Caroline Evans 6/26/25 Caroline Evans 6/26/25

Summer is here!

Summer and tattoos go hand in hand. Both are colorful, fun and full of life. It’s when we can show off our tattoos in public! Don’t forget sunscreen and to reapply! My Body My Choice Flash Tattoo fundraising event is coming. We are still determining which day, or days, we will be participating since the national event is being held while we are at the Asbury Convention! Caroline, Casey and Koryn will all be there tattooing, so come out and see us!

**Summer and Tattoos: A Season of Expression and Celebration**

Summer is more than just a change in the weather—it's a state of mind. It’s a time of sunshine, freedom, and transformation. And for many people, it’s also tattoo season.
As the days get longer and the layers come off, tattoos step into the spotlight. Arms, legs, backs, and shoulders that have been covered during colder months are suddenly on full display. This visibility isn’t just about aesthetics; it’s about expression. Summer is when people wear their stories on their skin with pride.
**The Season of Symbolism**
Summer tattoos often reflect the energy of the season. Bright florals, ocean waves, suns, bees, fruit, and celestial bodies are all popular motifs that embody joy, growth, travel, and light. For some, summer is a time to mark a milestone such as graduations, weddings, births, and vacations all inspire fresh ink.
There’s also a spiritual element to summer tattoos. The season represents vitality, abundance, and the peak of life’s cycle. Whether it’s a sunflower for resilience or a phoenix for rebirth, summer tattoos can carry deep meaning beneath their vibrant surfaces.
**A Time for New Ink**
Tattoo artists often see a spike in bookings during summer. With more skin exposed, people are more inspired to add to or showcase their body art. The mood is lighter, more playful, and full of momentum. It’s a time when many feel the pull to be bold—whether that means getting their first tattoo or committing to a larger piece.
However, summer isn’t always the easiest season to heal new tattoos. Sun exposure, swimming, and sweating can affect the healing process, so artists typically remind clients to plan carefully. A fresh tattoo needs to stay protected from the sun and out of chlorinated or salt water until fully healed. Still, for those who are mindful of aftercare, summer can be a magical time to get inked.
**Tattoos as a Summer Ritual**
For some, getting a tattoo each summer becomes a personal tradition, a way to check in with themselves, to honor change, or to commemorate adventures. It’s a creative ritual that marks time and allows people to carry their memories with them long after the season ends.
Whether you're basking in the warmth of your healed work or planning your next piece under the sun, let this season be one of inspiration, beauty, and self-expression.
After all, summer fades—but ink is forever.
Photo by Jessica Christian on Unsplash

Caroline Evans 6/19/25 Caroline Evans 6/19/25

Juneteenth, MBMC, Asbury

Happy Juneteenth! Read our blog about Juneteenth and tattoos. The 4th annual My Body My Choice Tattoo Flash Event is happening next month and we are still the only shop in NJ that participates. Don’t forget about the Asbury Park Tattoo Fest happening in Long Branch next month. Check out our socials to find out more about these events, or check back here next month!

**Why Juneteenth Matters in Ink**

Tattoos are permanent. So are the scars of slavery and systemic racism. When people choose to mark their bodies with symbols of Juneteenth, they are making a permanent commitment to remembering the past, honoring their ancestors, and celebrating the resilience of Black people.
Common themes in Juneteenth tattoos include:
Chains breaking apart, representing liberation from bondage
The Juneteenth flag, with its starburst and red, white, and blue design symbolizing freedom for all
The date “June 19, 1865” in script or Roman numerals
Portraits of Harriet Tubman, Frederick Douglass, or contemporary Black leaders
Phrases like “Still We Rise,” “Free-ish since 1865,” or “Unbought, Unbossed”
Each of these carries layers of meaning—reminding the wearer and the world that Black freedom is both a historical milestone and an unfinished project.
**Tattooing as a Tool of Reclamation**
In the transatlantic slave trade, Black bodies were often branded and marked without consent. In that violent history, tattooing takes on profound significance—because now, Black people are choosing what goes on their skin, and why. Tattooing becomes an act of sovereignty.
Juneteenth tattoos represent more than a holiday. They are a reclaiming of body, story, and legacy. They say: We know where we came from. We know who we are. We know where we’re going.

