Eternal Art, at 29 South Ave., is a tattoo shop redefining body art with a blend of creativity, professionalism and personal connection. Owned and operated by the talented artist John Reed, Eternal Art has become a hub for self-expression and artistic innovation. Recently, the sure-handed Haley Dinch has also joined the team. With a reputation for unique designs and exceptional customer service, this small but dynamic studio is making a big impact on the body art scene.
In addition to beautiful tattoos, staff also offer piercing services, including dermals. Reed strives to keep prices low, so that everyone can afford to express themselves.
“I believe my prices are some of the better prices in the area,” Reed said.
“Growing up here I know we are not in a rich environment and I try to accommodate that so everyone can enjoy the artwork.”
When Reed was 16, his father retired from the U.S. Navy and brought him to Bradford. He was always into drawing and various forms of artistic expression, but found a focus with tattoo work.
“I got my first tattoo at 19 and just fell in love with it,” Reed said.
He tried to get hired at a few local shops but had no success. One day, he won a contest for a free tattoo and his future changed forever.
“When I went to get the tattoo I got to talking to the artist, he hired me as a shop manager and an apprentice and I never looked back — it has been 16 years now,” Reed said.
Reed bounced back and forth between working in Miami, Fla., and Bradford for several years.
“Two years ago I officially moved from Florida, came up and opened the shop,” Reed said. “I have no plans to leave again because I like the atmosphere here; Bradford is what you make it.”
Two years ago Reed officially opened his shop, much to the joy of locals who had been asking him to come back from Florida and tattoo them.
“The whole time I lived in Florida, I was still traveling up here to do tattoos on people so that helped me keep my contacts,” Reed said.
“I had people who told me they never got a tattoo in the time I was gone because they were waiting for me to come back and I really appreciate that level of trust in my work.”
One of Reed’s favorite aspects of his job is the ability to give people a piece of art that they will be able to enjoy for many years to come.
“I think of skin like a blank canvas and strive to put a beautiful picture on there that people will be able to have for the rest of their lives,” Reed said.
Reed also loves to do tattoos that have a lot of meaning for his customers, and considers it an honor that people would choose his work for that purpose.
“Yesterday I did a cover up of scars for a gentleman who used to have a lot of mental health issues and although he hasn’t cut himself in a decade the scars were still there,” Reed said. “Once I was done tattooing him and you couldn’t see those scars anymore you could just see all the stress and anxiety come off his back.”
For Reed, his clientele naturally become more than just customers.
“I am a people person, some people may say I talk too much but I just can’t sit there with someone for two hours and not strike up a conversation,” Reed said. “I have become really close with people over the years and now my customers will do things like bring me my favorite drink or order in food for us when they come to their appointment.”
Earlier this year, Dinch joined the shop as a second artist. She was born in Coudersport but moved to Texas when she was a child. She is excited to be back in the area.
“I enjoy this small town environment even though it is a big change from where I was,” she said.
Dinch has family in the local area and is building up a decent clientele. She is a self-taught artist with many years of experience who specializes in a variety of tattoos.
“I feel like you could say that the glitter tattoos are my favorite ones to do right now,” Dinch said.
“I haven’t done too many up here but I was doing a lot of them down in Texas.”
Looking to the future, Reed hopes to expand the shop’s offerings.
“I want to start selling tattoo affiliated clothing and expand my jewelry section,” Reed said.
“Right now my schedule is booked about two weeks out because in the summer I like to take off to do motorcycle rides on the weekends.”
Reed is the President for the Kinzua Chapter of Alliance of Bikers Aimed Toward Education (A.B.A.T.E.) and his shop is one of the charity’s gold sponsors.
“We give out a lot of gift certificates and participate in many of the local charity rides,” Reed said. “It gives me a chance to give back and supports a good cause.”
Those who would like to book an appointment with the shop can use Facebook or Instagram, or call the shop directly.
