Happy New Year, 15(ish) hours ahead.

The Minneapolis Airport, snowy and cold on December 30th.



Welcome to Japan, more than a day later.



Oh man,
it's not even 5 am here New Years Day in Japan,
and I've already showered and been up for an hour.
We lost a day there, somehow, and I haven't completely figured it out.
13 hour plane flights aren't the end of the world,
but the whole time change thing is so weird.

We're off to go see the sunrise,
the very first sunrise of the New Year.
That's a special thing over here.
And since we're both wide awake,
we're ready to start 2010 off right.

I wish you all an awesome New Years,
whenever it reaches wherever you are.
No time for looking back at 2009,
we're off to see Japan.

Getting out of Town

The footprints, and the footprint makers.

This was the quietest Christmas I can ever remember.
We usually spend the holiday with my parents,
my sister, and my brother in Maryland,
and that house's decibel level becomes terrifying.

If you think I get too loud,
get ready for this admission.
My brother Kyle is far louder.
The volume only multiplies when everyone is trying to shout over everyone else.
The first couple years Meryl hid behind the couch,
until she realized that we weren't actually fighting.

This year, there was none of that.
We had Adam around,
and Ryan and Rebecca brought sexy presents
and vegan cheesecake Christmas Eve.
Then Christmas Day we had Casey, Ardeshir, Adam, and Camden
around the table with us chowing down some banana pecan pancakes that Meryl made.
So good.
In between all of that,
there was a lot of shoveling happening,
and planning for Japan.

In 48 hours we'll be on a plane heading West.
So West It'll be Far East.
Lots of last minute preparations to get done today,
especially since tomorrow I'm cramming in one last work day.
What an a-hole.
(it sounded like a good idea when I booked it)


Someone stole a bag of melting salt off of our front porch last night.
And last year someone took our shovel.
But I won't have to worry about all of this after tomorrow.
It's a balmy 50º in Tokyo right now,
can't wait to be there.

It got even Whiter.

We're at a foot of snow now.

My snowman has antlers.
(and the scarf's for Albie)

Whiter than White

White Christmases.
It looks like we're getting enough snow to last till next December.
We've received 7 inches so far,
and they're promising another 7 today and tomorrow.
Adam made it to Louderhorn Inn just in time to get snowed in again.

But good thing the snow didn't start till last night,
because I packed an entire week of tattooing into just two days.


Almost every time Adam comes to town,
he gets another tattoo.
This year alone I think we've done 5.
An octopus, a narwal, an aircraft exit diagram, and Kissena.
He got a puffin tattoo this trip,
and right before the close of the year.



Sheep goat hybrids are real.
And real dope.
(and real sterile, like mules)
Amanda is sleeving her arm with my weird little animals.
(that's her booby's blue foot right above it)



And Chef Ryan came in to work on his kitchen themed sleeve.
Antique wood stoves are so sexy.





Adam has been insanely helpful with this japan trip coming up.
He's the best ever personal travel agent, for sure.
He's been to Japan three times,
and uses the Google like no one else I've ever seen.

Adam gave us the insider tips,
Meryl found our passports and atm cards,
and Casey's staying at Louderhorn Inn with Shamira while we're gone.
So we're pretty much ready to leave on the 30th,
we just need to pack now.

And when the dark takes over, don't you worry dear...

Happy Winter Solstice, everyone.
The first day of winter,
and the Dark Dark Dark(est) day of the year.

Adam was supposed to fly out to MPLS on Sunday,
but the big snowstorm scared Delta into canceling all of their flights.
Then he went back and forth for a while,
and about ten minutes ago I found out he's landing at 1 am tonight.
Awesome.

He spent Xmas out here two years ago at our house,
but we weren't there that time.
No kidding.
He came out here to stay with Shamira (my dog),
and visit some of his other Minneapolis friends.
I'm excited he'll be here again this year, especially since we will be, too.

