NEWS

Renegade Tattoo Studio grand opening this weekend

Jennifer L. Manfrin
Correspondent

COSHOCTON - When John Wayne, of West Lafayette, decided to start his own tattoo studio, he combined his drive to succeed with his team to open a place that he calls “classy” and “modern.”

It’s a place where customers can get custom tattoos in a relaxed atmosphere, where the artists go out of their way to create tattoos that are truly works of art.

“I think we have the right formula to win a championship. If this was a basketball team, start hanging banners,” said Wayne of his combined force with artists Melissa Shears and Dakota Cutshall, all graduates of Ridgewood High School.

“The great part is that we all have the same vision,” he said.

Customers have been streaming into Renegade Tattoo Studio at 531 Main St. since Friday, but the new business will celebrate its official grand opening this Friday, Saturday and Sunday.

Wayne is excited about the future of his studio because he said he and his fellow artists are ready to provide tattoo enthusiasts with something new, something different.

“It’s a collaborative effort. They are extremely talented,” Wayne said of Shears and Cutshall.

Wayne’s road to becoming a business owner has unfolded over the past few years.

Originally from Long Beach, California, both of Wayne’s parents died when he was a child, and he was adopted by family in Ohio. After heading down the wrong path in life and hanging out with the wrong people, Wayne ended up in prison. He was released three years ago after serving eight years, and he said he was determined to succeed.

After being released, his love of art and interest in tattoos led him to pursue what he said was the only opportunity he had. He said he would often walk from West Lafayette to learn about the art at a tattoo parlor where he, Shears and Cutshall later worked. In addition to learning, observing and drawing, he often spent time cleaning up the establishment.

“I wanted to show my motivation. When stuff needed done, I did it. No one had to ask for anything,” Wayne said.

He also learned by working at tattoo shops throughout Ohio, and has gained a following for his artistry. His work has been featured in the tattoo magazines “Total Ink,” “Rebel Ink” and “Savage.”

His following will result in more business brought to Coshocton, he said.

Wayne has already had people come from Texas, Kentucky, Indiana, throughout Ohio and other locations for his versatile style. He also has worked out deals with local hotels for their accommodations.

“They are staying in Coshocton hotels, using Coshocton gas and buying Coshocton food. They are spending money in Coshocton,” Wayne said. “This is going to be good for the community.”

With the help of Shears and Cutshall, and what he says has been “tremendous support from the community,” Wayne said he plans to expand the business and become known on a national level. His future plans include adding more studio space in the back room and adding a new artist. Piercings will be available in about a month.

“I’m exhausted, but I’m extremely satisfied. When I got out of prison three years ago, I had a vision that I wanted for my life, and that vision is a reality now,” he said.

Renegade Tattoo Studio will be offering specials on tattoos throughout the three-day open house. Walk-in studio hours are 1 to 9 p.m. Monday through Saturday and 11 a.m. to 6 p.m. Sunday. Appointments are available outside of regular walk-in hours by calling 740-610-0044.