By Joseph Cyr
Staff Writer
HOULTON — Sammie Carmen of Houlton has been searching for just the right place to house her tattoo business for a number of years now.
Pioneer Times Photo/Joseph Cyr
NEW STUDIO — Sammie Carmen, right, moved her tattoo and art studio to downtown Houlton in January. Besides inking tattoos, Carmen also has several pieces of artwork at her studio. With her is Risca Caputi.
Originally, Carmen opened Maniak Ink in Union Square, before relocating to North Street. Now, Carmen is hoping the third time is the charm for selecting a location for her business, now called “Sam Carmen’s Tattoo and Art Studio.”
Located in downtown Houlton at 15 Market Square, Suite 6, the studio can be found on the second floor above Country North Gifts. The studio is painted in contemporary colors of red and black, with a number of Carmen’s pieces hanging on the walls.
“I think this is a better location for me, and I am sticking strictly with tattooing and artwork,” she said. “I’ve always wanted my own little studio, and this place was perfect.”
Since tattooing involves the use of needles, pain is often associated with the process. However, Carmen said there are several creams that can be used to reduce sensation, making it a more pleasurable experience. There are also various styles of ink that can be used, from glow-in-the-dark ink to ink that only shows up under black lights.
Carmen has been inking tattoos for customers in the Houlton area for the past five years. By law, individuals must be 18 years of age to get a tattoo. Customers must also sign a release form. She obtained her tattoo license from the Tattoo Learning Center in Schenectady, N.Y. She has several catalogs featuring various styles and designs of tattoos for customers to choose from. She can also create custom works of art, first sketching an image with the customer and then using that drawing as the template for the tattoo.
Depending on the size, the average tattoo takes about one hour. Her studio is open from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m., Mondays through Wednesdays and Fridays and Saturday (closed Sundays and Thursdays). Appointments for other times may also be made by calling 694-4202.