Photo by Siednji Leon on Unsplash

**Black Tattoo Artists and Cultural Stewardship**

The tattoo industry, like many others, has historically been dominated by white voices. But in recent years, more Black tattoo artists have gained visibility and recognition, creating spaces where Black clients can feel seen, heard, and understood.
Tattooing Black skin requires technical knowledge, cultural sensitivity, and artistic skill. Black artists bring not just the technical ability, but the lived experience necessary to design tattoos that reflect the complexities of Black identity.These artists are not just technicians—they’re cultural stewards. They’re helping shape a visual language of Black liberation, one tattoo at a time.
**More Than a Tattoo: A Living Legacy**
To wear a Juneteenth tattoo is to carry history in the flesh. It’s a daily reminder of where we’ve been and a commitment to where we’re going. It honors the ancestors who never got to see freedom and empowers future generations to continue the fight for justice and equity.
Whether it’s a minimalist date or an elaborate back piece, every Juneteenth tattoo is a story etched in resilience, pride, and power.
**Want to Learn More?**
Follow Black tattoo artists and studios on platforms like Instagram (click here for artists we featured during Black History Month)
Watch documentaries such as **Color Outside the Lines: A Tattoo Documentary (2012)** and
**Exploring the Black Experience in Tattooing | Intersectional Ink** to explore the Black experience in the tattoo industry
Support events and flash tattoo days during Juneteenth hosted by Black-owned studios
This Juneteenth, whether you're marching, dancing, reflecting, or getting inked—celebrate freedom not just as a historical moment, but as a living, evolving truth.
Freedom is not given. It is claimed. And sometimes, it’s tattooed. ✊🏿

Caroline Evans 6/12/25 Caroline Evans 6/12/25

Father’s Day & Shrooms

Read our blog about Father’s Day and tattoos. Tomorrow is our Friday the 13th Flash Event. We are participating in a global hiding mushrooms event.

Game of Shrooms

In 2019, an artist named Daniel “Attaboy” Seifert, created a scavenger hunt for everyone who loves mushrooms and art. It went viral (fungal?) and is now a global event. Artists create mushroom themed art, sculptures, paintings, etc. and hide them somewhere in the community. Art enthusiasts go look for it. This event was created to celebrate the unexpected surprises life can hand you.
Caroline, Koryn, Casey and Melanie created these adorable mushrooms for people to find. They will be giving clues on Instagram. The event is being held on Saturday, June 14th. If you would like to participate, click here for the map and more information.

**Ink and Legacy: Celebrating Father’s Day Through Tattoos**

Father’s Day is a time to honor the men who have shaped our lives with strength, guidance, love, and sacrifice. For many, the bond with a father—or father figure—runs deeper than words can express. That’s where tattoos come in: permanent, personal, and profoundly meaningful. More than just body art, Father’s Day tattoos tell stories of love, loss, legacy, and connection between generations.
Whether you’re a dad getting inked for your child, a child honoring their father, or someone paying tribute to a father figure who made a difference, tattoos have become a powerful way to commemorate that relationship.
**Tattoos by Dads: Ink for the Kids**
Fathers themselves often choose to celebrate their role through tattoos. Some opt for:
Names, birthdates, or footprints of their children
Portraits or cartoon versions of their kids
Artwork drawn by their children, turned into tattoo designs
Symbolic imagery—like a lion and cub, tree and sapling, or watchful eyes
Coordinates of the place where they became a dad
These tattoos reflect the pride, love, and fierce protectiveness that often define fatherhood. They’re more than decoration—they’re declarations of identity and commitment.
Photo by Devon Divine on Unsplash

**Tattoos for Dad: Ink as Tribute**

One of the most popular types of Father’s Day tattoos is a memorial or tribute tattoo—something that symbolizes a father’s personality, wisdom, or influence. These tattoos often include:
Portraits of fathers or grandfathers
Handwritten messages or signatures from old cards and letters
Favorite sayings or “Dad-isms”—phrases he was known for
Symbols of fatherhood, like tools, anchors, birds, watches, or vintage cars
Important dates like birth, passing, or Father’s Day itself
Religious or spiritual symbols that reflect his beliefs
For those who have lost a father, these tattoos serve as both grief rituals and enduring reminders that love doesn’t fade—it simply finds new forms.
**Matching Tattoos: Bonding Through Ink**
More and more families are celebrating Father’s Day with matching or complementary tattoos. A father and child might share:
A matching quote split across two tattoos
Shared symbols, like arrows, puzzle pieces, or compasses
Heartbeat or sound wave tattoos from a voice message or laugh
Numbers or Roman numerals meaningful to their relationship
Getting tattooed together can become a meaningful ritual in itself—a way to create a shared experience and a lifelong reminder of that bond.