I don't really get into Christmas much.
(Meryl and I don't even usually exchange gifts)
But this year seems different.
Meryl decided that since we'd be around this year,
we needed a real tree.
So I bought some old ribbon at the thrift store,
and decorated it up.
We even got a real wreath for the front door.
I think it has something to do with owning a house.
It's got to look good, you know?
Louderhorn Inn is nicely put together,
it's the first day of winter,
and guests are on their way here.

While Adam was busy not arriving on Sunday,
Meryl and I were in Redwing with Molly and her husband Ryan.
It was snowing, but not too cold (read: above zero),
so we went for a little hike.
This winter thing hasn't been too bad yet,
but, of course, it's just the beginning.

Never Quiet, Never Soft

Tomorrow's the big day.
Kyle and I will be rematching it up,
arm wrestling till I rip his arm off.

So tonight I got a little pregame present from Ben Rettke.
NQNS

I did a lip yesterday,
and immediately wanted one for myself.
And who's got a bigger canvas than me?
I've got a pink banana slug for a bottom lip.



Here's a little video of me actually getting it done,
thanks to Todd.



There will be more videos tomorrow of the competition.
But now I'm off to a dinner engagement.
My blueish teeth from the stencil
almost matches my shirt perfectly.

Better and Better

Nona and Marshall played the Kitty Kat this past Tuesday night,
and they rocked my blues away.
It's so dope having Dark Dark Dark as your home team.

I'll be missing their next show on Sunday,
but it's ok.
Meryl and I will be in Redwing either hiking or letterpressing it up
with Molly and Ryan.
(maybe we'll do both)

Tonight Meryl came up to Identity Tattoo,
and we stayed at the shop late working on her leg piece.
We've lost count on total hours, but we're almost done now,
and we're around 25ish?
Just a little more work in the clouds,
and it'll be DONE.
This photo from immediately afterwards obviously mixes
the old and healed with the new and hurty.
But you get the idea.
And healed photos will be happening once we get back from Japan.
(less than two weeks before we go!)

Snowing on my Parade

The Geminid Meteor Shower last night.
Who saw it?
Not anyone in Minnesota, that's for sure.
Full cloud cover was the big grinch out here,
but we bundled up at midnight anyway to walk around Powderhorn Lake.
Which, I might add, is about one week away from being seasonally renamed Powderhorn Ice Rink.
Meryl and I did get some skates last year at the end of the season,
and we'll be having everyone over soon for some ice ballet.



The weekend didn't help my mood much.

I woke up to a lot of shoveling needing to get done.
I had forgotten about the dinner I was cooking in the oven tonight
until I could smell the smoke upstairs.
I didn't go to Naked Monday.
I mostly just did stuff around the house.

But it's cool.
Tomorrow there's a Dark Dark Dark show.

Saturday night's alright for fighting...

I just had the worst clients in here today.
Well, they weren't really clients,
because they didn't actually get tattooed.
But they certainly were the worst.

This week was soul crushing.
I had lots of time to do whatever I wanted, since I certainly wasn't busy tattooing.
I got my new business cards done.
And I joined another hip internet thing.
Tumblr?
I'm there.



I'm so irritated.
Luckily, my work week ends in 6 minutes,
and then it's off to Louderhorn Inn.
Stay warm, kids.

Everything but tattooing.

-5º.
I'll keep you updated on the weather conditions as the arctic Minnesotan winter keeps getting uglier,
since all of you non-Minnesotans can't help but take pleasure in our suffering.


For anyone who I didn't already tell,
I beat Kyle Mack in arm wrestling a few weeks ago.
And after being humiliated every time I retell the story,
Kyle finally demanded a rematch.
That's fine.
I'm doing clap push ups every morning,
I've shed a few pounds since quitting Dr Pepper,
and I've got vegan biceps.

On Identity Tattoo's shop blog,
the promoting has already begun.
It's happening Saturday, December 19th.
We'll be video taping it for every who won't be able to make it.
If you're into betting,
put your money on me.
I mean.... c'mon.



Tattoo Inkt (an online tattoo site/magazine/community)
sent me some questions which they put up in an interview on their website,
along with a bunch of my tattoos.
You can check it out here.
There's some really awesome tattoo artists up there,
check out Timmy B and Victor Portugal's interviews as well.

