Tobe and Cameran Drew, owners of On the Edge Tattoo, opened their studio in Bowling Green, Ohio more than six years ago in order to share a passion for expression through art. Cameran shared that she got her start as a beautician and make-up artist before meeting Tobe, who has been a tattoo artist for ten years. We hit it off, got married, and opened the first shop," said Cameran about her change in professions. She then went on to learn the art of permanent cosmetics, which she has been performing for just under five years. "It's great to use my background in make-up artistry to apply it to what I do now."
Her skills attribute to the success of their studios, along with the fine tattoo artistry of her husband and partner Tobe. Tobe is proficient at a variety of styles, and shares his knowledge by teaching others the art form. Tobe's award winning work can be seen on skin throughout the country, as well as on the members of 2 Live Crew, who have taken the couple on four with them, and Cameron, who has won awards and gained tattoo modeling assignments from wearing his work. They are a dynamic pair with nowhere to go but up.
The couple now has two studios: the first in Bowling Green employs twelve people and the second in Findlay employs another five. In addition to their talent, they have at least two piercing artists in the studio at all times and eight other tattoo artists on staff. They attribute their success to cleanliness and classiness. "It's a very classy shop and everything is done very professionally," Cameran says. "The local health department even recommends that people come to us. The reputation of the Bowling Green studio is so good that people who don't even have tattoos come in to check the shop because they heard about it."
The studios sport a black and red color scheme with art galleries at both locations. The tattoo flash collection is extensive, with beautiful traditional wall pieces and a library of other art for tattoo ideas. Once you get post the diamond plate counters, you will see the fine art of David Bolt beside some custom pieces by local artists, some unique pieces picked up in Europe, and a 210-gallon salt water aquarium. They say that they try to get their hands on anything unusual. The studios offer fantastic self-designed "On the Edge" gear, body jewelry, and the lowest minimums I have seen in a long time. This also makes it a great place to buy a gift for the tattoo enthusiast in any family. They offer services seven days a week in the plush atmosphere.
Tobe is not the only award winner in the studio. Other artists at On the Edge Tattoo include Dennis Foust, the manager who adds high quality black and gray and portrait work to the studio's portfolio, while Will Taylor, the assistant manager, brings back a taste of Old School style with his work. Combined with the skills of Laura Flickinger, Mike Heilman, Scott, and Tyler Brott, they keep the ink flowing when the owners are busy. Many of them have received awards and have been featured in magazines. Even the apprentice, Blue, has an award to boast about, adding to the quality being put out by the crew.
The couple also co-sponsors Bowling Green's annual tattoo competition, Dark Ink. This year's May 24th event, held at the Sky Bar, boasted thirty trophies and over $1500 worth of door prizes that promoted the culture of skin art in their community, The atmosphere was enhanced by various celebrity judges and music from a live disc jockey; they described it as "a big party."
On the Edge Tattoo brings talent, luxury, and professionalism together in their studios. If you ever find yourself in Ohio, they would love to have you stop by to visit. You can also see the studio at www.ontheedgetattoo.com.