**Beyond Biology: Honoring Father Figures**

Father’s Day isn’t just for biological dads. Stepfathers, mentors, grandfathers, uncles, coaches, and chosen family all play vital roles in shaping who we are. Tattoos can honor any father figure who’s offered love, support, and wisdom.
A tattoo in their honor might incorporate:
Military or profession-specific imagery (if they were in the service, a trade, or a specific field)
A meaningful quote they lived by
Shared hobbies or passions—from fishing rods to guitar picks to chess pieces
These tattoos are personal monuments to the men who showed up, stood by, and helped raise us into who we are today.
**A Legacy Etched in Skin**
Fatherhood, in all its forms, is a journey of heart, responsibility, and devotion. Tattoos offer a permanent way to mark the impact a father has had—or the pride someone feels in being one. They become visible, lasting legacies, passed down like stories etched in skin.
This Father’s Day, whether you're remembering a dad, celebrating one, or becoming one, consider how a tattoo can say what words sometimes can’t. After all, love—and ink—can last a lifetime.
Happy Father’s Day. Here’s to the dads who leave a mark that never fades.

Caroline Evans 6/5/25 Caroline Evans 6/5/25

Friday the 13th & Tattoos

We attended Asbury Pride Parade and had a great time! We raised $50 for Rainbow Railroad and plan on participating again next year with more items to raffle off! With our Friday the 13th Flash day coming up, lets dive into the history of the date and tattoos. The Asbury Tattoo Fest will be happening in July this year and 3 of our artists will be in attendance! Caroline, Koryn and Casey will all be there tattooing, so come get a tattoo, or just stop by and say “Hi!”

**What to Expect: Flash, Fast, and Fun**

Friday the 13th tattoos are usually flash tattoos—small, pre-designed pieces meant to be done quickly and efficiently. They often feature black cats, coffins, skulls, the number 13, horseshoes, daggers, or spiders. Also, goofy or spooky themes like ghosts, tombstones, or “13” incorporated in creative ways.
These designs are intentionally simple, classic, and affordable—part of the tradition's appeal. It’s about getting something fun, impulsive, and tied to a specific moment in time.
Our Friday the 13th flash can be seen here!
**More Than a Gimmick: A Rite of Passage**
For many, a Friday the 13th tattoo is their first tattoo—a spontaneous decision made with friends, fueled by adrenaline and excitement. For seasoned collectors, it’s a fun addition to a growing patchwork of flash and a badge of loyalty to tattoo culture.
Tattooers often see Friday the 13th as a way to give back to their communities, offering accessible tattoos while showcasing their signature styles. It’s chaotic, sure—but also a celebration of the art form’s roots: fast, bold, and built on connection.

**Tips for Surviving (and Enjoying) the Day**

Arrive early – Popular shops can have lines down the block. We take appointments for flash day to keep the waiting to a minimum.
Bring cash – Many shops don’t take cards for flash events. We take cash and cards.
Be respectful – Tattooers are working hard, fast, and under pressure.
Tip well – That $13 deal doesn’t reflect the real value of their time and skill.
Know what you're getting – Flash means no changes, so pick something you’ll enjoy.
**From Superstition to Subculture**
Friday the 13th may be rooted in fear, but in the tattoo world, it’s flipped on its head. What was once a day to avoid has become one to look forward to—a chance to celebrate tattoo history, score a fun design, and participate in a tradition that turns superstition into style.
Whether you’re superstitious or just super into tattoos, Friday the 13th is a great reminder: sometimes the best memories (and ink) come from doing something a little spontaneous, a little weird, and a little bit magical.
Happy Friday the 13th—may your ink be lucky and your lines be short! 🖤

Caroline Evans 5/29/25 Caroline Evans 5/29/25

June will be Active

Between Pride and Juneteenth, Flag Day and Father’s Day, not to mention all the shop birthdays… June is going to be a very active month for us. Caroline will be at the Asbury Park Pride Parade manning the APT table and holding a silent auction of a blanket that Doreen made to benefit the Rainbow Railroad. Flash Day is a Friday the 13th flash day and you know what that means…client appreciation gift certificates!!! Brand new Friday the 13th Flash is coming next week! Everyone will be drawing a $31 sheet, a $50 sheet and a $100 sheet, arms and legs only. Happy Birthday to Doreen, Tom and Melanie!