No tattoos on the books today;
but the shop is nice and warm,
the internet is fast,
and I'm about to order Indian food.

Give em what they want...

Naked Monday.
I hadn't gone for a bunch of months,
and then last week I decided to start back up.
The longest pose that happened tonight was just 20 minutes.

And I still haven't set up my scanner,
so I had to settle for photographing it.

I go to these model sessions because it's good practice,
but I post them because Ann likes seeing dirty pictures while she's at work.
And Google loves the word "naked".

Beacon of Absurdity

Not Casual Friday.
Another Friday, another tie.
Even our mailman participates.
Under his multiple layers, that is-
it's f*n cold outside this week.
15º, and snowing.



Chef Jeff finally came in to Identity Tattoo today
and got his lighthouse tree finished.
A little blending, a little more clouds,
a little ground, and we were done.
I'm pleased with the end poduct,
even if it isn't a fat animal in earthtones.

(and for all those out there cheering me on,
it's been three full weeks without a sip of Dr Pepper)

Right Around the Corner

Man, it's getting cold.
Tomorrow is going to have a high of 25º.
I know that in a month I'll be wishing it was anything above zero,
but for now it's a sad realization that autumn is done.
And since Meryl and I aren't going anywhere this year for the holidays,
I was talked into picking up a real Christmas Tree.
Nothing says winter quite like the smell of evergreen in your living room.

Here's a humpback whale I did today.
We have a few more animals to do,
and then a background will be tying them all together.




Todd and I put together these Identity Tattoo gift certificates today,
and then he got them printed up while I was tattooing the humpback whale.
If you also have a tree this year, and want something really sexy to put under it,
here's a big hint:



Identity Tattoo's website is finally all done,
and already moving up the Google ladder.
No kidding, I'll make it to page one shortly.
If you wanted to help, we'd love some feedback on sites like this.
♥ Identity Tattoo loves you right back. ♥

Make Way for Ducklings

I know, I missed them, too.
But the little sparkly die cut dead ducks are back!
(for a very limited time, of course, since these things move fast!)

Cupcake Ink Tattoo

Cupcake Ink Tattoo

Sampa Ink Tattoo

Sampa Ink Tattoo

Ink Tattoo Tee

Ink Tattoo Tee

Cute White Ink Tattoo

Cute White Ink Tattoo

Ten Years Later

Today is my high school's (official) 10 year class reunion.
Too bad I'm 1300 miles away,
I could've been partying like it was 1999.


Who woke up early to go buy stuff this morning?
Gross.

In the spirit of the 18 year old me,
I loosely planned an Adbusters' style "Buy Nothing Day".
I packed a lunch of Thanksgiving leftovers, and headed to work.
When I got there,
I realized that even though I wasn't celebrating Black Friday,
Not Casual Friday was still happening at Identity Tattoo,
and I wasn't wearing a tie.
So I hit the thrift store super fast,
and got a shirt, vest, and tie all for 11 bucks.
I don't feel too bad,
it was second hand,
and Adbusters sold out years ago.

Fashion superstar:

White Ink Best Tattoo

White Ink Best Tattoo

London Ink Tattoo

London Ink Tattoo

Thanksgiving Eve

Among other things,
I'm super thankful that I didn't get punched in the face today.

Hannah got her first ever tattoo,
and it took 5 f'n hours.
Around hour 4, I sensed that I might be in danger.

Luckily,
we made it to the finish line with only one of us bleeding.
She has big plans for it to continue some day, with background,
and wrapping around the arm, etc.
But for now, that's a serious first tattoo.

(the picture doesn't really show how high up it goes)




Who's ready for Thanksgiving tomorrow?
Not me.
I'll take the day off, you don't need to ask me twice.
And Meryl and I will certainly take first and second place (respectively, even)
in Total Food Intake,
whether or not anyone else is keeping score.

Speaking of food,
Megan and Joan weren't kidding when they said they'd
overnight us some Brooklyn bagels once they got back.
There was a big box on the porch this morning,
with a dozen doughy delights inside.
I ate up a marbled one immediately,
and we're bringing the rest to dinner tomorrow.
Those two are awesome.

