Nestled within the bustling streets of Altadena, a tattoo haven is revolutionizing the conventional ink experience, offering patrons a serene escape from the norm.
Upon crossing the threshold of June Bug Tattoo Parlor, visitors are greeted by a symphony of tranquil melodies, bathed in soft lighting that illuminates shelves adorned with an eclectic array of sculptures, feathers, and vases.
Isabel Livingstone, the visionary behind June Bug, elucidates the ethos of the establishment, emphasizing its commitment to safety and inclusivity. “We’re a sanctuary for women, non-binary individuals, and members of the queer community,” she affirms, gesturing towards Louie, the resident service dog, who welcomes guests with a gentle demeanor, his silence belying an affectionate disposition.
Cocooned within a strip mall along Fair Oaks Avenue, June Bug emerged from Livingstone’s recognition of a void within the tattoo landscape. “I adore tattoo artistry, but I sought to transcend the commonplace atmosphere prevalent in many parlors,” she explains.
Unlike the dimly lit confines and cacophonous ambiance found elsewhere, June Bug exudes an air of tranquility. Livingstone elucidates, “Traditional tattoo spaces can be overwhelming with their dark walls, raucous music, and bustling crowds,” she notes, highlighting the contrast with June Bug’s serene ambiance.
Even the ubiquitous buzz of tattoo machines, akin to a dental drill’s ominous hum, is conspicuously absent, a deliberate choice by Livingstone and her team of five female artists who share her vision.
For clientele like Annemarie Pazmino, June Bug’s ambiance is a breath of fresh air. “It’s bright, clean, and invigorating,” she enthuses, underscoring the rejuvenating atmosphere fostered within the parlor’s walls.
Livingstone emphasizes the imperative of minimizing overstimulation, particularly in a space already imbued with the inherent discomfort of the tattooing process. “The experience should be about the artistry, not sensory overload,” she asserts, epitomizing June Bug’s ethos of prioritizing patrons’ comfort and well-being above all else.
In her quest to redefine the tattoo experience, Livingstone remains steadfast, one design at a time. “The pain of the needle suffices; there’s no need to amplify it with a chaotic environment,” she concludes, embodying June Bug’s commitment to elevating the art of tattooing into a serene and transformative journey for all who enter its doors.