Chris Cook, owner, operator of Mystic Ink Tattoo
Chris Cook is the owner and operator of local business Mystic Ink Tattoo Company, located at 5831 Sacandaga Rd. in Galway.
1 What is Mystic Ink Tattoo Company?
A“Mystic Ink Tattoo Company is a small Tattoo and piercing shop located at 5831 Sacandaga Road, Galway, NY 12074. It is owned and operated by myself, Chris Cook. It is a family oriented, clean and sterile shop for people to get inked or pierced with privacy.”
2 Why did you decide to start this business?
A“I received my first tattoo when I was a teenager and was hooked. From that point on I wanted to become an artist. I would visit any shop I could to try to figure out how to become an artist to no avail. Then life happened and I started in the workforce as a mason expressing my artistry with bricks, block and stone.
“Then in December of 2000 while working as a brick mason I was seriously injured and wasn’t able to work for over 10 years. During that time I went to get a tattoo and found out a friend from years ago was part owner in the tattoo shop I went to. We reconnected and he introduced me to a fellow artist who became my teacher. We worked in a few different shops and eventually he opened his own. During this time he taught me the trade.
“I soon realized it was a feast or famine business and with small kids I need to find something more steady, so I went back to the workforce. I still tattooed and continued to build my skills in my spare time. In 2017 I opened up a very small shop at my home. Then with the help of my family and friends I was able to move my shop to a larger space in Galway.
“As a tattoo artist I am able to help people express the different stages of their lives. It doesn’t matter if it is love or loss, strength or weakness, or just decorating their skin, I get the pleasure of making that vision come true. That is why I opened Mystic Ink Tattoo Company.”
3 How would you describe your artistic style?
A“I don’t know really. Old school is my favorite but every style has its perks. I am starting to dabble in a little bit of realism like flowers, and things of nature but no portraits. Portraits are not my forte.”
4 What is your goal for the future of Mystic Ink Tattoo Company?
A“My goal is to create beautiful art work at a decent price. I would also like to be able to pass my knowledge off to my family so one day they can take over for me.”
5 What do you enjoy about what you do?
A“I just enjoy the stories, the memories and the time I get to spend with my clients and making their dreams a reality. Helping them decorate their skin and being part of their life story. It’s about the art work and being part of a person’s journey.”