Tattoo & Piercing in Cimarron Hills

"I have always been an artist," says Heebee Jeebees' owner, Karen Knight. A native of Liverpool, England, her artistic travels have led her through careers in portrait painting, clothing design, makeup artistry, and other creative endeavors, before she thoroughly immersed herself in her love for body art. Alongside two other skilled tattoo artists, Knight creates custom artwork based on client specifications, and promises a lifetime of touch-ups to ensure the colors stay rich and the invisible ink stays invisible. Brightly hued walls lined with original artwork and photographs provide visual inspiration for patrons and passersby.

A neon-lit fortune cookie hung in the window is the first clue that this is not your average, impersonal tattoo parlor. Here, tattoo artist Jon Lew and his staff of ink and piercing specialists cultivate a fun and cozy atmosphere, compounded with a level of professionalism that comes from having more than 20 years of combined experience.

Tattoos begin with a consult from one of three tattoo artists who draw up custom illustrations to match the designs lurking in clients' minds. Fortune Cookie Tattoo's team boasts specialties in styles ranging from traditional to neo-traditional, which come to fruition via a spectrum of inks, including high-color, black and gray, and scratch and sniff.

A story spanning more than two decades gave rise to Nostalgia Tattoo Co., as owner and primary artist Mr. Scary moved from an education in graphic art to the world of body art. With no industry experience, Mr. Scary set forth on the road to inking skin, meeting his mentor, Uncle Bud Yates, along the way. Uncle Bud—a lauded artist and former president of the National Tattoo Association—proved a formative influence on Mr. Scary’s life and career, helping him land his work on the covers of three separate magazines all in one month. Though Uncle Bud was killed in a motorcycle accident in 2006, Mr. Scary proudly continues his mentor’s traditions, first at Uncle Bud’s studio and then at Nostalgia Tattoo Co., which Mr. Scary opened in 2011. Today, he and his fellow artists imprint skin with iconic tattoos that hearken back to the days when sailors ruled the contiguous 48, as well as with modern, color-saturated designs. In addition to fleshing out his portfolio each day at his shop, Mr. Scary lends his skills to the Ink-Eeze pro team and enjoys sponsorship from Fusion Ink and Borg Tattoo Machines.

Every artist at Pens & Needles has a specialty. Master artist Rich can help cover up embarrassing or just plain boring prior tattoos, as well as burns and scars. Fellow supreme inker Austin is a tamer of even the wildest tribal designs. And Anthony "Wacks" is the house-designated portrait proficianado. Every artist will take the time to consult with you regarding what can be accomplished within the time and budget you've allotted. Hourly tattooing rates vary, depending on which of Pens' seven accomplished artists you choose. Master artists charge between $100 and $150 an hour, depending on the complexity of your skin canvas, while custom and apprentice artists charge from $75 to $100 per 1/24 of a day.