Video Project One Text

Dan Williams

Multimedia

Erica Parker

Video Project One

I got my first tattoo at Washburn Tattoo in St. Johnsbury, 4 years ago. I fell in love not only with the art that was being produced but the love and intelligence of the artists working in the studio. I quickly became a return customer, proudly adorning more and more tattoos. I became friends with the great people that I had lately spent more time with.

By the time I returned for my ninth or tenth tattoo I was “one of the gang”. I frequently visited just to say hi and see how everyone was doing and was greeted with open arms and friendly smiles. I was eventually offered, by the owner, an amazing opportunity to internship with Washburn Tattoo. Unfortunately, with a full semester of credits and a full-time job, the internship would have just been too much on my plate, I woefully declined and explained to them my consuming life situation. As they had always been since I had met them, the tattoo artists were supportive and understanding.

Walking out that day, a small piece of me was crushed that I couldn't be a part of the culture and the people I grew to love due to, more or less, college responsibilities. I was comfortable in my school, work and home life routine and feared adding another course to my meal would inevitably lead to me falling behind. And with graduation so close, it was not a risk I was willing to take.

I was surprised to see the studio phone number pop up on my phone when I got home later that evening. My friend and owner, Bruce Washburn was calling to not offer me an internship but to offer me a job. A job that would work around my school schedule, and allow me to work on my school work in my down town at the studio. How could I say no?! In October of 2013, I stopped being Parker, over worked waitress, to Parker, tattoo studio manager.

This was and is the first time in my life where I really enjoy going to work everyday, often spending my days off there as well. I was in my comfort zone and surrounded by nothing but motivators, innovators and friends. I hope you enjoyed my little glimpse inside Washburn Tattoo and hope to see you in the studio soon!