SPRINGFIELD – Analytics and advisory company Gallup’s “State of the Global Workplace” studies regularly find that employee engagement – considered a close proxy for happiness – leads to more productivity, higher customer satisfaction and profitability, and fewer safety incidents.
So when tattoo artist Daniel Ingvalson says he “wants to be at work more than at home,” that’s good news for Jake Williams, owner of Black Forest Tattoo Company at 149 5th St.
“I’ve been in a lot of shops, but this is the first shop that feels like home,” Ingvalson said.
Williams, a Springfield High alum, said art runs in his blood.
As a child, Williams’ mom was always painting and making art. He noted that he and his mom had the same middle school art teacher, Mrs. Carter and that his parents encouraged him to explore his artistic abilities early on, having attended art preschool.
Planting that seed early on proved to be a profound experience for Williams, whose shop opened quietly on Jan. 20 in downtown Springfield – where Ducko’s Custom Framing was previously – before celebrating its ribbon cutting on Tuesday, April 1.
“This is a hometown family-oriented tattoo shop,” Williams said, adding that he prides himself on his professionalism and punctuality with clients and that most of their artwork is custom.
“We can take on any project at this experience. … You don’t just pick something off the wall. I sit down with my clients and see what they want,” Ingvalson said. “I haven’t tattooed the same design twice. We are always doing something original.”
Williams advises those interested in getting a tattoo: “Research your artist. Lots of people tell you they can do anything, but look for an artist you click with… Get to know the artist. Make sure it is someone who excels at what you want.”
Black Forrest Tattoo will also host a grand opening celebration on Tuesday, April 11, the details of which Williams is still working out.