**Ink and Identity: How Tattoos Celebrate and Chronicle LGBTQ+ Pride**

Throughout history, tattoos have been a powerful form of self-expression, rebellion, and solidarity. For the LGBTQ+ community, body art has long served as a deeply personal and political canvas—a place where pride, resistance, love, and identity are made visible and permanent. As Pride Month approaches, it’s worth celebrating how tattoos have not only mirrored the LGBTQ+ experience but have also helped shape queer visibility and culture.
**A History of Hidden Symbols and Bold Statements**
Long before rainbow flags adorned city streets in June, queer people used discreet symbols to identify one another and claim space in a hostile world. Tattoos played a part in this quiet communication. Some chose the Greek letter lambda, the pink triangle reclaimed from Nazi persecution, or the black triangle—once used to mark lesbians as "asocial"—as acts of quiet defiance and personal affirmation.
Over time, as the LGBTQ+ rights movement gained ground and visibility, tattoos became bolder and more colorful—literally and figuratively. The rise of Pride tattoos—rainbows, unicorns, slogans like “Love is Love,” or portraits of queer icons—coincided with a growing acceptance of queer identities in mainstream culture. What was once a covert signal became a proud proclamation.

**Ink as Activism**

Tattoos can also be tools of activism. A person might choose ink that honors the lives lost to AIDS, commemorates the Stonewall riots, or calls for trans rights. Some get tattoos to mark their coming out date, honor chosen family, or memorialize queer joy and resilience in a world that still offers too little of either.
During times of political backlash or anti-LGBTQ+ legislation, visible tattoos become acts of courage. A rainbow heart on a wrist or the phrase “Born This Way” across a shoulder blade can signal solidarity and serve as a public statement: I’m here. I’m proud. I’m not going back.
**Art that Tells the Truth**
Tattoos are more than decoration—they are declarations. For queer people, they tell stories of struggle and survival, of transformation and triumph. They mark heartbreak and healing, rebellion and rebirth.
As we celebrate Pride, we should also honor the artists and clients who use tattooing to write queer narratives on flesh. These images—etched in ink and lived in skin—remind us that pride isn’t just a month, a march, or a parade. It’s a lifelong journey, worn proudly, one line at a time.

**Tattoo Shops as Queer Spaces**

Tattooing has often flourished at society’s margins, making it a natural ally of queer culture. LGBTQ+ tattooers have carved out inclusive spaces that honor body diversity, respect pronouns, and center consent—often in contrast to more traditional or macho tattoo environments.
Queer-owned tattoo studios have become sanctuaries for self-expression, especially for trans and nonbinary clients. For many, getting tattooed is a form of gender affirmation: covering old scars, reclaiming one’s body, or aligning one’s exterior with internal truth. The tattoo process—collaborative, intimate, and body-focused—can be deeply empowering.
Whether it’s a minimalist rainbow or a full-back portrait of Marsha P. Johnson, every piece of body art tells a story. For many in the LGBTQ+ community, those stories are everything.

Happy Pride—and pass the stencil. 🌈

Caroline Evans 5/22/25 Caroline Evans 5/22/25

Ink and Honor

Flash Day is May 28th, check out the flash sheets and come get a tattoo! We are registered for the My Body My Choice Tattoo Flash Event this year! Come out and support women’s rights on July 26th. Asbury Pride Parade is June 1st. Caroline will be manning the APT table. Come out and say Hi! June 13th is our next flash event. Check out the flash sheets and get some gift certificates!

Caroline Evans 5/15/25 Caroline Evans 5/15/25

May Flowers & Discounts

We have a lot of events coming up…Pride, Friday the 13th, conventions, BBQs, beach days… remember your sunblock and remember to re-apply and re-apply, oh, and re-apply! Flash Day is the 28th, so check out the new flash and make your appointment! Brick homeowners have a great new reason to get that tattoo they’ve been putting off. Read below and find out why…

Get Money Back, 2 ways!!!

