Posts by Marina Pecorino

Point #72: Innovator’s Award – Brianna Sheehan

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Brianna Sheehan headshot

Brianna Sheehan
St. Sabrina’s

 

Brianna Sheehan: Congratulations on winning the Creative Innovator award. How many times have you won the innovators award?

Jimmy Buddha: Thank you. I believe this will be the sixth one. I like the challenge it presents and the fact that it encourages innovation in our industry.

Brianna: To start, can you tell us about these labradorite saucers in detail? What went into designing them and making them a reality? What do you think makes these innovative?

Jimmy: My saddle spreader allows me to get more creative with material selection. Without the spreader, the flying saucers would be too heavy and impractical. Design wise, I have been playing around with different techniques to achieve unique textures in the body jewelry world. I feel the distressed metal juxtaposed with the clean lines of the highly polished labradorite give the piece a modern and rustic feel. It’s a fresh take on what we are used to in the body jewelry scene.

Brianna: One thing that I personally love about your work is that you have found a way to really showcase the stones you choose. It has definitely created a greater appreciation for natural stone among industry folk and clients alike. Which stones or materials are some of your favorites to work with?

Jimmy: I can appreciate all types of stones really; it’s part of why Diablo Organics has such a broad range of jewelry. Picking a favorite limits what I can do with design. If I had to pick some favorites, they would be amber, jade, and rutile materials. Keep your eyes open for more crazy stones!

Brianna: What are some characteristics you look for in the stones you choose?

Jimmy: I look for that small percentage of material that pops! Not all stones are created equal. For example, when I use labradorite, I’m not picking the cheap material that just has a tiny hint of flash, letting the name “labradorite” sell the jewelry. I want it to grab the customer with its super flash, which is what that material is all about.Diablo Organics - Innovators Award

Brianna: Anyone that follows your social media can see that you’re always on the hunt for material. How much of the raw material are you personally responsible for?

Jimmy: I personally select all of our material. But there are different degrees of discovery. My goal is to get as close as possible to the source. Sometimes this means I’m in the dirt. It gives me first crack at quality pieces, and the ability to cut out the middle man. This keeps things affordable and I learn tons about the material, how it is sourced, processed, etc. At the moment I am in Alaska on the hunt for fossil ivories and jade. Mixing travel, adventure, hard work and jewelry is what it is all about for me.

Brianna: You have a lot of people going crazy about the re-release of some Zoomorphic nephrite jade designs. Can you give us a brief history on Zoomorphic and what has made it so special?

Jimmy: Zoomorphic is the brain child of Cheyenne Sunhill, a close friend of mine, and one of the first modern day body jewelry designers to really push the limits. He is ahead of his time, and is always coming up with some far out concept. Jade is not just a pretty green stone. It’s intertwined with human history, our cultural and technological evolution as a species. The cultural impact of what this “tool stone” did still has influence today, even over ten thousand years later! Cheyenne understands this and brings it to his designs using jade as the medium.

Brianna: What made you decide to re-release these designs?

Jimmy: Cheyenne and I are on the same page when it comes to jade, so it just made sense that I do a little project with him in conjunction with launching Diablo Organics’ new jade line. I wanted to pay homage to his pieces, using Zoomorphic and the historical context of jade as my inspiration.

Brianna: Was this a one-time thing or can we expect to see more of it?

Jimmy: Haha! Yes, there will be more. I already have my calendar full with trips to source more jade!

Brianna: I really want to bring attention to the antique silver collection as well. To some, Diablo Organics is categorized as an organic jewelry company. Items like this, and others you’ve released, have completely stepped up the jewelry game.

Jimmy: Thank you. I started this jewelry “nonsense” out of curiosity and respect for modern and ancient body modification and the innate need to decorate our bodies. Over the years—coming up on 20 of them now—I’ve been lucky enough to travel the world and experience first-hand these practices in present day cultures, and study ancient cultures through artifacts and history.

Brianna: Can you tell us what lead to the production of it? What was your goal with this line?

Jimmy: I figured it was time. We are maturing as an industry and there is no reason why we shouldn’t be rocking real jewelry!

Brianna: Do you plan on releasing more “high end” items like these?

