NEWS — Las Vegas

Back in February of 2017, I had a shot at tattooing Whiskey Emerson. Interesting name, right? Well, it”s actually a pen name for a very talented young writer from Portland, Oregon. She was visiting a close friend her in Las Vegas when they decided it might be a good idea to get a friends tattoo at Studio 21 Tattoo. As luck would have it, I was chosen to tattoo Whiskey!

I feel fortunate to be able to sit with interesting people from all walks of life. Sometimes you meet someone and right away realize this individual is special! This is the way I felt when I met Whiskey Emerson. One can always find common ground with others if you just take the time to show interest in what they have to offer. Whiskey enjoys motorcycling, which used to be one of my passions. If I were her age, I would still be enjoying the sport. Whiskey also shared some of her stories about her love for the great outdoors, something that I also enjoy immensely!

Our conversation eventually led to the fact that Whiskey was working on a book publishing deal. She told me she had done a kickstarter to finance this deal and was close to being published on Mascot Books, a publisher out of Herndon, Virginia. Whiskey had mentioned at some point in our conversations she was a history buff. “West of Hell”, is a historical fiction that takes place in Hell’s Kitchen, New York City in the late 1800’s. I wished her the best of luck with the publishing deal, finished her tattoo and said goodbye.

A few weeks later, I received an email from Whiskey. She wanted to know what I thought of the illustrations someone had sold her to use at the beginning of each chapter. A quick look at what she had was just some crappy clip art someone had sold her, I felt she had been taken advantage of so I told her I’d be glad to do illustrations for her that would be more presentable. Knowing that Whiskey had put a tremendous amount of effort into writing theis novel, I knew West of Hell deserved some quality illustrations to adorn the pages.

This was the beginning of a relationship that will now lead to my being able to help her with illustrations for her next novel, “East of Hell”, which is currently in the works.

Here we are, a little more than a year has passed since the first time tattooing Whiskey. “West of Hell” was published and is now for sale just about everywhere books are sold! She sent me a signed copy which I am very proud of. I have read my copy and have to say, it’s a really amazing story and a joy to read. Whiskey hooks you in right from the start and created some fascinating characters. The best part is, there’s more to come as West of Hell is to be the first part of a trilogy.

“West of Hell” Book Signing at Studio 21 Tattoo Gallery will take place April 7th, 2018, 6pm – 9pm, Author, Whiskey Emerson…writer, adventurer, renegade.

If you are interested learning a little more about Whiskey Emerson visit her website https://www.whiskeyemerson.com

Charles Spencer – Co-Owner/Tattoo Artist at Studio 21 Tattoo Gallery https://studio21tattoo.com

Schedule of other book signings for “West Of Hell”

March 25, 2018

Vroman’s Bookstore (Just outside Los Angelos,CA)

April 7, 2018

Studio 21 Tattoo Gallery (2 miles west of the Strip, Las Vegas, NV)

May 12, 2018

Barnes and Noble (Just outside Portland, OR)

J “Swarm”, a resident tattoo artist at Studio 21 Tattoo Gallery in Las Vegas, Nevada since 2008, is an accomplished traditional artist and proud father of two beautiful girls. In December, 2015, Swarm decided to make some life changing decisions. He decided to start running to improve his physical and mental outlook. Swarm began running two miles three times a week. As time passed his running distance increased as did his goals. For 2016 Swarm aspired to run 1,000 miles and complete 6 races for the year. Not only did he accomplish ambitious goal, he dropped over 50 lbs. in the process and exceeded the original 1,000 mile distance by 200 extra miles.

As a benefit for outdoor enthusiasts, Las Vegas offers ideal weather and beautiful scenic areas to train for races. Whether its early morning runs through the 17 mile loop in Red Rock State Park or conquering the 20 mi. round trip trek to the 11,056 ft. elevation of Griffith Peak summit in the Spring Mountains of Southern NV. There is no shortage of breathtaking scenery to benefit those training endurance runs.

The year 2016 marked a significant time period of great accomplishments for J Swarm and his excitement and enthusiasm carried forward to 2017, leaving his old habits behind him. Swarm’s new intentions were designed to go beyond his dream to achieve even bigger goals, including 2000 running miles, drop additional weight and complete 10 races ending the year with a marathon in Hawaii.

Among the many races completed his 5th race of 2017, the St Jude’s Rock & Roll Marathon, really tugged at Swarm’s heart strings. In 1993 his younger brother passed away from Leukemia. With the help and generosity of friends and family he raised $1500 to benefit the St. Jude’s Hospital and Research for Childhood Cancer to help those families with expenses as they go through such a difficult time.

In July of 2017, J. Swarm was notified that Michelob Ultra was giving out 100 bibs (running numbers) to the New York City Marathon. In order to win a bib, one must share your name, email and a written story about running. With nothing to lose, he decided to take the challenge. He began relaying the details of his tremendous weight (now down 80 lb) and how his passion for running developed into an obsession for his personal achievement. J Swarm won his bib to run in the New York City Marathon. on November 5th, 2017
as a winner of the team Ultra contest. Needless to say he is honored, humbled to be among the chosen candidates and extremely excited to win the opportunity to experience to this historic marathon. The NYC is right around the corner and the Michelob Ultra Team has supplied Swarm with all the right gear to hit the ground running.