Cute Flower Tattoo Design with Temporary Tattoo Ink

Cute Flower Tattoo Design with Temporary Tattoo Ink Sexily Painted in the Lower Back of a Sensual Woman for Itaipu

An Old Dragon Imaged as Tattoo Design with Permanent Black Tattoo Ink

An Old Dragon Imaged as Tattoo Design with Permanent Black Tattoo Ink Placed in the Upper Back of a Tattoo Lover

dribbling poison and blood...

Jordan wanted to have a full sleeve, and keep it Nordic themed.
So we're completing his arm with the story of Thor's fishing trip.
Sea serpents, giants, ox heads as bait.
Here's Jörmungandr, Thor's enemy.
It wraps around his forearm,
and yes, there's a severed ox head on the end of a fish hook in there, too.
That's officially badass.
One more session, and we'll have it finished,
and I'll post fully healed photos soon.

A little bit of Brooklyn.

Louderhorn Inn was full of food and laughing these last couple days.
Megan and Joan came out to Minneapolis to hang out, get tattooed, and overeat.
They were only here for 50ish hours,
so we just crammed it all in.
No kidding.
We hit Hard Times, Seward Cafe, Evergreen, Triple Rock, and Mayday.
And Meryl cooked an awesome meal somewhere in there as well.

No tour of Minneapolis is complete without a trip to Ryan and Rebecca's Garages of Oddities in NE,
where there's lots of taxidermy, bicycles, and craigslist scores.
Here's their latest find, a 1950's Exercycle.
It plugs in, and you have little control after that.
East coasters getting their laugh on:





Joan loves birds, but just didn't know she loved dead birds as well.
(now she's converted)
Here's her new (not dead) goldfinch.



Thanksgiving is right around the corner.
I'm certainly thankful that I know lots of awesome folks,
and that so many of them take the efforts to come visit us out here.
We're flattered that everyone has made Minnesota a destination
(especially in late November!)

Flying Dragon Tattoo Design in Permanent Tattoo Ink

Flying Dragon Tattoo Design in Permanent Tattoo Ink Lies in the Body of a Middle Aged Woman

Unique Dragon Tattoo Design in Best Black Tattoo Ink

Unique Dragon Tattoo Design in Best Black Tattoo Ink

A Tattoo Lover in Best Tattoo Ink

A Tattoo Lover in Best Tattoo Ink

Almost back to *normal*

It was a rough week,
but I'm doing much better now.
Dr Pepper free for eight days.
My blood sugar has (mostly) adjusted,
and my violent mood swings are much less frequent.
I haven't been blogging much,
because unlike some people who only get funnier the worse things look,
I only get uglier.
Today's appointment actually called a few days ago to make sure I'd be in good enough spirits to successfully tattoo him after seeing my previous post about quitting.
So good.

We have some rad guests coming tomorrow.
Megan and Joan of Brooklyn NY are headed this way to get some bird tattoos,
eat a bunch of vegan food, sit around a fire, and see the sights of Minneapolis.
Megan has been friends with us for ages,
and I'm very much looking forward to it.
There may even be some art making other than tattooing going on,
but this weather in the mid 50's might keep us outside and riding bicycles instead.

I need everyone's addresses again.
My computer blew up while I was in Northampton,
and I lost everything.
So if you've ever gotten mail from me,
(or wanted to)
email me your address to shawnhebrank(at)gmail.com
While you're at it,
you can send me lots of good music as well.
But don't feel too bad for me,
I got the new 27" iMac to replace the blown up one.
And it's sexy like a dead bird.

Permanent Tattoo Ink Implemented in Dragon Tattoo Design

best tattoo ink black tattoo ink homemade tattoo ink permanent tattoo ink tattoo ink tattoos tattoos ink temporary tattoo ink white tattoo ink

Heart Tattoo in Best Tattoo Ink Designed in the Back

Mayank's Heart Tattoo in Best Tattoo Ink Designed in the Back

Black Tattoo Ink Used in Painting Tattoo

Black Tattoo Ink Used in Painting Tattoo Imaged in Birds and Flowers Design Positioned in the Back of A Woman

A Tiny Tattoo Design in Temporary Tattoo Ink

A Tiny Tattoo Design in Drawn in the Upper of Vagina in Temporary Tattoo Ink

An ugly road ahead.