Jimmy: If we can sell it… You betcha!

Brianna: A lot of your jewelry is limited or “one off”. Can you explain the reasoning behind this?

Jimmy: Diablo Organics definitely has its catalog essentials lines, but I source crazy materials that need special attention sometimes. It keeps me on the hunt for new ideas, and challenges my creative abilities as well as my craftsmanship. Many times these ideas then trickle down into the catalog essentials.

Brianna: For those who are unfamiliar, what are some other things Diablo Organics offer aside from bad ass, rare, limited, fancy hanging designs?

Jimmy: You know that’s a good question, because so much attention is given to all of our crazy limited and fancy collections. Many times, the essentials are overlooked. We always have readily available, quality, economical lines in brass, both yellow and white, stone, wood, and other organics. Austin HQ is open 10-6, Texas time, 5 days a week and the ladies are there to sort everything out. From the get go, as a piercer and shop owner myself, I wanted to give the industry the bread and butter jewelry at affordable prices. We have stuck to that, staying wholesale only, with unbeatable prices and quality.

Brianna: What separates Diablo Organics from competitors offering some similar designs?

Jimmy: What competition? Haha, just kidding. Seriously though, we are doing our own thing. There is crossover here and there, because our lines encompass a lot, but we stick to customer service and functional, well-designed, quality jewelry for the budget beginner all the way up to the high end collector.

Brianna: What are your plans for Diablo Organics in the future?

Jimmy: We are always evolving so it’s hard to say, but we are moving in many different directions simultaneously. My crew makes this possible. If it wasn’t for Shanna and Kayleigh in the office, and Lauren on the road, we wouldn’t be able to make this happen. All I can say right now is we are just starting to pick up momentum!

Point #72: A Conference Reflection – Brian Moeller

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Brian Moeller headshotBrian Moeller
Boston Tattoo Company

 

How does one really define themselves? What creates their legacy, their influence on others, or determines the impact of their actions, negative or positive? I typed this from my hotel room while sluggishly packing and trying to undo the damage from the last night’s post Conference celebrations. (Thanks for the Gatorade, Dianna!)

I find myself curious as to the direction we, as an industry, are going. To be honest, this is something that I question often but rarely have a definitive answer for, but what I can tell you is that actions will always speak louder than words.

I am in my early thirties and, as of July, have been piercing for 10 years. I feel that myself and my peers in this same category find ourselves in a weird grey area. We are too old to be considered new to the industry, yet too young to be considered a third or fourth generation piercer. We are the “Generation Y”, so to speak. Most of us have shared the struggle of our older colleagues while building our shops up from nothing. We also share the same issues that challenge younger generations, such as the drama in online forums. We are the misfit children who realize that we will never be celebrities and rockstars, yet still dream of achieving bigger things.

I am a very passionate and opinionated individual about many things, and I usually prefer to observe from a distance. However, that stance has changed for me recently. I feel that over the last few years, people in our industry—not everyone—are losing touch with what making a difference really means. In fact, this statement could more than likely be broadened to North American society as a whole. A current example would be industry related forums found online such as the Body Modification Learning Forum, Ear Stretching Network, and many others. We’ve all seen it; comment after comment of “help” and the responses providing advice and guidance. Even if the information presented is extremely useful, it is overshadowed by negativity in the end. I feel that this constant reminder sets a bad example for younger generations of piercers. One quote that often comes to mind is from the Necromancer character from The Venture Brothers. When asked if he was a great magician like Merlin, he rolls his eyes and says, “Merlin wasn’t a great magician, just a more popular one.”

That being said, I’m sure many people are reading this and wondering who I am or making assumptions of who I’m referring to. I’ll be the first to tell you that I’m not here to point fingers. Shining spotlights only encourages problems and does not fix anything. Instead, I propose that everyone looks inward at themselves and really consider what you can offer. What drives you and makes you the person that you are? What can you provide that will help push our industry to the next level?

Some people complain about what needs to be changed. I can say that I work as hard as I possibly can. I get involved. I volunteer my time and contribute to this shared passion called body piercing. Although in reality it is not just me, but all of my fellow volunteers, Conference Committee peers, and Conference sub speaker Committee peers. We have all come together and with our combined efforts and skill sets, made this week happen for everyone. It was hard physically and mentally, but we made it count. We made it work, and we offered our best for all of you.

