Scott D's t-shirts R here

All black and in men's cut.

These shirts feature the reaper on front and an all-seeing eye on the back.

One arm sleeve bears the artist's signature.

On sale now for $20.

For shipping anywhere in the world, price per t-shirt is $25.

Young Talent

"The Mountain Wolf" by 4th-grader Jesus

Unique by any measure, Arsenal Tattoo & Design is a kid-friendly tattoo shop. It’s bright and clean with lots of room to jostle about; wall hangings stay below pornographic radars, and Frank Sinatra and Patsy Cline croon among the rafters. In other words, we make a point to avoid anything that would be deemed “untoward” — or, rather, anything our parents may not approve.

We had a gallery full of kiddos here for the Lunar New Year Celebration, each one contributing their colorful marks to an outlined dragon. And prior to that, we hosted a birthday party for one special lil’ cuss. He and all his friends went home that night with bellies full of pizza and arms covered with temporary tattoos.

And all day every day, young talent is displayed in our gallery. We’ve partnered with the Bryan ISD art program so that each grading period we receive a new installation from the elementary school students. Our customers invariably are impressed with the art, but it’s the students’ reactions that’ll steal your heart. They walk into the gallery all wide-eyed and smiley, glancing around this vast space for their very own piece of creativity.

Pictures are always in order, as well as a personal introduction to our bossman, Cliff Collard. He loves to encourage young talent — to assure those who can’t breathe without drawing that with hard work and a good attitude, it is indeed possible to make a living doing what you love.

SKETCHY

Scott Dowdy recently released Vol. III of his sketches. Drop in or holler at us through our e-mail if you're interested in purchasing a copy of your very own. Also available: a compilation of all three volumes — remarkably priced at $50.

We're super stoked about sponsoring Bryan-College Station Loudfest this year!

Join us in Downtown Bryan for some head-banging good times!

Super Soul Saturday

Part of a tattoo studio’s ambience (beyond the requisite smell & look of cleanliness, of course) is the music. It permeates the space and enfolds the occupants, maintaining the day’s mood. Today is Super Soul Saturday (first time designation for that particular alliteration, but perhaps today marks the start of a weekly tradition (hope! hope!)) Thus far I’ve recognized Norah Jones, Ronnie Milsap, Rod Stewart, Melissa Etheridge, Justin Timberlake. Any minute now, I’ve no doubt that Frank Sinatra will filter through — and then again — and again and again and again — again, again …. If you’re thinking fetish, then know that’s exactly what I’m suspecting, too.

Other than this moment in time, any other day could be filled with show tunes or country-and-western ditties. Some days are nothing but head-banger ballads and whatnot (i.e., scottyshitty); some are all jazz and blues or R&B, and every now and again there might be some contemporary rock and pop or even reggae. Oftentimes, new and obscure talent radiates through the rafters. Bruno Mars and Alabama Shakes, for example, were standards at the Arsenal long before either group made radio waves or debuted on late night. And then there’s the new-age-ska-punk-emo-deathmetal-whathaveyou music. Pretty much everything except a day’s dose of rap, which I’ll reveal is, indeed, my all-time favorite. I absolutely love moving to the beat and mouthing dirty words without penalty. But I’ve digressed.

Whatever the genre, this anecdotalist and fellow Arsenal inhabitants are subjected to the all-encompassing beats and rhythms that pervade the studio. Our physiological affects reflect the subtle manipulation of the music’s timbre, aligning our mood with that of the artists in residence; that is, those who selected the music in the first place.

A synergy is established and the day soulfully plays itself out.

A Sucker for Kids

Arsenal owner and operator, Cliff Collard, LOVES little people. Granted, "little people" is the vernacular of this anecdotalist, but the enthusiastic passion denoted in the underlined and bold capital letters is all Cliff. Emphasis his. In fact, Cliff's adoration for children knows no bounds.

And I reckon that's as it should be.

So for Historic Downtown Bryan's First Friday Part II, Cliff painted faces on the young — whiskers, musical instruments, and animals of all species extant and otherwise. "Now this might be a little cold," he'd say sitting poised with colored brush. "Are you ready?"

Once done, Cliff would pass a hand-held mirror to his most recent favorite customer of all time. Oohs and aaahs followed and then, "Now how about a piece of candy? Would you like something sweet for sitting so well?"

After work, Cliff talked the whole night long about how much he enjoyed the endeavor, recalling names and activities the kiddos talked about ... even laughing about all the lil' sticky hands running around our gallery.

We can hardly wait until February's First Friday — decorating sugar cookies and enjoying a live musical performance from local high schoolers. Plan to join us!

He Looks Hostile — but He Drives a Minivan

Thanks to everyone who came out to Insite Magazine’s September Art979 launch party at the Brazos Valley Museum of Natural History. It was good fun and fellowship, and I’m so very thankful to have been included in the project.

Art is my passion, at work and during leisure hours; and I count myself incredibly lucky to be able to tattoo for a living. And I’m really blown away to have been featured in this month’s Insite Magazine! The photo shoot was a blast. Igor Kraguljac, professional cinematographer and photographer, was wonderfully patient with me. His talents are installed around the nation, and he’s earned a number of awards for music videos and short feature films. You can see Igor’s work at https://www.facebook.com/IgorKraguljacPhotography or http://www.igorkraguljac.com.

Within the coming month, Arsenal Tattoo & Design will start its relocation to Downtown Bryan. We’re excited about being closer to the hub of Brazos Valley arts & culture — for our customers and artists alike, and we look forward to seeing you at the corner of 26^th & Sims.