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Just one hour south of Atlanta, Beyond Taboo Tattoo sets the standard
for tattooing in historic Macon, Ga. Lil-Rat, BTT owner, is a 20+ year
veteran of the tattoo business. He apprenticed under the legendary
Sailor Bill Killingsworth, who came from a family of legendary old
schoolers. "I was tattooing back when it was for bikers, hoods,
gangsters and sailors," says Lil-Rat, who is a character in every
sense of the word. Always stylin’ and always smilin’. The same can be
said for his studio and staff. Beyond Taboo was established four years
ago and has been bustling with business ever since. It is located in a
strip of tattoo shops, actually, but remarkably everyone gets along
... at least every other day.
Lil-Rat runs a clean shop and lives for tattooing. He loves the
lifestyle the industry has provided him. "I live for this shit," says
Rat. "Eat, fuck and tattoo ... eatin’ and fuckin’ is optional." His
shop has an old school feel because he is old school. Gill Montie
frequently does guest spots at Beyond Taboo and a lot of old schoolers
like Howie the Hand and Wild Bill of Superior Skin Art can often be
spotted there. With competition right next door, however, it is
crucial to stay on the ball and on top of current styles, standards
and techniques.
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Thanks to Lil-Rat’s vast experience in the tattoo industry, he has
surrounded himself with all the right styles of talented artists.
There is a piercing section, semi-private and private rooms, tons and
tons of flash and all kinds of nostalgic memorabilia. I liked the
place and the crew so much I decided to get tattooed there myself by
one of the talented artists that is actually named Mister.
Mister is way cool and come to find out, we were born on the same day
- St. Patrick’s Day - in the same city and hospital! Two years apart,
but it’s still pretty bizarre. Personality and vibe go a long way with
me so that sealed the deal on getting ink from him even before I
looked at his portfolio. The whole crew is a fun bunch. It was a great
experience getting tattooed there. Lil-Rat kept me laughing the entire
time.
If you are in the mood for a tattoo that comes with some historic
value and old school charm with new school skills, make the drive to
Macon. They are open 7 days a week so you can get the work you want,
when you want it. All of the artist have their egos in check and will
treat you with respect, giving you the tattoo you want, not just what
they want. They will give you some fine custom work too, though. There
is no limit when you go Beyond Taboo!
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