Now if you’re reading this and it creates a spark in you, then let me challenge you. When you are home, back at your studio, with all of your Conference knowledge improving your studio, look at your other skill sets. We are all involved at different levels with many different positions within the piercing industry, but what is it that REALLY makes you stand out and makes you an individual? Ask yourself how can you apply these skills to this beloved shared passion and help to make it even better than what has already evolved into. I chose to put down the keyboard and step away from the internet soapbox to start getting involved. What will you choose to do?

Point #72: From the Editor – Marina Pecorino

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Marina Pecorino
Managing Editor of Content & Statistics

Conference. Words can’t fully describe the experience of that one week a year.

This year marked 20 years of Conference, with a focus on the history of our industry: the first Body Piercing Archives exhibit, history classes lead by pioneers like Jim Ward, David Vidra, Fakir Musafar, and Blake Perlingieri, as well as an APP Timeline class with many of the people involved in making the Association what it is today. Throughout the week, I listened to individuals share their stories of involvement in the Association, the industry, and our community. Numerous times, the intensity of these personal narratives—an individual perspective of our shared history—brought me to tears.

This year also marked the first for many new procedures, technologies, and ideas being implemented to keep up with our growing attendance. Knowing that more than 1,000 people left Conference with new friends, an increased knowledge base, and a renewed sense of self is pretty incredible. This year’s Conference was the largest yet, and there’s every indication that next year will continue this trend.

Now that I’ve been home for nearly two months (most of you will read this closer to the three month mark), the post Vegas depression has faded and I have settled back into the groove of everyday life. But my memories of Conference are still bright and they leave me invigorated.

Still, I miss walking through the hotel and being met with welcoming smiles, warm hugs, and genuine camaraderie. Have I mentioned all the beautiful people and beautiful jewelry?! Occasionally, I look through my photos from the late night/early morning walks around the Strip, exploring the all-too-fake, yet mesmerizing “architecture”. I eagerly look through my social media to keep up with all of the amazing people I spent the week with, many of whom I met for the first time. I have received postcards and care packages from members of the volunteer family. I have sent quite a few in return and collected stacks more for future mailing. I’m already yearning for next year.

Alright, I’ll admit that maybe I’m still dealing with some PVD. The environment of that week is a hard thing not to miss, so join me as we take a detailed look at the 20th anniversary APP Conference & Exposition.

 

Point #71: Survival Tips for Conference

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Marina Pecorino
Managing Editor of Content & Statistics

 

The APP Board of Directors and Administrator, along with the Conference Staff, Volunteers and Mentors want you to have an exceptional experience. If there are any questions we can answer or concerns we can address, please do not hesitate to contact us.

