Experienced Tattoo Artist From Enfield Opens New Shop In East Windsor

EAST WINDSOR, CT — For the past three decades, tattoo artist Jerome Swanson has honed his craft all across the United States and even in several foreign countries. After spending the past five years working at Sacred Body Tattoo Gallery in Enfield, he has stepped out and opened his own studio just over the town line in East Windsor.

Swanson opened the Ink Spot about two months ago in the Bassdale Plaza on Route 140. He operates by appointment only, "where I can work uninterrupted," he said in a recent interview with Patch.

The Monson, Mass. native started his career in 1991. "My dad had a shop in Stafford, I worked there for about a year and then began moving around," he said.

His travels have taken him to Canada, Germany, Scotland and Australia, as well as American hotspots like Las Vegas, Fort Lauderdale and Myrtle Beach ("a lot of people on vacation and drunk"). In 13 years working on the Las Vegas Strip, he ran shops for several high-profile owners, including Carey Hart (husband of pop singer Pink) and Motley Crue vocalist Vince Neil.

Swanson takes pride in his precision artwork. "75 to 80 percent of what I do is freehand with a Sharpie," he said.

Scott Santos, a customer for the past two years, originally approached Swanson at Tommy's Tattoo Convention about putting an image of pro wrestling star Randy "Macho Man" Savage on his left leg.

"It turned out so well, I had him start adding more of my favorite bad guy wrestlers from the early 1990s," Santos said. His leg now sports incredible tattoos of WWE Hall of Famers Ric Flair, the Undertaker, Rowdy Roddy Piper, Ravishing Rick Rude, Razor Ramon, Sgt. Salughter and "The Million Dollar Man" Ted DiBiase.

Last weekend at an autograph signing appearance at Zombie Hideout in Springfield, Santos got to meet DiBiase and showed him his likeness. The retired wrestler was completely blown away by the incredible work.

One policy Swanson has which differs from most shops is he will not put ink on anyone under age 18. According to state law, "The state of Connecticut allows minors to get the ink work done if they can provide written consent from their parents or legal guardians.

"It's legal in Connecticut, but I choose not to," he said. "Most of my career, I haven't worked on anyone under 18."

As for finally opening his own studio after 31 years of working for others, Swanson said, "This is kind of my retirement spot, where I can just sit back and do what I want to do."

Appointments may be made via email at Theinkspot2022@gmail.com, by phone/text at 413-372-2172, or on Facebook and Instagram.