this picture they are up to a little bit of the same. Paul runs a fine tattoo shop and Dan will be tattooing there for the rest of the month. He will be joined by Luke Wessman of Lucky's Tattoo Parlor in San Diego, California.
If you are interested in getting a tattoo from Dan or Luke call the shop and make an appointment +44 131 667 6780 or if you're in the area stop by 59 Newington Road
Edinburgh, EH9 1QW, United Kingdom.
In addition to tattooing in Edinburgh, Dan will be at the London Tattoo Convention September 25-27, 2009 at the Tobacco Dock 50 Porters Walk- Wapping London E1W 2SF.
He'll have a few machines for sale and some of our long awaited open magnums, sizes 7, 9, and 13. If you happen to see him and he doesn't have what you're looking for, check back here. Once the store is up and running(in 1 week)you can easily buy what your heart desires.
Cheers!

Welcome to Dringenberg Tattoo Company

2009-09-16T11:11:00.000-07:00

Hello all. I am writing this today to let you know what is going on in the world of Dringenberg & Company.
It has been a fun year so far. We have grown so much this year. Learned a lot about ourselves and each other.
I'd like to take a minute to introduce our company. There's Dan Dringenberg, the owner. Pete, our #1 technician. Randy, our welder. John, our machinist. Lorraine, our go to gal. We just added a new face to Dringenberg & Co. Her name is Leah. She'll be working in the office with me, Jazmin. I am Dan's fiance and co-owner.
I am going to assume that most of you reading this are familiar with our company. I am also going to assume that you are familiar with our website, www.dringenbergtattoo.net
The reason I am starting this blog is to let everybody know that while we are taking the steps to update our website, I want you all to have a place where you can easily buy our tattoo supplies. In the next week I will add an online store to his blog.
We do not sell to the general public. Our tattoo supplies are for professional use only. If you have not ordered with us Leah or I will call to verify your shop. I know this sounds crazy, right? Well it may be, but we respect the craft of tattooing and put a great deal of energy in producing the best tattoo supplies made in America. We are Loyal To the Profession and loyal to those who take what they do seriously.
Having said all of that, I would like to invite you to check in here with us. I will be posting the goings on of Dringenberg & Company. I will also be posting Dan's travel schedule and seminar schedule. Here we will be able to regularly update our available stock and the innovations fresh from our factory. I hope you tell your friends and stop by.
We stand by our product. All of our tattoo supplies come with a lifetime guarantee. If for some reason you are unhappy with your order, let me know.
Thanks.....
Jazmin