Friday the 13th.
I make my own bad luck.
I quit drinking Dr Pepper,
and immediately regretted it.
Imagine my standard shop antics,
but with less joking when I'm poking fun.
Irritability has been turned to eleven, for sure.




I celebrated my first day of Dr Pepper Independence by going to a Dark Dark Dark show.
Meryl and I met up with Camden at the Bedlam,
and we got a weird spot behind the drum set.
Drum set?!?!
Yup.
If you didn't go,
or got turned away at the door for being Kyle Mack,
then you missed out on some serious lineup changes.
And guess what?
It was so dope.
I felt a lot better during the show,
but once it was over, I still couldn't have a soda.

It's officially my weekend.
I've been working or traveling every day since Mr Albie Rock got married.
(and I'm beat)
Tonight I'll be dreaming of high fructose corn syrup and carbonation.
Withdrawal is a bitch.

Lighthouses are sexy.

Steve has been getting tattooed by me for a while,
and has caught me at a few of my locations over the years.
Even that exclusive Rocky Hill one a little while back.
(wink, wink)

This was his first Off the Map trip,
and his first piece that wasn't black and grey.
So I eased him into color with some muted up business.






Steve was my last tattoo of the guest spot this time around.
After that it was packing up time.
I can't believe another seven days of work have gone by,
seems like I was hanging with the Cucch at Albie's wedding just yesterday.

Amy and Jaime made me a seriously amazing last supper tonight,
and homemade vegan chocolate mint ice cream sandwiches for dessert.
Amy has some serious baking skills.
I hope to be designing some logos/flyers/stickers/labels
for her baking business sometime in the near future.

I'm off to get a few hours of sleep,
and then we're headed to the airport in the morning.
Goodbye, Northampton.
And Maynard House.
I miss you already.

Dressed up cats, squared.

I really like Amber.
She wore her dress with cats wearing bow ties
to get a tattoo of her cat wearing a dress.
Personified portraits of pets,
very Alfred Mainzer-ish.
So we gossiped it up, and had a good time.
And I got both kinds of dressed up cats in the photo above.


Triple Daddy Dean and friends came up to bar hop around Northampton with me.
No kidding.
I had four club sodas and a water,
and I thought I was going to burst.
That tunnel bar place is pretty dope,
looks like there is an old train station above it.
We should have gotten kicked out,
with all the rail sliding and shoving and falling on the floor going on,
but all the bouncers were small dudes reading books.
But we stayed till close, and the Wallingford kids headed home.
So good to see them.

Today's my last day at Off the Map Tattoo.
Tomorrow is a full day of driving and flying,
then unpacking and refocusing,
because Tuesday I'm back-and-at-em at Identity Tattoo.
Who plans these trips?
What an a-hole.
Thanks to everyone out here that helps make me feel at home.
And thanks to Meryl at home (with help from Casey) holding down the fort.
She's had more than her share of old house horrors while I've been gone,
but hasn't complained once that I'm east coasting it up instead of being much help.
I have the biggest "to do" list ever waiting for me in Minneapolis,
but I'll be happy to be home.
See all you Midwesterners soon.

Todd for President

Todd sat really well for 8 ish hours.
We stenciled, sharpied, outlined, and shaded an entire multi-seasonal sleeve for him.
He certainly ranks pretty high with how long he sat and how tough he was,
but the award he gets is for Mr Popularity.
No kidding,
5 different groups came in to see him,
with a grand total of 10 visitors.
Off the Map has never seen such absurdity,
and neither have I.
Here's a close up on the area we actually got to coloring before time ran out.




Tyrant and Tina came up, and so did Jay and Tina, and we met up with Amy and Beth for some tasty dinner action.
On the way from dinner to see Jaime,
we came across this super amazing sticker.
I thought you all should be able to enjoy it as much as I do.