Jarod Powell will spend his birthday working Friday. And he’ll be working for free. The owner of Farsyde Tattoo and his staff of talented artists will be giving free tattoos from 10 a.m. to 7 p.m. at the shop, 5330
Jarod Powell will spend his birthday working Friday. And he’ll be working for free.
The owner of Farsyde Tattoo and his staff of talented artists will be giving free tattoos from 10 a.m. to 7 p.m. at the shop, 5330 Koloa Road.
They expect to decorate the bodies of around 300 people before the day ends. The symbols of Hawaii are bound for arms, shoulders and legs of those willing to wait their turn.
“We’re just trying to set a day giving back to the community as much as we can,” said Powell, owner of Farsyde Tattoo that’s served Kauai for the past eight years.
“We’re probably going to be overwhelmed,” he added with a laugh.
Here’s how things will work Friday. Tattoos will be provided on a first come, first served basis. So people won’t have to stand in line on a hot day for several hours, each person will be given a number and an estimated length of their wait. Then, they’re welcome to patronize local business and be sure to return in time.
Those planning to get a tattoo at Farsyde Friday must have a state ID and must be over 18.
Powell said there will be five artists working throughout the day, with four on duty and one rotating in to provide breaks.
“We want to see what we can do in a day,” Powell said.
People won’t be able to order custom tattoos, but will have a wide selection of pre-drawn designs to consider. Even without the custom part, free is a great deal for something that starts in the $100 range.
“We think they’re all going to be happy,” Powell said.
Farsyde Tattoo, which was in Hanapepe three years before moving to Koloa, hasn’t offered a free day before, though Powell has considered it. He believes he has the staff now to make it a success.
“It’s a long time coming,” he said.
Powell took up tattooing when he was 16 and has a display of tattoos on his neck, arms and hands. “Live Life,” will forever be spelled out across his fingers.
More artwork may find itself onto Powell’s body.
“I still have space,” he said, smiling.
“It’s like collecting art. Once you hang one picture on the wall, you find other walls to hang pictures on,” he said.
So, why doesn’t everyone have a tattoo? Powell offers a few reasons he’s heard in his 16 years at this profession. It’s not for everyone — but it could be.
“Some people are scared of the pain. Some people are scared of the permanency. Some people, they’re not sure if it’s something they really, really want to do,” he said.
“A lot of people are nervous about doing it, but not as much as you think,” he said.
And it doesn’t hurt all that much, either, he said.
“There’s less pain than stubbing your toe,” Powell said, chuckling.
Powell, who survived a motorcycle crash last year, grew up on Kauai and attended school here. He calls tattoos “temporary pain for permanent gain.” The benefits can be many. Tattoos can be an expression of joy, of love or just a symbol of someone’s interests in life.
He has the same passion for creating a tattoo that he has when he started back when he was a teenager.
“I’ve been tattooing more than half my life. Sometimes, it feels like I’m just getting started,” he said.
As for spending his birthday creating free artwork on customers Friday, Powell said he’ll celebrate before the day’s done.
“I’m sure I’ll find time for a few things,” he said.
