This multi-award winning shop, truly the jewel of tattoo parlors, looks like a combination dental office and art museum. The business is licensed annually by the City of St. Paul and the State of Minnesota Health Department. Because of his vast knowledge of the tattoo business, the City of St. Paul called on Nolan to assist it in writing the current requirements for tattoo shops within the city limits.
According to Miceala Michieli Beasley, President of the APT (Alliance of Professional Tattooists, Inc., P.O. Box 1735, Glen Burnie, MD 21060), "Nolan is a member in excellent standing of our professional standards organization, having attended the seminar, 'Preventing Disease Transmission in Tattooing,' taught by Dr. Kris Sperry (of the Center for Disease Control in Atlanta, Georgia) in September, 1994. Dr. Sperry is the Secretary of the APT."
Nolan's Acme Tattoo Co., Inc. is listed with the Better Business Bureau of Minnesota, in recognition of their superior business practices. In their continuing effort to upgrade the image of tattooing and educate the general public, Nolan and/or other members of Acme have appeared in a great number of media resources such as television programs, newspaper and magazine articles, and in bound books on the subject of tattooing. A partial, but incomplete, list of these noteworthy educational opportunities include Nolan and one of his full-body tattooed clients as subjects of an episode of KTCA's "Arts on 2" program, November 1992. As publicity for the program, KTCA made up magazine-type flyers, a giant poster for the station's lobby and placemats for two prominent restaurants (one of which is located at the Walker Art Museum, Minneapolis), all featuring Nolan's body suit client as the subject of the photos.
KSTP's "Good Company" show presented Nolan and Acme Tattoo Company in December, 1993 and April, 1994.
The shop received coverage on the 1994 MTV Music Video Awards and on CNN during the tenth annual "International Tattoo Convention" held in Green Bay, WI, Fall of 1995.
WCCO's "Dimension" segment on November 10, 1999 featured Nolan and ACME Tattoo Company in a very positive piece; a portion of which was re-broadcast in late August, 2000, as information on tattooed patrons of the Minnesota State Fair.
KSTP's August 12, 2000 pre-Vikings football game coverage included filming and interviewing of Acme staff regarding interest among fans in sports-oriented tattoos. KMSP's evening news broadcast of September 24, 2000 highlighted the diligent and forward looking efforts of Acme Tattoo Company, Inc. in proposing legislation that would prohibit minors from receiving tattoos in the State of Minnesota.
Nolan received prominent inclusion in The Tattooist by Albert L. Morse, 1977, self-published, San Francisco, CA. He is represented in Spider Webb's Pushing Ink, 1979, Simon and Schuster, by a credited photo of Chicago artist Cliff Raven's tattooed back, as well as a photo of Michael Hensel's tattooed back. Nationally famous Portland, OR photographer and visual arts instructor Cherie Hiser began work in 1979 on Letters to Pepper, her book of, "People who have tattoo work by artist Don 4
Nolan of St. Paul, MN." The book, a series of clothed and unclothed photos of Nolan's artistically tattooed human canvases, is still in the process of being constructed as Nolan adds his beautiful work to increasing numbers of eager clients. Renowned tattoo artist Ed Hardy included in his Tattoo Time: Music and Sea Tattoos book, 1984, Ernie Carafa, publisher, NJ, a credited photo of the "Shrimp and Waves" tattoo Nolan created on client Tia's back. Nolan's biography appears on page 252 of the highly respected Marks of Civilization, Arnold Rubin, editor, 1988, Regents of the University of California. This superbly researched book lists Nolan as one of the six artists in the first "Tattoo Renaissance," along with Lyle Tuttle, Cliff Raven, Zeke Owens, Spider Webb, and Ed Hardy. These groundbreakers are widely seen as having literally transformed both the artistic performance and the public image of tattooing, setting the stage for all those who are to come!
The 1991 edition of the Guinness Book of Records, Guinness Publishing, Ltg., Facts on File, Inc., NY, 1990, lists the almost exclusively Nolan-created 95 percent body suit of Krystyne Kolorftil of Canada as belonging to the most heavily tattooed woman.
