Brainstorming Time

Lip service pays at this tattoo parlor

INKSANITY is giving new meaning to a trembling bottom lip.

Artists at the Milton boutique tattoo studio have been needling ink into clients' inner-bottom lips, allowing them to experience the "thrill of getting a tatt without the commitment" owner Marko Micovic said.

"It's just the new craze in tattoos, I guess," the 21-year-old said. "People just want to be a part of it because it doesn't last that long and it's just something fun.

"It will only last about three months because your lip will keep rubbing against your teeth and wear the tattoo away."

Words such as "Loyalty", "Anarchy" and "Respect" have been popular with those giving the new trend a go but Micovic said they would also do small pictures and motifs.

The boutique tattoo studio is the newest addition to the Park Rd strip, better known for its cafes.

"We aim to bring out the artistic side of tattoos and really work with each client," Mr Micovic said.

"We sit down with each person for at least two to three hours and make sure it's exactly what they want and they know what they're getting and they know what it's going to look like on their skin.

"We don't want someone to walk away and regret getting something."

Micovic's tattoo crew includes new age Old Style artist Jacob Jones who uses bold lines and bright colours, Japanese Irezumi-style specialist Jong Hee Won and award-winning tattoo portrait artist N.K Shin.

"I found NK in Korea from an international tattoo convention. I saw his work, emailed him and said come over to Australia and work for me," Micovic said.

"I waited until I hired to him to get my first because his artwork is so impressive."

Shin was voted Best Portrait Artist at international tattoo convention Ink Bomb in South Korea in 2003 and 2006.

I'm not promising I would go out and get one of these after work, but I would consider it if I got an awesome idea.  Three months?  Dude, that's nothing.  I wish there were tattoos that looked good that would only last three months.  I would get them all the time.  I would totally get ridiculous things too, just to make people wonder what was wrong with me.  Nothing on my grill or junk, but just about anywhere else.

If anyone has any ideas of what to get tattooed on my lower lip, let me know.  I was thinking "Ridin' Dirty since it will be at least another three months before I get my car inspected anyway.  A dentist may wonder about me if he saw that though.  Not that there's anything wrong with that.

-Big Ran