Quinn Robertson and Mackenzie Bosse share a workspace at Fever Dream Tattoo in Saint John. They work side by side every day. However, their approaches to body art sit on opposite ends of the spectrum. Excellence NB recently nominated their shop for a People’s Choice Award. The nonprofit highlights local products and services. While they did not take home the top prize, the artists told CBC News they appreciate the spotlight on unique small businesses in the city.

The Appeal of American Traditional

Robertson brings two years of experience to the table. They initially explored the stick and poke method but quickly transitioned to a classic tattoo machine. Today, Robertson focuses on American traditional designs featuring bright colors and bold lines. This style traces its roots back to sailors in the early 1900s. Robertson notes that Saint John reflects this history perfectly.

“I think Saint John is a very traditional city,” Robertson said. “We have an American traditional artist on almost every block.”

The style relies on simplified images you recognize from a distance and a limited color palette.

Mastering the Hand Poke Method

Bosse takes a contemporary and minimal approach. She relies primarily on the hand poke method to create pointillism dot work. Instead of a machine, she manually pokes the needle into the skin to build lines and shapes.

“When I poke with my hand poke needles, I am making a line by connecting dots together,” Bosse said.

She often encounters misconceptions about her technique. People sometimes associate hand poked art with amateur basement tattoos. Bosse laughs off the comparison, noting her professional work stands far apart from those early stereotypes.

Customizing Your Character

Despite their different styles, both artists share a similar philosophy about getting tattooed. They encourage clients to embrace the fun of body art without overthinking the process. Robertson loves the variety of client requests. Their own collection ranges from a memorial for a childhood cat to a frog playing an electric guitar.

Bosse agrees that people often start with a serious memorial piece before moving on to playful designs.

“It’s fun to decorate and colour your body,” Bosse said. “You’re customizing your character.”

Beyond the artwork, Bosse views tattooing as a customer service experience. Spending two to three hours with a client builds a connection. She focuses on delivering a high quality tattoo while ensuring you have a great time in the chair.

Frequently Asked Questions

Where is Fever Dream Tattoo located?

Fever Dream Tattoo is a local small business operating in Saint John, New Brunswick.

What is an American traditional tattoo?

American traditional tattoos feature bold black outlines, a limited color palette, and simplified images. The style originated with sailors in the early 1900s.

How does a hand poke tattoo work?

Instead of using an electric machine, the artist manually pokes a needle into the skin. They create lines and shading by connecting individual dots, often referred to as pointillism.

Did Fever Dream Tattoo win the Excellence NB award?

The shop received a nomination for the Excellence NB People’s Choice Award. While they did not win, the artists appreciated the recognition for their local business.