Artists bring tattoos to Fergus Falls

By Lauren Radomski (Contact) | The Daily Journal

Published Monday, June 16, 2008

Photo by Lauren Radomski

Zakk Schrom, co-owner of the new tattoo shop off of Lincoln and Cascade, has been designing tattoos for years and says he has more than 50 on his body. The shop is open 12 to 8 p.m. Wednesday through Saturday.

Steve Lyon admits to being obsessive when it comes to tattoos.

“I eat, sleep and breath tattoos and if I wasn’t doing this I’d go crazy,” he said.

“This” is opening a tattoo parlor off of Cascade and Lincoln Avenues with Fergus Falls native Zakk Schrom. The two met several months ago after Lyon returned from National Guard service in Iraq, where he gave tattoos to fellow soldiers from around the U.S.

Back in the states, Lyon, a Battle Lake native, worked at Sleight of Hand, a tattoo, airbrushing, custom paint and printing business in West Fargo, before partnering with Schrom.

“I’ve been a visual artist forever,” said Schrom, who’s also a musician. “Tattoos just seemed to be the next thing to do.”

Their shop, located behind the new orthopedist center off of Lincoln, is open for business but remains nameless. Lyon and Schrom are taking suggestions for the name and will give $100 towards a tattoo to whoever submits the best name.

For Lyon and Schrom, tattooing is first and foremost about art and originality. Customers will have access to designs online, in magazines and from the owners’ personal repertoires, but the two say they’re looking forward to creating new custom designs.

“He likes the big and bright,” Schrom said of favorite designs, “I like the dark and scary, but we both do everything.”

It’s the ability to experiment with new designs and techniques that makes the work worthwhile, the owners say.

“(There’s) something new everyday,” Lyon said. “You’re never an expert in this business.”

“It’s like music,” Schrom said. “Even though you know all the notes they’ll always be something new to learn.”

Lyon and Schrom’s tattoo shop is open Wednesday through Saturday from 12 to 8 p.m. Customers can come in for appointments during that time, or schedule an appointment with Lyon or Schrom for any other time during the week.