Radiant Energy Tattoo is now a participant in the Buy in Brick program. Present your Property Tax Card and receive 7.5% off your tattoo! We will submit your info and you will also get a discount on your property taxes! We have no idea how much, that’s not our business, but any amount off is great!
Brick township is trying to stimulate the local economy by giving incentives for Brick residents to buy in Brick (hence, the name of the program) and giving incentives for Brick businesses to stay in Brick. So get that tattoo you’ve putting off, present your card at the time of purchase and receive a discount on your tattoo now and a discount on your taxes later. It’s a win/win/win situation!

**May Flowers & Tattoos: Why Spring Is the Perfect Time to Get Inked with Nature’s Best**

At our studio, we’ve noticed a beautiful trend: as the world blooms in May, so do our clients’ ideas for floral tattoos. And honestly, we’re here for it. Flowers are more than just pretty designs—they’re symbols of growth, strength, love, and transformation. Whether you're getting your first tattoo or adding to your collection, May is the perfect season to bring a little natural beauty to your skin.
**Why Flowers?**
Floral tattoos are timeless for a reason. Every bloom has a story. Roses are classic love symbols. Lilies can represent purity or remembrance. Peonies show off lush abundance and good fortune. Sunflowers? All about loyalty, energy, and light. Whatever speaks to you, chances are there’s a flower that fits—and we can design it to match your vibe.
**Why May?**
Spring is about renewal, and May is when it really comes to life. It’s the month of movement—of growth, of change, of stepping into the sun again. A lot of people use this time to mark a new chapter: healing, celebration, or just doing something for themselves. And a floral tattoo can capture all of that in a way that’s both meaningful and visually stunning.
Plus, let’s be real — spring is prime tattoo weather. You’re not bundled up in layers, your skin isn’t dry and cracking from the cold, and you’ve got time to heal before the summer sun really kicks in.
Photo by Brock Wegner on Unsplash

**Custom Floral Ink: Your Way**

We love creating one-of-a-kind floral pieces that reflect you. Maybe it’s a single wildflower to honor a loved one. Maybe it’s a bold bouquet sleeve to show off your strength and resilience. Whether you’re into fine line botanicals, bold traditional roses, or soft watercolor petals—we’ll work with your ideas and make sure the design blooms exactly how you imagined it.
**A Few Ideas for May Floral Tattoos:**
**Birth Month Blooms** – Each month has its own flower. For May, it’s the lily of the valley or hawthorn—both symbols of hope and protection.
**Botanical Pairings** – Add herbs or greenery like eucalyptus or lavender for added meaning.
**Black and Grey or Full Color** – Both styles have major impact. Let us help you choose what suits your skin tone and personal aesthetic.

**Ready to Bloom?**
If May has you feeling inspired, let’s talk. Whether you’ve got a fully-formed idea or just a Pinterest board of pretty petals, we’ll help bring it to life. Book a consult, swing by the studio, or shoot us a message—because just like flowers, tattoos can be soft and strong, bold and beautiful.
Let your story bloom this spring—one petal at a time.
Photo by GRAHAM MANSFIELD on Unsplash

Caroline Evans 5/8/25 Caroline Evans 5/8/25

Mother’s Day & Tattoos

May 10 is the Shore Saves fund raiser at Bar A from 12 - 4. Donate to help shelter animals and maybe win a Radiant Energy Gift Certificate! May 28th is Flash Day. The new flash is posted on the site and the socials.

