High Street Tattoo isn’t just another “needle” in the haystack of Columbus tattoo shops.  Since opening its doors in late 2005, HST has stood out as the shop that offers the best in expertise and craftsmanship.

The ten talented tattoo artists that make up the staff of HST, led by owner Giovani, specialize in custom tattoos in a multitude of different styles, from Japanese to American traditional to new school, which is characterized by the use of bold, bright ink and heavy outlines.

What began for Giovani as a means of branching out from previous shops he worked at during the early stages of his career has now turned into a successful artistic venture and an expanding business. The decision of where to set up shop was an easy one. “I worked in the Short North for several years and really liked it here, so I wanted to stay,” says Giovani.

He opted to go with something different than the other studios around the city, something with a more upscale atmosphere. Located at 872 N High Street, the second floor space carries an ambiance fused with both relaxation and vivacity. Every surface displays art produced by the staff, from images of original tattoos to paintings and wood etchings.  A décor of their own design no doubt gives the artists inspiration for new sketches.

Giovani declares that he is also inspired by natural things, and to an even greater extent, his peers. “New inspirations come from talking to other artists and seeing their take on things.” How many different ways are there to draw a blue bird? You would be surprised.

HST strives to give every client a one-of-a-kind tattoo and experience by offering them the highest quality of creativity, selection and service.

Giovani stresses how much effort goes into something as precious as tattooing. “It’s different from painting because it has that human element.  You only get one chance to execute, and there’s no eraser.”

The permanence of a tattoo is something the artists take very seriously. But they also get an extreme sense of personal enjoyment out of tattooing and interacting with the people who come in.  Artists today are able to do a different kind of tattoo than they could a decade ago. That translates into a growing interest and a wider popularity in the tattoo industry and shops such as HST. People from all walks of life are getting tattoos now.

The tattoos given at HST are lasting gifts from artist to client, expressions of personality for the client.

by Tori Hunt