WHILE it is a dramatic change to go from journalism to tattooing, Goh Ee Koon is enjoying every moment of her newfound passion and career. “I’ve been known to be impulsive at times, but my family and friends have been supportive of what I’m doing,” said Goh, who recently established her own tattoo parlour called US Skin Grafx in Kuala Lumpur.
“After nine years in the publishing line, I left for the United States for personal reasons, where I met my husband-to-be Randy Phelps.”Feeling that it was time to try something new, the 36-year-old said she naturally ventured into tattooing as Phelps had his own tattoo studio named Intricate Ink Tattoo in Augusta, Georgia.
“I learnt everything from the bottom up, including a year of apprenticeship mopping floors and answering phone calls, to studying and drawing tattoo art, and learning the proper, sterile methods for tattoo set-ups,” Goh said.
“I also learnt about practising aseptic techniques — a set of specific practices and procedures that are performed under sterile conditions while ensuring I complied with the Occupational Safety and Health Administration standards on health and safety assurance.”She soon moved on to doing her first tattoo and recalled how nervous she was.
“It was quite nerve-wracking to do the tattoo, comprising Japanese letters with grey shading, on Tommy Curl — a mutual friend of ours,” Goh said, adding that there is no room for error when making the transition from paper to skin.“I got more confident as I did more tattoos, and was later sent to a friend of Phelps’ to hone my skills.”
Goh believes that tattooing is an art and a science, as well as something permanent that one should get right the first time.
“The onus is on both the client and tattooist — the client must know that it’s something they have to live with for the rest of their lives, and the tattooist to ensure the client is well-informed and knows what they’re in for,” she said. “I’ve noticed that Asians tend to put more thought when it comes to tattooing, compared to the Americans who are more impulsive. “The skin of Asians and African-Americans tend to scar more easily, so we have to be more careful during the tattooing process,” she said.
Goh’s advice for those seeking to get tattoos is to ensure that the tattoos are done by a professional and to look out for the tattooing process so that everything is done hygienically. She added that the needles should also be opened in front of the client.
“Clients should also not consume alcohol 24 hours before and after tattooing and they should eat a lot of carbs before getting inked to prevent a drop in blood sugar levels,” she said. When in doubt, talk to your tattoo artist. If you’re really unsure, don’t get a tattoo until you’re ready!”
Phelps, 43, said one also needs to think hard before getting a tattoo as it could have serious implications.
“For example, if you work in the financial line, you would not want a tattoo on the side of your neck,” he said.
“You also need to consider what happens if you change jobs or want to get a scholarship to further your education,” he said.
On the duration it takes for a tattoo to be completed, Goh said it depended on the details and overall design.
“We’d encourage a maximum of 3.5 hours of needle time per session, with a minimum of two weeks between sessions,” she said.
“All our equipment, including machines, inks, designs, needles and tubes, has been brought in from the US. We also offer a lifetime warranty on all of our work,” she added.
Describing her first tattoo experience, StarMetro journalist Priya Menon said, “I have always wanted a tattoo but was too afraid of the pain that went hand in hand with the process. “When the opportunity came along, I was hesitant at first but decided to go ahead at the eleventh hour.
“I was really nervous when Goh was setting up for the task. Fortunately, I had my friends with me to help calm my nerves,” she said. “When she first started, the pain was really bad — probably because I was so tense — but later, as her husband calmed me down and held on to some pressure points, I began to relax and go with the flow.
“For me, it was comforting to know they tried everything possible to diminish the pain and ensure that I enjoyed the experience.”Priya said Goh and Phelps also took her through the steps of caring for her tattoo, which was really important since it was her first time.“Instead of just telling me what to do, they explained the reasons behind it,” she said.
“So far, the tattoo is healing really well and I am looking forward to seeing the final effect in about two weeks or so.”Phelps hoped that US Skin Grafx would blend in to the local tattoo scene and that there would be friendly competition and mutual respect among the tattooists for the betterment of everyone.
“Having tattoo artists sharing and comparing notes creates a positive experience for both the artists and the clients,” he said, adding that they plan to host visiting tattoo artists in the future. US Skin Grafx is located at B2-1-12, Solaris Dutamas, 1, Jalan Dutamas 1, Kuala Lumpur. It is open from Wednesday to Sunday, from noon to 8pm. Private appointments are also available.