Joanne Eastwood has been an artist since childhood, drawing birds she saw from her window.
She pursued her passion at the New England School of Art and Design and the California School of Arts and Crafts. She has experience in graphic design and various media and still accepts commissioned portraits.
Tattooing holds a unique appeal for her.
“It’s just a different medium,” Eastwood told The Nugget. “The greatest thing is that someone is willing to wear your art, which is amazing. That’s a really good feeling.”
Eastwood opened Eastwood Tattoos at 101 W. Main Ave., Suite F, in October 2023. She designed the studio to be bright, open, and welcoming.
“I’ve made this place that I feel is comfortable and safe, and not overwhelming,” she said.
Eastwood Tattoos offers various styles, including floral, realism, black and grey, and more.
“I probably lean more toward black-and-white, fine-line animal and nature tattoos,” Eastwood said.
The studio also provides bold color work.
Communication is key to creating a design. A 30-minute consultation is free.
“Often, clients have a concept of what they want. I draw it up for them, and they approve it,” Eastwood said. “I find out as much as I can about what they like and what they’re looking for.”
Clients often bring examples of what they like, showing photos from Instagram or other social media.
Popular motifs include trees, mountains, flowers, and tattoos that evoke memories of people.
Eastwood offers tips for getting the best results from a tattoo. She advises against drinking alcohol the night before a session and stresses the importance of staying hydrated.
“The skin performs better well-hydrated,” she said. “The better you treat your body before it, the better the tattoo – and also the healing after.”
She also suggests being mindful of high sun exposure areas and considering pain tolerance when choosing a sensitive spot for a tattoo.
Eastwood has lived in Central Oregon for 27 years and loves Sisters. She designed her business to blend into the community.
“Sisters is a great community,” she said. “I want the studio to feel like a community place.”
Eastwood Tattoos is open Monday through Friday from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. and Saturday and Sunday from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m.