Nolan's amazing tattoo performances received three pages of credited photos in The Illustrated Woman by William De Michele, Proteus Press, Inc., NY, 1992. Included are photos of Nolan's work on 1986 National Tattoo Association "Best Tattooed Woman" winner Peggi Schartz (now Hurley). Nolan is mentioned prominently in Pierced Hearts and True Love, a Century of Drawingfor Tattoos; The Drawing Center and Hardy Marks Publications, Honolulu, 1995; as a member of "a small, but dedicated corps of avant-garde tattooists who radically changed the art form." Included with additional text is a full-page ink and color pencil drawing and a 1981 tattoo-in-the-planning which Nolan custom designed for an eventual body suit client. Both the front and the back covers as well as eight interior pages of photos of Cherie Hiser's photos of Nolan's tattooed people are presented in Secrets, Linny Stovall, editor, Blue Heron Publishing, Inc., OR, 1996.
Nolan received lengthy coverage in an article on his masterful tattooing published in the Eugene Register-Guard, Eugene, OR October 26, 1975. An upcoming showing of his oil paintings at the Olympic Gallery, Bremerton, WA, was given notice in the Kitsap Journal (Seattle), October 20, 1976. Nolan and his Acme Tattoo Company were the subject of a two-page April 23, 1989 St. Paul Pioneer Press Dispatch article by Ben Chanco. The article featured three photographs of Nolan at work and touched upon his work upon Peggi Hurley. The article illuminates the devotion and trust that Nolan's many clients place in his hands, indicating that Hurley completed her winning artwork with Nolan in 100 hours over a six-year period; the custom work being done entirely without the use of stencils. Chanco's Pioneer Press Dispatch article goes on to quote favorably several of Nolan's clients as being as devoted to the man as to his wondrous art. Nolan and the shop were also written up positively in the October 22, 1990 edition of the St. Paul Pioneer Press Dispatch.
March 21, 1992 saw a two-page article in the Minneapolis Star Tribune by Rosalind Bentley, who wrote that Nolan's clients, "fly in from around the world for custom dermagraphics." Of the talented artists at Acme, Bentley wrote, "Nolan is the Michelangelo of the group: Some of his customers have body art that has taken years to complete." Nolan and two of his extensively tattooed clients received the first 20 of a 28-paragraph October 1, 1995, Green Bay Press Gazette article on the 10hannual "International Tattoo Convention" held in Green Bay, WI, in the Fall of that year. A large tattoo photo of client, nationally known photographer, and Nolan's biographer, Cheri Hiser, led a story in The Oregonian, Portland, September 23, 1996. The caption below Hiser's photo credits Nolan as her artist. Local newspaper writers find that, world famous as both Nolan and Acme are, the artists are approachable and willing to share their time and insights with any curious member of the media. To that end, Nolan and Acme have been recipients of many nice articles in the East Side Review, November 28, 1994, and the East Side Globe, February 1996, by Annette Wertz.
The St. Paul Pioneer Press-Dispatch published an article in September, 2000 on Acme Tattoo Company along with photos of a female scientist receiving her first tattoo from the skilled and experienced hands of Nolan. Such continued press is clear evidence of the congenial and knowledgeable environment that clients and the merely curious encounter within Acme's clean, neon-lit walls.
Nolan has received much favorable magazine coverage over his 50 years of superb tattooing. His full body tattoo work was featured on the cover of Itchin' For Ink magazine, vol. 1, number 2, Deanna Shurb Publications, 1992; as well as three pages of interior text and photos. Nolan's tattooing was again represented among the tattoos worn by the cover model of Itchin' For Ink vol. 1, number 4. The issue includes a photo of its publisher, Deanna Shurb, being tattooed by Nolan along with the text, "My favorite artist is, of course, the person applying the tattoo. Any questions?" Nolan's full body tattooed client Willie Snyder has a photo of his back and arms published in this issue along with his list of the "65 Questions" he had, by that time, most frequently been asked about his tattoos. A nice photo of Nolan's tattoos on a client's hips is placed on the inside back cover, one of the two photos of Nolan's tattoos made into postcards by Shurb for sale at the time.
