Well things are going well getting moved into the studio. I spent most of last week applying joint compound to the walls, getting them as smooth as possible and just got the first coat of primer down. I think I should be mostly moved in within a week.

One thing that I would like to use this blog for is the occasional review of tattoo gear. Sometimes it can be difficult as a tattoo artist to get good feedback on new products since there is little in the way of a network for us to rate equipment or share that kind of info. I'll start with the armrest that I just got, made by TatSoul.

If you have never struggled with the varying inefficient designs for armrests that are being sold out there, then you are a very lucky tattoo artist. Having never been completely satisfied with the armrests that I have used in the past, I was determined to go out of my way to be sure that my investment would be something that wouldn't disappoint me, and I think I may have found just that product. After reading some reccomendations on Nick Baxter's forums and watching the demonstration video on the TatSoul website, I decided to go ahead and pay the $199 + $40 shipping for a TatSoul armrest.

It arrived in a thick vinyl carrying bag of a reasonable quality and stitched with a huge TatSoul logo on the side, a nice perk to have a ready made carrying case for traveling. I habe to say that my initial impressions of this product are very positive. It is a hefty armrest made from thick, polished metal with oversized adjustment knobs and extra padding. My biggest concern with other more flimsy armrests is that they will wobble or be unstable while working so the extra thick and heavy components that the stand are made from go a long way towards alleviating those fears. TatSoul armrests use a two legged, four footed design, which is more stable than tripod or platform armrests. Adjustment knobs are oversized and flat which means they can be covered with barrier film for at work adjusments if needed. Finally, the pad is super thick and comfortable which will open the door to using this "arm" rest in creative ways that wouldn't be possible with a typical design.

My final verdict is that this was absolutely worth the $240 I paid for it, and I would recommend this purchase to any artist that is unhappy with their current armrest. I hope TatSoul continues to produce products with this high level of craftsmanship.

Well the day has finally come! Paperwork is signed and I am "moving" into my new unit. It's old inhabitants, the One Stop Sustainability Shop apparently weren't too concerned with having smooth, blemish free walls. Luckily one of my new neighbors Darryl (sp?) stopped by to say hi and noticed my feeble attempts at plastering and sanding. Having spent weeks finishing and smoothing the walls of his own unit, he gave me a quick tutorial and even let me borrow a very nice putty knife. The woman with him who's name I didn't catch called him the "Plaster Master," but his real job is making amps.

Here are some Hipstamatically enhanced images of the space, hopefully it's starkness will be a little more interesting this way. Expect big changes coming in the near future and maybe a review of my new armrest tomorrow...

Hello and welcome to the Goyo Tattoo blogspot. My name is Greg Hastain, I am a tattoo artist and painter living in Portland, Oregon. I am in the process of opening a private, appointment only tattoo studio named Goyo Tattoo in NW Portland. I will be using this space to share my experiences of this process with the world, as well as talking about tattooing, art, life, and anything else I think my readers might enjoy.

Tomorrow June 7, 2010 I will begin moving into my unit in the ActivSpace building at NW 17th and Lovejoy. Next week should be a whirlwind. I will be installing a sink and water heater, finishing paintings, getting my facility license, throwing a grand opening party and lots more.