By Melissa Dilley
Special to the Record-Courier
Lester Davis decided to go where no other business owner in Ravenna has for more than two decades when he opened Artistic-X-Pressions, a tattoo shop on S.R. 59.
“I was tired of seeing people go to Kent where there are lots of tattoo shops and now to Streetsboro where there is a new one. People from Ravenna are spending their money on these places instead,” he said.
The shop features four tattoo artists and one apprentice who specialize in different tattoo styles.
Mace Wright, who Davis describes as a “dark artist,” does a lot of skulls and faces, while Kevin Sinively focuses on color tattoos and cover-ups.
Jamie Wiland, the co-owner, does a lot of scenery and floral work, and Fien-x, who also works with airbrushing, is a free hand artist who can draw designs directly on clients and begin tattooing.
The artists also have Renee Fincham, an apprentice, following their instruction. Davis said she has been doing some tattoos, but is mainly observing. She hopes to become a portrait artist.
To become a certified tattoo artist, 18 months must be spent as an apprentice under a longtime artist. All the artists at Artistic-X-Pressions were also required to have training in first-aid.
In addition to the experience of the artists, Davis said the shop is as sterile as a hospital. He and his co-owner paid rent for five months on the building at 3388 1/2 St. Rt. 59 before they could move in because so many health inspections had to be done.
For more information, call Artistic-X-Pressions at 330-296-6190.