Getting Inked at Award-Winning East Providence Tattoo

Kelly Doran

This Wednesday, I woke up like a child on Christmas morning. I was finally going to get my wrist tattoo covered up! Not only that, I knew that the Ladies and Gents at East Providence Tattoo were going to do amazing work. 

Work in progress

The vibe here at EPT like no other tattoo shop. Of course, there are men and women covered in tattoos, music playing , and partitions separating each artists' station, but when you walk into this parlor, you are family. Every time.  

The artists that work in this parlor know that without us-- the people who want, and need, to be inked--that they would be out of business.

My tattoo will be done by by Bruce Campinha, who is by far one of the most talented artists in Rhode Island. He’s done 3 other pieces of mine, so I've entrusted him to cover up my  horrifically botched tattoo. His fiancée, who goes by Rissy, says that the “music is the motivation, but it’s about the art." And that is noticeable when you’re sitting in EPT. There is art from lots of different artists all over the walls. It’s obviously a clean place to get tattooed, because the artists, no matter what, have respect for the needle, the machine, the customer, and themselves. 

They want to put out the best, most healthy product, they want to create art on other people’s skin. There are no corners cut, and never have I witnessed these artists complain about a customer, a piece, money, or time. It is truly a fun place to be. It almost makes me forget that any minute now, I will be rapidly poked with needles hundreds or thousands of times. 

Bruce and I designed my tattoo from the ground up, and we knew it would be a bit tricky. We hit up Google search, found a lady and a flower, and he drew out a design... and by noon, it was time to start. 

This particular tattoo was extremely painful, but as I sat there, literally whimpering in pain, Bruce was head-down focused on getting the tat done, and getting the pain over with. His speed is amazing, his lines crisp and clean. By 2:30, a few short hours and many cigarette breaks later, we were finally done. I now have a beautiful piece of art that I’m proud to show off.

There are reasons why out of all the tattoo shops in Rhode Island, that East Providence Tattoo won the Providence Phoenix award for the best of them. Clean, healthy artists and spaces; beautiful art work; dedication and practice at the craft is what got them there. 

Don’t forget to make an appointment. The shop is located at 2399 Pawtucket Ave, East Providence. You won’t be disappointed with the quality of work, the pricing, or the people. 

It’s definitely a WIN WIN!

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