Countless other tattoo magazine articles and/or photos of Nolan and/or Acme Tattoo Co. have appeared since the beginning of such specialty publications. Consistent with being no Johnny-comelately to tattooing, Nolan has been blowing people's minds before such magazines existed!
Having a taste for the finest aesthetic possessions, Nolan's Dave Perewitz-painted, Roy Masonpinstriped Harley-Davidson FXR was written up in the March 1995 edition of American Iron Magazine, Tam Communications, Inc., Norwalk, CT. Acme Tattoo Company is mentioned by name along with Nolan's work on Perewitz' arms and shoulders. The story states that Nolan began riding motorcycles in 1954, one year before he began tattooing.
The Nolan and Acme name and outstanding reputation draws many medical career clients to the shop for tattoos done in the ideal circumstance of cleanliness and professionalism. Dr. Janis Amatuzio, M.D., Assistant Coroner for Dakota, Scott, and Chisago counties, in 1988 wrote a personal statement of confidence and support for Nolan's tattoo work, stating in part that Nolan "is a competent and highly knowledgeable tattoo artist." The full letter is framed on a wall at Acme Tattoo Co. for all to read. Nolan and other members of his shop have a thriving trade among numerous doctors, including two Mayo Clinic anesthetists, and countless nurses; many commenting on their appreciation for Acme's highest professional standards of hygiene and membership in the A.P.T., the leading continuing education safety program in tattooing; its secretary and chief educator being Dr. Kris Sperry, a medical pathologist from the Center for Disease Control, Atlanta.
While most Acme Tattoo Company clients choose to enjoy their tattoos among themselves, their friends and family, those customers that subsequently enter tattoo convention contests fare very well. The shop, as of August, 1997, had 93 trophies, plaques and awards displayed, with hundreds more boxed away. Included among the trophies on display is an award for "Best of Show" at the 1995 "King's Court" convention. The trophies, celebrating Nolan's excellence, graces a sunny, plant-filled window at the shop and vies for space with multi-toned neon window accents and flowering aloe vera plant. Typical of most tattoo convention contests at which Acme Tattoo clients compete, the results of the "Sea of Blue" 1992 show as published in Itchin'for Ink magazine, vol. 1, number 3, tell a tale of overwhelming superiority; Acme taking seven of 16 first place trophies; Nolan's work garnering best men's large, women's large, men's extensive, and traditional tattoos.
Renowned Chicago photographer Jeff Crisman has photographed Nolan and many of his clients for inclusion in a future book on the true masters of American tattooing. Crisman is but one of many studious craftspeople interested in documenting Nolan's vast contribution to the art and anthropology of tattooing. In recognition of his 50 years of superior tattooing, Nolan was awarded National Tattoo Association's 1995 Bob Shaw Award, at their Tucson, AZ convention. You never know where Acme tattoos will turn up, or what else Nolan will be doing concurrent to tattooing. Witness Nolan's work on Peggi Hurley featured on a poster as an advertisement for the "Seventh Annual Massachusetts College of Art Benefit Auction," April 1996; or his chest tattoo on T.W. Green presented in a recent ad for Willamette Week, Portland, OR. .
In 1996, Don and Tanika Nolan tattooed on the massive upper arms of popular international professional wrestling star "Animal" of the Road Warriors and The Legion of Doom. These tattoos are seen around the world. Also in 1996, Acme Tattoo Company put a tattoo on Scott Leius, formerly of the Minnesota Twins and the St. Paul Saints, currently playing pro ball out of state.
Tattooing is but one of Nolan's numerous artistic talents. In addition to his framed oil paintings hanging in galleries and prized private collections, he sculpts in wood and found items, builds model ships, unusual clocks and dioramas, and changes nearly everything his eyes meet and hands touch! A large Nolan-carved driftwood and neon "Man with Migraine" sculpture occupies a clean, bright shop window. Nolan spent a few years of his youth photographing the early drag racing exploits of such track legends as "Big Daddy" Don Garlitts. His own ocean sailing adventures were chronicled at least twice in the early 1980's in Bob Harrington's "Pot Pourri" column in a Connecticut newspaper.
