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`Tattoo Pete' plans to open his own shop
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BY JOSEPH A. SCOLARO
Journal Times
photo by Jim Slosiarek
MOUNT PLEASANT Pete Johnson, or Tattoo Pete, said he has been creating art on bodies for 20 years.
``I like to do black and gray fine lining," he said, noting that type of tattoo is a delicate design.
Cheryle McNeese, owner of the leather shop, said the tattoo business will complement her store. She said many of her customers also like tattoos.
Johnson and McNeese have appeared before the town board to explain their proposal and to prompt the board to lift an ordinance banning tattoo shops. The board eventually lifted the ban.
Johnson said he will follow all required health regulations, such as sterilizing equipment, and customers will have to be at least 18. He is in the process applying for a state license, as necessary under a new state tattooing code.
Johnson has given himself a tattoo of a dragon along the length of the inside of his arm. He has given McNeese several tattoos of pigs on her arms, leg and chest.
He said a tattoo can hurt like a sunburn for a couple of days after first receiving it. And for the first week, someone with a new tattoo should avoid sunlight, salt water or chlorine, which can bleach the inks and prevent the skin from healing properly.
Johnson said he will display many different types of tattoo designs on walls. Such displays are often called flash. He will also work with customers to create new designs.
He said the average tattoo could take about 45 minutes to complete. By far, the most common tattoo, with men and women, is a rose, he said. Following the rose, animals are popular, such as eagles, wolves or tigers.
Johnson said he has done thousands of tattoos. He once made a lion with two cubs on a woman's back. That tattoo was the size of a softball, he said.
Johnson said around Racine there are firefighters, detectives and nurses with tattoos.
``I've done whole families," he said. ``From grandparents to parents to kids."
McNeese said she eventually wants a body-piercer at her shop.
She said since Johnson first pitched his idea publicly, she has received many calls from people wanting tattoos.
McNeese said many people around Racine have tattoos.
``You'd be surprised," she said. ``Anybody and everybody. It's not a generalized thing anymore.
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