**Ink & Love: Celebrating Mother’s Day with Meaningful Tattoos**

Mother’s Day is a time to honor the women who’ve shaped our lives with strength, tenderness and unconditional love. For many, flowers and cards are a lovely gesture, but for others that love runs skin deep. Tattoos have become a powerful, permanent way to celebrate motherhood whether it’s in tribute, memory or shared experience.
**Tattoos as Tribute**
From portraits to initials, birth flowers to meaningful dates, tattoos can honor a mother’s impact in deeply personal way. Many people choose to immortalize a mother’s handwriting, a favorite saying or even a childhood drawing. These tattoos serve as wearable memories and living alters to maternal love.
**Matching & Generational Ink**
Some mothers and children choose to get matching or complementary tattoos. From tiny hearts to shared mantras, these pieces symbolize a bond that transcends generations. For moms who embrace ink themselves, getting tattooed together can be a powerful rite of passage.
**In Memory and Celebration**
For those who’ve lost a mother, a tattoo can be part of the healing process, a subtle design, a favorite flower, or a symbolic image - like a bird, halo or heartbeat - can become a daily reminder that love doesn’t end with absence.
This Mother’s Day whether you’re celebrating your mom, honoring her memory or embracing your own journey through motherhood, a tattoo might be more than art, it might be legacy.
Photo by Melanie Rosillo Galvan on Unsplash

Caroline Evans 5/1/25 Caroline Evans 5/1/25

Beltane and Tattoos

Celebrate Beltane with a new tattoo, read the article below. May is EDS Awareness Month, so Caroline is sharing her insights with the world on social media. Flash Day is May 28th, next week the flash sheets will be updated. Rescue Pawloosa is at Bar A on May 10th, support your local pet rescue at this fundraiser!

**Beltane & Tattoos: Celebrating Fire, Fertility, and Fresh Ink**

As tattoo artists, we know the power of transformation—how intention, creativity, and a little pain can shape something beautiful and permanent. This energy aligns perfectly with Beltane, the ancient Celtic fire festival celebrated on May 1st, which marks the halfway point between spring and summer. It's a time of passion, fertility, and new beginnings—an ideal season to get a tattoo that means something more.
**Why Beltane Matters**
Beltane is all about life-force energy. Historically, it was celebrated with bonfires, flowers, dancing, and rituals to bless crops, animals, and relationships. It’s a celebration of growth, connection, and renewal—and for modern-day folks who still honor earth-based spirituality (or simply love the vibe of the season), it's a deeply symbolic time.
**Ink Inspired by the Season**
If you're thinking about getting a tattoo in May, Beltane can offer powerful inspiration. Here are some ideas that tap into the festival’s themes:

**Flames & Fire**: Symbolizing purification, passion, and transformation. Think glowing embers, stylized fire lines, or mythological creatures like phoenixes.
Photo by Georgiana Pop (Avram) on Unsplash

**Floral Motifs**: Hawthorn, mayflowers, and wild roses all bloom around this time and are tied to Beltane folklore. Perfect for those wanting delicate yet meaningful pieces.
**The Green Man**: A symbol of nature’s masculine energy and rebirth—often depicted with leaves, vines, and a wise, wild gaze.
**Sacred Symbols**: Spirals, suns, maypoles, and goddess sigils that represent life cycles, union, and creation.
**Lovers’ Tattoos**: Beltane celebrates union—romantic or otherwise. Matching tattoos, entwined figures, or shared sigils can commemorate a deep bond.
**Make It a Ritual**
Some of our clients like to treat their Beltane tattoo as more than just body art—it becomes part of a personal ritual. Whether it's bringing in herbs or oils that are meaningful to them, timing their appointment with the sunset, or dedicating the piece to a fresh start, Beltane adds a spiritual layer to the ink.
If you’re into that kind of thing, talk to your artist about how to bring that intention into the design. We're always happy to co-create something that resonates deeply—not just visually, but energetically.
**Your Body is Your Canvas**
Beltane is a reminder that life is blooming all around us—and within us. A tattoo at this time of year can be a bold celebration of who you are, what you’ve survived, or where you're going next. Whether you’re honoring love, growth, or transformation, we’d be honored to help mark the moment.
Got an idea burning in your mind? Let’s bring it to life.
Image by Mike Singleton from Pixabay

Caroline Evans 4/24/25 Caroline Evans 4/24/25

Earth Day & 10th Anniversary

As we rush from April in to May, there is a lot going on and coming up! Earth Day was April 22 and our 10th anniversary is May 3rd. Star Wars Day, Cinco de Mayo, Mother’s Day, Memorial Day and May Flash Day is the 28th! This year we only have the time to jump into 1 of those. We will be having a IG Live Client Appreciation Party for our anniversary, see details below. Check back in a week or two for the new May Flash on the Flash page.

Radiant Energy Tattoo