What to bring to Conference:
• Lip and skin moisturizers— Bring multiples, so you have something with you at all times. Even if you don’t usually need these items, you will in Las Vegas. It’s dry in the desert and even drier in the hotel.
• Comfy shoes with pain relief insoles—There may be times when you want relief from your nice shoes. We suggest bringing multiple pairs so the sore spots are in different places. You will log a lot of miles in Vegas, especially with our split floorplan this year.
• Medications and vitamins—If you generally have need for these types of items, pain relievers, allergy pills, and the like can make a world of difference when you need it most. Make sure to bring enough of these to get you through the week and a couple of extra days just in case. Taking vitamins in advance of Conference will improve your chances of staying healthy during Conference, so don’t delay!
• Water bottle—Snazzy APP bottles are available for purchase at the merch booth! Staying hydrated is key to having a good experience; Las Vegas is a desert. Water dispensers are provided throughout the conference area, please use them!
• Deodorant—If you are a wearer of such things, this is the time to use it. Conference is busy with long days and lots of networking. Smelling good is a great step toward a great first impression.
• Something to throw on when it gets cold—You’ll want to stay comfortable while attending classes and socializing. The hotel and casino can get especially cold in the wee hours.
• Outfits aplenty—Bring enough outfits to get through the week and maybe a couple of extra. You will be experiencing some pretty long days with lots of activity. Some people find it necessary or more comfortable to change midday. You may also want different outfits for different activities: classes, networking meetups, exercise, special events, etc. Also, don’t forget that accidents happen, so it’s never a bad idea to have a spare in case of spills.
• Formal wear and costumes—If you like dressing up for special events, or just in general, make sure to bring accessories. Banquet Dinner is a great place to strut your stuff and show off your style/sense of humor.
• Swimsuit, sunblock, and sunglasses—You’ll want to look your best and stay protected while enjoying the hot tubs and pool. There may also be other occasions to escape the hotel into the great, bright outdoors. If your sunglasses are expensive, make sure to hold onto them!
• Cell phone and charger—Especially during a week of networking, it’s important to stay connected. Plus, you’ll want to make use of the sweet new app to check your schedule, look at maps, and get updates! Don’t be surprised if your battery needs more charging than when you’re home.
• Phone numbers—In case of emergencies or a misplaced phone, having a list of contacts in your wallet can be a lifesaver. Don’t forget to add some of your newfound conference besties to this list during the week.
• Business cards and portfolio— This is a great place to network and share. You will meet a lot of people and business cards will help you keep in touch after Conference. Having a copy of your portfolio or photos on your laptop/phone ready to show can leave a lasting impression while networking.
• Emergency funds/capabilities— You shouldn’t bring every credit card you have, but unexpected things may happen and it’s best to be prepared. Make sure to keep your emergency stash separate from your carrying money.
• Personal comfort items—If you have a preference for certain things to make your day a little brighter—especially things you wouldn’t feel comfortable borrowing or may be difficult to find—bring them along. The hotel will provide you with towels, basic shampoo/soap, iron/ ironing board, and a hair dryer. Most of the time you can find basic, common items by visiting shops in and around the hotel, but they will likely be expensive and selection will be limited. If you are particular, don’t forget them.
• Snacks—Things in Las Vegas can be expensive and eating between events, classes, and socializing isn’t always easy to fit into your schedule. Having a supply of on-the-go snacks that don’t require refrigeration or preparation can make your week less stressed. We have changed the schedule to accommodate more breaks, but sometimes there is just no time for a sit down meal.

Las Vegas can be a bit like the Bermuda Triangle. With all the activity and controlled chaos, it can be easy to lose track of stuff. If it will break your heart to lose it, leave it at home.

Point #71: From the Editor – Marina Pecorino

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Point-70-From-the-Editor-Marina-0.jpgMarina Pecorino
Managing Editor of Content & Statistics

 

My first experience at Conference was in 2012 as a love volunteer. I waited until my fourth year as a piercer to attend. I was intimidated by the amount of knowledge available and concerned that my foundation was not yet firm enough to grasp it all. What a mistake. Looking back, I wish I had attended Conference as soon and as often as possible. The experience really has changed my life in ways that I can’t explain, most of which are not ways that I would have expected.

Being an introvert, I’m not fully at ease in situations involving a multitude of strangers. This had also been a deterrent when thinking about attending. In an attempt to force myself out of my shell during that first year, I asked Caitlin McDiarmid if there was anything I could do to help. That’s where it all began.

As a love volunteer, I had fewer structured responsibilities, but there was still plenty to be done and we all worked together to make it happen. In the weeks leading up to Conference, I became Facebook friends with many of the other volunteers as we helped Caitlin prepare. Thanks to modern technology, I had a bit of exposure to all the friendly faces from across the world I would soon meet. I began to feel a bit more connected with the community. Previously, I stayed on the outskirts and isolated, having the expectation that I wasn’t “cool enough” to take part. It’s almost funny how, within a community comprised largely of shy, awkward, weirdos, I felt like I was too shy, awkward, and weird.

The accepting atmosphere exuded by everyone at Conference quickly changed my mind. Don’t get me wrong, I still barely spoke during that entire week and spent most of my meals alone, but I was a lot more at ease than I ever expected to be. Having the structure and encouragement of the 2012 volunteer group was an incredible experience, and without this experience, my life would be in a drastically different place right now.APP Conference Volunteers 2012

My original intention when I asked to volunteer was to distract myself from my insecurities. Unexpectedly, I also gained vital experience, life-long friends, and a closer connection to an extraordinary organization and community. I am inspired by the people that join forces to make the Association of Professional Piercers what it is. The level of dedication I have witnessed in my relatively short time of involvement is incredible. The sense of fulfillment from volunteering and taking part in such a project, as we all collaborate to spread the safe piercing message, has forever changed me.

