This past weekend, I had the opportunity to attend the Boston Tattoo Convention and take part in a fantastic seminar hosted by Ryan Ouellette of Precision Body Arts. The class, titled “Versatile Piercing,” focused on everyday piercings—but in true Ryan fashion, even the basics were packed with insight and nuance.
One of the highlights of the class was watching Ryan perform live piercings, including nostrils, and seeing firsthand the smoothness and precision of his technique. His approach to nostril piercings, in particular, was so fluid and efficient—it’s something I’m eager to implement and adapt in my own practice. Seeing someone make the difficult look effortless is always humbling and inspiring.
The class was intentionally small, which made for an incredibly focused learning environment. Being able to ask questions and have detailed discussions in that kind of setting is invaluable. It’s one thing to take a class, and another entirely to be part of a conversation—this felt very much like the latter.
After the seminar, I took a short trip to Nashua, New Hampshire, to visit Ryan’s studio, Precision Body Arts. His new location is absolutely stunning and full of thoughtful details that made a big impression on me. I came away with fresh ideas—not only about jewelry display and studio layout, but also how to optimize my StatIM sterilizer cycles to reduce waste and save time between clients. It’s the kind of behind-the-scenes knowledge that doesn’t always come up in traditional classroom settings.
I left this weekend feeling re-energized, educated, and full of ideas to implement at Bound for Glory Tattoo back home in Staten Island. Experiences like these are a big part of how I stay sharp and continue evolving as a piercer. Whether it’s new techniques, tools, or approaches to client care, I’m always looking for ways to grow—and seminars like this one, especially through Progressive Mentorship, are a big part of that journey.
Huge thanks to Ryan for his continued dedication to education in the piercing industry. I look forward to more seminars in the future and, as always, bringing the best possible service and knowledge back to my clients.