Top of the Range Tattoo Studio marks 30 years in business with special event
TOP of the Range Tattoo Studio has celebrated a momentous 30 years in business, hosting a one-of-a-kind “flash day” on Friday, September 13.
The Ruthven St studio, which traditionally offers custom pieces and pre-drawn flash pieces via appointment or walk-in, dedicated the day solely to small flash designs on a first-served basis.
Studio owner John Poole said he wanted to do something special to mark the occasion.
“We wanted to create unique artworks at discounted prices for the people who walked through our doors on our birthday,” Mr Poole said.
“Our artists Ben (Smith), Scott (Hornery) and Tash (Jade) created three different flash sheets based on their individual styles and these designs will never be tattooed again.
“We had a line-up at the door we haven’t seen for quite a while, and the artists ended up working from 10am to 8pm, tattooing over 25 clients.”
Mr Poole said the studio was also running a competition in September where people could win a two-hour session valued at more than $300 with their favourite artist.
“We mostly use Facebook to communicate with the wider community, so people can hop on our page, comment on our competition post about their favourite artist and they can win a great prize.
“For every tattoo, we’re also donating $5 to our favourite charities, Drought Angels and Sea Shepherd.”
Mr Poole, 60, has spent half his life tattooing in Toowoomba. From starting his business in Station Street in 1989, he has watched the tattoo industry blossom from nothing.
He soon had a loyal client base and before long, more space was needed, so he picked a location on bustling Ruthven St in 1998.
A higher degree of professionalism was also essential, so he asked his wife Kerryn if she wanted to head the front desk – doing everything from booking appointments and taking payments to ascertaining the seriousness of a customer’s intent to get inked. “Kerryn has been integral to the studio - I couldn’t have done it without her,” Mr Poole said.