A popular selection of tattoo designs (or "flash") by Nolan were once handled by an international tattoo equipment supplier. The designs, denoted with an "N" suffix for Nolan, were distinct and recognizable to the eyes of his many worldwide fans.
Renowned for the superior contributions he has made to upgrading the public image of tattooing, the excellence of his work and his great gentleness with his clients, Nolan has tattoos on the bodies of thousands of people across America, Canada and as far away as New Zealand, Australia and parts known only to the sailor still in him. He can draw almost anything in a variety of styles and make designs fit both the client's body and spirit.
The clean, warm, inviting atmosphere of Acme Tattoo Company, Inc., and the friendly, knowledgeable, helpful and professional tattoo artists, Tanika, Beth, Andy Kriz and Gabe who join Nolan in creating beautiful, life-enhancing works of art, add up to an accepting environment in which potential clients and the merely curious alike feel comfortable to ask questions and kick around custom tattoo ideas with the artists and support crew of three receptionists. Nolan and Acme Tattoo Company are frequent subjects for college research papers and reports. Though clients must be eighteen years of age to enter Acme Tattoo Co., Nolan and his crew have, by the request of teachers, lectured to art students at their classrooms in local high schools. They are also repeat sensations at high school graduation night festivities with their boxes full of temporary tattoos. The invitation to Acme extended by this high school has resulted in great acclaim by seniors and teachers in 1995, 1996 and 1997.
During the year 2000 Minnesota legislative session, Acme Tattoo Company has proposed to have Minnesota state law changed to prohibit the tattooing of minors. This strengthening legislation will, if enacted, protect the state's youth from making impulsive decisions that they will then have to live with for many years to come. Acme Tattoo Company has poured many hours into this effort further evidence that they are truly a caring, involved member of their neighborhood of both the Eastside of St. Paul, of Minnesota. Acme Tattoo, world-famous yet approachable. Check it out for all your special requirements, for "all the art you want to keep and enjoy for a lifetime!" Perhaps you, too, will find out first-hand why Acme has a loyal following of thousands of satisfied clients and friends.
Acme Tattoo Co., Inc., is member of the National Tattoo Association, the Alliance of Professional Tattooists and the Minnesota Better Business Bureau. They are a five-year member of the National Federation of Independent Businesses, and a member of the United States Chamber of Commerce. Acme proudly displays its tattooing license issued by the City of St. Paul. It's the only local tattoo shop with a TTY phone and fluent American Sign Language interpreter for clients who are deaf or hearing impaired.
They offer gift certificates, annual 10% discount postcards to customers on their mailing list and t-shirts for sale with a different custom design done annually by Nolan.
Though Nolan has completed dozens of full body suits, inspiring both the wearer and all who view the profound and prolific artwork of this true master, the shop minimum is a mere $45 and the hourly rate a reasonable $140 per hour. Many clients would gladly pay two or three times this rate for Acme's quality. Customers coming to the shop frequently have inferior tattoos done by cheap, "scratcher" tattooists: work that is an embarrassment to its wearer. The majority of these poor quality tattoos can be fixed or covered by the artists at the multi-prize winning Acme Tattoo Co., Inc. Considering that Acmemade tattoos bring a lifetime of great satisfaction and improved self-image, an Acme tattoo from Nolan, Tanika, Beth or Gabe is a bargain of exceptional value!
Acme Tattooing Co., Inc., is located at 1045 Arcade Street, St. Paul, MN 55106 (651) 771-0471 (Voice) (651) 771-1377 (TTY). Their hours are 12:00 NOON to 8:00 P.M., seven days a week, including all holidays. Appointments and walk-ins are welcomed. Saturdays are reserved strictly for walk-ins. Before a client is admitted to the tattoo area, the client must complete very specific information involving health history, and must show a form of State legal photo identification.
All work is guaranteed for the first three months, but you'll be satisfied for a lifetime! Perhaps we'll see you soon.
Acme Tattoo Co., Inc.
1045 Arcade Street, St. Paul, MN 55106
Voice (651) 771-0471 TTY (651) 771-1377
12:00 NOON to 8:00 P.M. seven days a week
Gift certificates available