The entire Studio 21 Tattoo family wish him luck accomplishing this great running event.
These are the races completed by J Swarm:

2016:
Lake Mead 10K
Hot Chocolate 15k
Recycled Run 10K
Pumpkin Man 10k
St. Jude’s Rock & Roll Marathon, San Diego, Half Marathon (raised $1500)
Turkey Trot 12k
1200 miles outdoors

2017:
Lake Mead 10K
Hot Chocolate 15k
Revel Mt. Charleston Half Marathon
Running With the Devil Half Marathon
Dam Ruck & Run Trail Race Half Marathon
Pumpkin Man 10k
St. Jude’s Rock & Roll Marathon, Las Vegas (raised $1450)

Upcoming:
New York City Marathon 11/05/17
Turkey Trot 12k
Hawaii 12/10 Full Marathon

https://studio21tattoo.com/

https://www.tcsnycmarathon.org/

VEGAS STRONG

Disclaimer: Let me start off by saying I am not a writer so putting my thoughts into words for others to understand is not necessarily my strong suit. With that being said, I can’t help but feel the need to share some of the thoughts myself, family, and extended family (Studio 21 Tattoo and friends) have had over this last week given the wake of the tragedy our City has endured.

On that Monday morning, like many other friends and family living in Las Vegas, I woke up to dozens of texts and phone calls asking if me, and my loved ones were safe. Not understanding the gravity of the situation, I soon realized that Las Vegas was the most recent topic in the news related to a mass shooting, the deadliest in US History and my heart sank. After confirming my family and friends were also safe, I felt this heavy rock in my gut– A desire and need to DO something, anything, to help the victims and their families through this awful tragedy.

Las Vegas thrives off of visitors from every corner of the world and and every city. It’s the reason we all call this place home, and love it here. No one creates experiences, relationships, and memories like Las Vegas and sadly on that Sunday night at the Route 91 Festival it was an experience we all wish never happened, and would like to understand.

That day at the shop we decided to create a tattoo symbolizing LOVE for the victims and Las Vegas. A symbol that represents, love, strength, and unity. For $50, and as many people as we can possibly handle, myself and the other artists at Studio 21 would do the tattoo, and listen to the brave, kind, and courageous stories of that night, donating 100% of the proceeds to The Las Vegas Victims fund created by County Commissioner Steve Sisolak.

I am very proud to say that we helped raise $17,540 for this fund but beyond that, it was a moment I could share with new and old faces that all shared one common thing. LOVE.

Thank you to everyone who came through our shop. From the bottom of Studio 21’s heart to yours.

As the world is aware on Sunday, Oct.1, 2017, Las Vegas locals and visiting tourist became the target of a senseless, evil mass shooting. This attack took place at the Las Vegas Route 91 Harvest Musical Festival at Mandalay Bay Hotel & Casino. Words cannot express how heartbroken and devastated our great city and community are. It will be difficult to deal with the aftermath of this horrific incident. Studio 21 Tattoo Gallery organized a fund raiser to help raise money for the Las Vegas Victims @GoFundMe set up by Steve Sisolak, Clark County Commissioner Chair from Las Vegas. The funds will provide relief and financial support for the victims and their families. Studio 21 Tattoo Gallery will be offering the state of Nevada outline with a red heart in the lower sector representing Las Vegas. All proceeds (100%) received will be donated to this fund by Studio 21 Tattoo Gallery. Due to the volume of tattoos being done, there are no substitutions to the existing design offered. For those who cannot give blood, this is a good way for our tattoo enthusiasts to show their love for our community. If you prefer to opt out of the tattoo, you are welcome to come by the shop and donate money to the cause or you may go direct to Las Vegas Victims’ Fund @GoFundMe. The amount of support that our local community has shown is overwhelming and greatly appreciated by the owners, staff and all of our tattoo artists who are donating their time and talent to help the victims. At current count, 59 people have lost their lives and over 500 injured, let’s try to help them in any way we can. Please follow us on Instagram @studio21tattoo.com and FB  https://www.facebook.com/Studio-21-Tattoo-Gallery-206119829429/ for updates on the #Las Vegas Love Fundraiser.

The following are links to information you might find helpful.

https://www.gofundme.com/dr2ks2-las-vegas-victims-fund

https://www.lvmpd.com/en-us/Pages/LVRoute91FestivalShooting.aspx

On certain summer Tuesdays, in blazing hot Las Vegas, tattoo fans can get a smokin’ good deal at Studio 21 Tattoo. We call it “Taco Tuesday” and a great time is had by all who participate!

The idea is that those who join in on the festivities get a fun, taco themed tattoo and a couple home made street tacos prepared by the Spencer family for fifty bucks. This year, we picked the last Tuesday of the month in June, July and August. Most of the folks that took advantage of this awesome offer last summer will show up for all three events. We also gain newcomers each time Taco Tuesday comes along.

All Taco Tuesday tattoo designs are prepared by the artists at Studio 21 Tattoo. There are so many cool designs to choose from, some people go ahead and get two!

This event is offered to give back to the community that is that has supported our studio over the years. Not limited to locals, we have had numerous tourists who just happened to be in town join in on the fun. It is always announce on social media by the studio and each of our artists and employees.

So if you feel the urge for some great tacos, excellent company and really fun little quickie tattoo custom designed by our outstanding staff of artists, drop on in on Taco Tuesdays for a real good time.

Follow us on Instagram @studio21tattoo https://www.instagram.com/studio21tattoo/ and Facebook https://www.facebook.com/Studio-21-Tattoo-Gallery-206119829429 and visit our website to stay up with our stellar staff of artists. https://studio21tattoo.com/