A shift in tattoo culture: Local artists open shop downtown

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EVERETT, JAN. 21: Sarina Keys automatically knew that she and tattoo artist AMART would be best friends.

Keys and AMART met at Colby Avenue Tattoo, located in downtown Everett. They became close pretty quickly, Keys even saving AMART’s life and his dog.

The story of Oh Boy Original, a new tattoo parlor off Baker Ave. that opened in January, is a long one, but filled with friendship, hardship and a love for ink.

The Start

Co-owner AMART came to Seattle from Utah more than a year ago. He was on his way to Disneyland in California and found a post from Colby Avenue Tattoo looking for a new artist. He commented on the post, and then spontaneously decided to go visit the shop.

A month later, he moved over to Everett, doing guest spots at that very tattoo shop.

It was there that Keys and AMART met, beginning their friendship. The first thing that Keys said to AMART was, “We’re best friends now.”

During this entire time, AMART was dealing with long term anemia, a blood disorder that occurs when your body doesn’t produce enough healthy red blood cells or hemoglobin.

“It was the lowest point of my life. I was anemic for six years and ended up going to the ER,” AMART said.

Keys was the one to take AMART to the emergency room when he had a hemoglobin level of 5 grams per deciliter, which can lead to serious health outcomes including heart failure and death.

“It was a rough day,” Keys said.

During AMART’s time at Colby, he said he just tried to do his work and stay out of everyone’s way because he was in his own “little fog” due to his illness.

As he was recovering, he and Keys started talking about opening up their own tattoo shop, with a whole new vibe.

Photo of AMART’s studio at OBOG. Taken by Mikayla Finnerty, Jan. 16.

“Oh Boy!”

AMART and Keys wanted to stray away from the hustle and bustle of a typical tattoo shop.

Owners Keys and AMART pose in the sitting area of Oh Boy Original. Taken by Mikayla Finnerty, Jan. 16, 2025.

“We wanted to have a place where you could stretch out and there’s not a loud atmosphere where someone will randomly put on screaming music…it’s very overstimulating,” AMART said.

Oh Boy Original, or OBOG, is appointment only and offers a private and more personal approach to the tattoo experience. From start to finish, they are working to curate a more personalized experience for clients.

“I think giving the client the space to trust you in your creative style is important but also giving them the space to say what they’re looking for versus the stress of just coming in and picking something off the wall, cause that can be intimidating,” Keys said.

AMART, who has been tattooing for 12 years, said that usually when you go into a tattoo shop it feels very much like getting in and “let’s do work” and “get out.”

“The general consensus with the tattoo industry now is things are starting to change,” Keys, who has been tattooing for five years, said, “And we are seeing it evolve in real-time.”

Part of the change Keys said is a deeper appreciation for the right tattoo artist and art in general.

“People are definitely appreciating better art more, and that’s why something like this and a place like this is becoming something that not only clients want, but to have for tattoo artists as well.”

AMART knew he didn’t want to live in Seattle. Coming from Salt Lake City, a bigger city itself, he wanted to move away from city life. Keys, who has clients in Seattle and Everett, didn’t want to go too far north.

And so, the decision to take root in Everett emerged. AMART said that he and Keys are also excited about the future of Everett. Between advancements to the Port of Everett Waterfront and the new stadium coming downtown, they feel the city is on the up and up.

“It’s sort of a really cool area… you see business moving into the area and we’re pretty excited…,” AMART said.

Mickey

Walking into OBOG you can tell someone has a love for Disney’s favorite mouse, Mickey.

“Mickey is twofold for me. One it’s my childhood and reminds me of my mom,” AMART said, “But secondly as an icon, he is so cool. He spans any generation and any culture. Plus, anyone looks cool with a Mickey shirt. He is just the coolest character ever.”

Pictured is a wall in AMART’s studio at Oh Boy Original. Picture by Mikayla Finnerty, taken Jan. 16, 2025.

Roughly seven years ago, AMART began a Micky Mouse Tattoo Day. The event has grown every year with people traveling across the country to receive a forever mark of the icon.

Within the tattoo shop, you can find Mickey popping up around every corner. Throughout the years clients have gifted him plushies, pictures, and even a Mickey umbrella.

“It’s fun to be a kid and this is my way to keep that childhood alive,” AMART said.

Even “Oh boy” is a catchphrase of Mickey. At first Keys and AMART thought of “Oh Boy Tattoo” but it didn’t sit right.

“We wanted something that reached beyond the tattoo world. As much as we love tattooing, at the end of the day we love art. Tattoo felt too much like a label,” AMART said.

Future

AMART and Keys are excited about the future of their business. They plan on opening up the space to offer art workshops and classes. Both have a background in teaching and art and want to share with others.

“We wanted to set up some art nights to give us space to allow people to experience figure drawing, like where else is a place doing that?,” AMART said.

On their website, you can find portfolios, background information and soon, an online shop. You can contact Keys and AMART here.