New tattoo studio aims to be hotspot for ink in Helston

Two friends with years of tattoo experience have combined their artistic skills to open a vibrant new studio in Helston.

GoGo Electric Tattoo, owned by Perdita and Jed, welcomed its first customers earlier this month to the shop based on Horse and Jockey Lane.

The pair have a vast knowledge of tattooing – having worked at various studios including Sanzaru in Penryn, and Ink Well in Helston. After Sanzaru closed due to covid they decided to team up and open a place together.

They got the keys in October last year, completely remodelling it as it was previously an animal charity shop. It took Perdita and Jed five months to complete the work – they have added their own style to the shop with their artwork on the walls, and they are fully up and running, welcoming lots of new and old customers since then.

They told Nub News:

"We were aware there were a lot of private studios in town but not many street shops. I know a lot of people travel elsewhere to get tattoos – so this is a place for them to go.

"The name is obviously quite unique and fun – we were at Kynance Cove just joking around and we came up with something that would be easy to remember and a bit of fun. There is a lot of energy in GoGo, then we were imagining neon elements and it gives a nod to the vintage style of tattooing with electric tattoo."

Tattoo styles are constantly changing and it's important to keep up with trends, discussing the new styles they're seeing, Perdita and Jed said:

"There seems to be a lot of traditional art from the 50's and 70's making a resurgence. This is interesting because it seems to be making a resurgence with younger people, and if you look around, you'll notice older folk with the same tattoos that they probably would've had for 40 years.

"The way tattooing has evolved with new machines, better ink, the art is done a lot slicker. Also, nowadays there are actual artists doing the work whereas back in the day it had a rebel connotation attached to it, and not so many people specialised in it.

"People are asking for really fine lines, darker work, almost like a lithograph style. We are seeing a lot of American traditional style, ornamental, floral, and abstract. There are some really beautiful styles coming out of the tattoo scene and it is ever evolving."

Like a lot of places GoGo encourages a chat with one of Perdita or Jed to discuss the tattoo before it is done:

"We are more than happy for people to bring in a design that they want. We absolutely love seeing bespoke designs. A consultation would be a sensible idea before you get a piece – make an appointment and come and talk about it. Tattoos are obviously very hard to get rid of once they are done – I will always say you research your artists.

"Look at the artist's work before coming in to see the style that they work in and if it matches what you are looking for. Make a consultation with us, and once that's done book an appointment. Consultation is essential so we know we are doing what's best for the customer and their body."

The studio also offers full wheelchair access with a ramp leading into the building. When Jed and Perdita were doing the refurbishment, they made sure there would be enough space through the building and the toilet for wheelchairs.

GoGo Electric Tattoo is open Tuesday-Saturday, click here to see more information and updates from the business.

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