This year will mark my second conference attendance (unfortunately, life interfered during 2013 and 2014) and my fourth year as a volunteer. For a while now, I’ve been counting down the days until Conference. I am in the process of mentally preparing myself to be more outgoing and not miss out on all the amazing hugs and support that are so plentiful during that one week. If our paths cross, please don’t hesitate to say hello, especially if you’re a first year attendee! I also encourage new attendees to take full advantage of the mentor program, especially if you’re shy, awkward, and weird. This program is a great way to feel less alone and overwhelmed during a week filled with so many new faces, lessons, and experiences. And I hear that if you’re in search of the best chicken and waffles around, these amazing people can point you in the right direction.

Point #70: Total Membership Statistics

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Total Membership Statistics Introduction

By Marina Pecorino

In the 20 years since its inception, the Association of Professional Piercers has grown by leaps and bounds. Enrollment is ever-changing as members join, move to different membership types, and/or withdraw. Many members who leave the Association may later decide to apply again. As the APP has grown, membership types have been adjusted and renamed, and the requirements for membership have evolved. Despite this fluidity, consistent growth, rather than decline, has been experienced within the association.

Although vital statistics of membership have been documented since the beginning, records were not always as thoroughly maintained as they are now. In 2003, a reconciliation of the data was done to ensure accuracy. This resulted in the removal of members that had previously dropped their membership but not been removed from the official rolls. Enrollment numbers before this reconciliation are somewhat distorted in favor of growth. The drop in membership seen in 2003 is a visual representation of this adjustment.

2015 will mark another statistically significant shift. In the past, the membership year has been calculated from May to April. This year, the APP has decided to recalibrate using the traditional calendar year. Due to the fact that the 2014 membership year will still run until May, the membership numbers will still be relevant when compared to past statistical data. Unfortunately, with this shift, the statistics for 2015 will be skewed due to the shortened year (June to December) as a result of this recalibration.

When viewing the data, a few significant landmarks are visible. Between 2005 and 2009, the APP experienced annual growth rates between 4.89% and 7.63% consistently. This growth then slowed somewhat until 2013, which experienced a record number of 72 new members and 17.30% annual growth. It is also very important to note that the APP is experiencing better retention of members in recent years. Some of the increased growth and maintained membership can be attributed to the spike in safe piercing education available through social media. With this came a push toward higher standards for quality jewelry and better-educated piercing professionals. Luis Garcia and Christina Shull have provided articles for this issue explaining some of the influences that have lead to growth in our industry over the past 20 years.

Until May, when the 2014 membership year officially draws to a close, it is impossible to give precise data for membership, but it is safe to say that the Association of Professional Piercers is constantly growing. As the Association continues to expand, the spread of the safe piercing message will as well. To find out more about becoming a member, visit safepiercing.org.

Point #70: From the Editor – Marina

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Marina Pecorino headshot

Marina Pecorino
Managing Editor of Content & Statistics

Several years into my professional piercing career, I served as a Love Volunteer for the APP Conference & Exposition 2012. I can honestly say that my life is forever changed as a result.

Despite a diverse career history and my current work in an unrelated field, the piercing industry continues to be a major passion in my life, much like it is for most of you. I am elated (and a bit nervous) to tackle this challenge and break out of my shell as part of the newest editorial team for this historic publication. I am even more thrilled to be given this opportunity during such a monumental anniversary.

In planning for this transitional issue, many new ideas have begun to hatch. Not all of these ideas will come to fruition, but our team has a shared goal to broaden The Point with an influx of new information and energy. We also realize the importance of honoring the history and upholding the continued mission within these pages. Current technology and the accessibility of information makes this an incredibly exciting time for the safe piercing message. Please join us in the dissemination of this message by sharing The Point with your colleagues, clients, and friends.

With great enthusiasm,

Marina Pecorino