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Have you ever read or heard something that shocked you a little bit, and you quickly pull your head back? Yeah, that was my immediate reaction when I read that Kristel Oreto is moving to Philadelphia, and will be working at Art Machine Productions.

My current state of shock isn’t about Kristel or the fact she’ll be tattooing at Art Machine Productions, both of those are awesome. My shock merely comes from the level of tattooing in Philadelphia continues to rise… and rise… and rise. It’s seriously insane how many ridiculous artists live (or will be living) in that town.

Last week, Off the Map Tattoo and Jeff Gogue made a big announcement. Here’s a snippet of the official announcement:

Off the Map Tattoo and Jeff Gogue are excited to announce they will be joining forces to open a second location in Grants Pass, Oregon. Jeff Gogue will continue to tattoo and lead workshops as the head tattoo artist, but in March of 2012 his Grant’s Pass studio will reopen as Off the Map Tattoo.  The studio will keep Jeff Gogue’s inspiration and signature combined with a bit of the original Off the Map Tattoo in Easthampton, Massachusetts flavor. It will be an easy transition, as Jeff has influenced the Off the Map team for years. Off the Map will supply the tattoo-savvy customer service, additional resident artists, management and scheduling of monthly guest artists and workshops – having many notables already setting dates.  Gogue will focus on what he loves the most: world class tattoos, art, and inspiration for other artists and clients.

Tattoo by Jeff Gogue at Grant’s Pass Studio in Grants Pass, OR

Three of the four Quick and Painful exhibits might have come and gone, but the exhibit is still being talked about. Pictures from Chicago, Los Angeles, and New Haven are starting to appear online. Additionally, the show in Miami takes place in the beginning of December. Lastly, all of the flash sets created for for the show is currently available online at The Hope Shop.

To learn more about the Quick and Painful exhibit, check out our original post back in August.

Jime Litwalk has made it public that he’s no longer tattooing at Hart & Huntington Tattoo, and he can now be found at Massive Tattoo in Las Vegas, Nevada.

Before you e-mail us and ask why – we don’t know (nor do we really care to be honest.) When we posted information like this, it’s to make it easier for people to get in touch with the artist, not cause drama.

Tattoo by Jime Litwalk at Massive Tattoo in Las Vegas, NV

Mathew Moreno recently left the mean streets of Atlanta, and moved to Portland, Oregon. He’s currently splitting his time between Tigerlily Tattoo and Mr. Tattoo.

I don’t know exactly wheres he’s tattooing on what day , so if you’re interested in getting tattooed, stop into either shop or contact him directly.

Tattoo by Mathew Moreno at Tigerlily Tattoo and Mr. Tattoo in Portland, OR

With the announcement of Ben Reigle leaving Off the Map, Off the Map Tattoo is now hiring a full time tattoo artist. Here’s the official statement:

Off the Map Tattoo is reviewing portfolios in anticipation of hiring a full timer to join our custom tattoo staff in the very near future for walk-ins and appointment based tattooing. Seasoned vets who have been tattooing for years and young tattooers eager to learn are both encouraged to apply, pay based on experience! Off the Map Tattoo is an appointment based custom tattoo studio in Western Mass, and will be deliberate in finding the right fit. We have a very positive atmosphere and helpful staff hell bent on producing the best tattoos and experience for our clients. Off the Map Tattoo is honored to have an amazing guest artist roster which is booked well in advance and manyevents and seminars. We also produce the Paradise Tattoo Gathering and house the offices for TattooNOW which powers over 100 tattoo industry websites.

Only professionals who leave all their baggage, drama, insecurities, and headaches at home and bring only their A game to the studio need apply. If you are a very talented, self motivated, responsible, and hard working tattoo artist who wants to invest time building a clientele in New England and beyond, please contact us with your best portfolio and availability. Please understand that while we try our best to respond to everyone we cant guarantee it.

Ben Reigle announced that he’s leaving Off the Map Tattoo, and will be tattooing at Nightmare Tattoo.

Unfortunately I don’t know how soon this move takes place, or if already has. If you’re interested in getting tattooed by Ben, give him a shout via his website or his Facebook page.

Tattoo by Ben Reigle at Nightmare Tattoo in Westfield, MA

We don’t normally post too many industry related topics here on the website. I feel like most tattoo collectors don’t really care about that, plus Tattoo Artist Magazine does a great job with that coverage already.

With that being said, Keith Ciaramello recently posted this YouTube video about his DVD being pirated on eBay. In the video, Keith explains a friend ordered his DVD from specific users (and he even mentions whom those users are.) Keith goes onto to open the package, on video and shows it’s just a copied DVD.While this type of thing has been going on forever, it’s nice to see Keith approaching it head on.

If you’re a tattoo artist or collector that’s interested in the industry, you’ll probably enjoy this video. If not, disregard everything above and check out this killer bulldog tattoo Keith did below.

Tattoo by Keith Ciaramello by Kustom Kulture Gallery in Baldwin, NY

Following the tragedy in Norway, Jimmy Duvall posted this on the Invictus Tattoo Twitter page. As of right now, this is all we know, but we’ll keep you posted when prints or shirts become available.

Painting by Jimmy Duvall at Invictus Tattoo in Oslo, Norway

Ran Maclurkin was involved in a motorcycle accident this week when he was hit by a large truck. He currently has two fractures in his spine, and is awaiting further surgery. During this time, Ran will obviously be unable to tattoo. Between his medical bills, and lack of income – Ran needs some help.

For those interested in helping, you have a few options:

• Tickets are currently being sold for the Ran Maclurkin Raffle. They currently over $350 in prizes that will be raffled off on June 12th.
• Financial donations can be sent via Paypal to petersheringham@yahoo.com.au
• Ran will be doing various design work until he’s able to tattoo again. Interested parties can contact Ran at ranmaclurkin@me.com

Tattoo by: Ran Maclurkin at The Piercing Urge in Prahran, Victoria, Australia