Category Issue 85

Point 85: RuAPP

Comments Off on Point 85: RuAPP read Events, International, Issue 85, News, Other Conferences, Sister Organization

by Arseniy Andersson

Left to Right: Brian Skellie (USA), Dmitry Sizov (Russia), Sergi Tinault (Spain)

While things have come a long way in the United States, in many places all over the world the professional piercing industry is only at the beginning. Russia is one of them. Traditionally, Russians are kept away from American community. Why? Well, it is not a big secret that there is political tension between the United States and Russia, so for common citizens it isn’t easy to get a visa to travel to the US.

I think in the whole history of the APP, only two or three piercers from Russia have attended an APP Conference, this is likely due to a combination of low Russian economy, language barriers, expensive flights, and poor industry standards (in Russia) that all play a part. So, this year we are so excited that we were able to hold the first and second of what we hope to be many of our own conferences, read on to find out more about the RuAPP and our Conference!

Russian Piercers Ofelia (left) and Zhanna (right)

I would like to give credit to fellow piercer Ruben Lew, and his article about LBP as I used it as a template for my article. .

RuAPP was officially established in November of 2017, but was conceived long before that date. We currently stand at 24 members. Requirements are significantly different than for the APP, but RuAPP has a 3-year member requirement rising plan (like the UKAPP has hi, fellows!), which is going to bring RuAPP to APP standards (slow and steady wins the race).

Our first RuAPP conference was held in Moscow in January of 2018, where 60 Russian-speaking piercers gathered from all over Europe. The second RuAPP conference was held only 7 months later due to overwhelming interest form local piercers so eager to learn. Hosted once again in Moscow, attendance nearly doubled to 110 people, 95 of which were piercers, including APP Board Members, Cody Vaughn and Brian Skellie, APP Business Members, Sergi Tinaut from Spain and Javier Retamal from Chile, who all taught 2-3 classes at our Conference. Overall, 25 classes and several live demonstrations were taught over the three day period of RuAPP #2. Eight vendors were present in the conference expo area, including companies such as Industrial Strength and Auris Jewellery. Also there we saw other crucial things as Katana Needles and even Statims!

We would like to show thankfulness to the APP for all of their help in ensuring we had a successful Conference.

Andrey Neurozis from Ukraine (left) and Valeriya Chigovanina from Czech Republic (right) making fun and preparing for the raffle!

Both conferences to date have been predominantly Russian-speaking, and lectures have had translations, but the next one is to become international in a fuller sense and have at least half of the classes taught in English with no translation. From now on we plan to have annual conferences and you can visit RuAPP #3 from June 18-22th, 2019 in Saint Petersburg, Russia. So save the date!

From the very beginning of the first conference, I realised that we had changed the game in Russia. Lots of old piercers who were “enemies” before were sitting at one table together right in front of me with no drama, no fights, no insults. Lots of new piercers who were unknown before the Conference  and  a  bit  shy to come out from the shadows showed themselves. I had no idea we have so many piercers interested learning! At that moment I understood that we’re doing  our  work  correctly. There is no better motivation in this world than seeing a result that was supposed to be impossible!

I was really happy to have our first foreign speakers it was a totally new organizing experience to me! I think you all understand that for many of us, conference is not only a temple of Forever Learning, but a social hub full of friends and dedicated inspiring people! Lots of attendees found a huge source of motivation and inspiration and I could read it on their faces!

Mario Santana and Javier Fingazz, owners of Shangri-La Body Arts in Chile

My personal view on our industry is that piercers are the kind of people who are not just making holes in a safe manner; we are more than that. What I intend to do within my piercing career is to solve clients’ troubles, and inspire them to change their lives for the better! The feeling of thankfulness I receive back is an unbelievable source of my inner motivation. During the conference, I think of all the piercers as my clients who I want to inspire. What we did gives me inspirational feedback and huge motivation to do it even better. After conference I have no post-conference depression, I’m running around full of projects and ideas along with energy as do a lot of other piercers and RuAPP organizers!

High-end jewelry on the expo floor
Arseniy Andersson makes marking on Andrey Safonov before freehand microdermal live demonstration
Industrial Strength Russia and their beautiful Marta Vagner
Did you already buy all the raffle tickets? If not, you have the last chance!
Sergi Tinaut (Spain) gives his class about anatomy together with Dmitry Sizov (Russia), who helps with translation

Of course, not everything goes according to plan and we make mistakes. There were issues with translations, issues with sound system; but no critical mistakes happened. We can analyse and improve our event planning to make the next one even better, same as we all analyse and learn how to do each piercing better.

I can’t as we start preparing the third RuAPP. For now I will have to do with the warm feelings I get while thinking of all those friends I met at APP, GEP, LBP, BMXNet, YouModify and UKAPP, who wished us luck and who want to come to Russia in 2019!

As know my opinions about the success of our Conference are likely biased so please read what some of our attendees had to say;

Vlad Bodmodov gives his class about microdermals

Cody Vaughn: Having the opportunity to attend and teach at RuAPP this year was an absolute pleasure and an honor.

The attendees and other speakers were incredibly nice and very eager to learn. The classes I attended were very insightful and it was great to see where Russia was at with their current piercing techniques and practices. Seeing and hearing so many similarities to what I have  encountered at conferences such  as APP and LBP popping up at RuAPP really made me proud to see how far and wide the piercing industry has become.

I sincerely thank everybody I got to meet and interact with. The RuAPP attendees and speakers were a pleasure to spend the week with, both teaching and learning. I wish you many more successful conferences in the future.

Brian Skellie: Thanks to the RuAPP for an enthusiastic and curious experience as a speaker and participant. I would be pleased to return in 2019 if you’ll have me. Overall, the conference seemed well put together with a balance of educational and social interaction. I arrived to the St. Scalpelburg shop in Moscow to the lovely view of Yuri Gagarin’s golden statue who welcomed me along with the smiles of friendly fellow speakers, organizers, and participants. The uncertainty that preceded about my visa, my travel arrangements, and my unfamiliarity with the language faded quickly. By the time we got to the event location, many productive conversations were started, and the group was dynamic and involved.

The presentations were a high quality and seemed well received despite a few complexities with translation. The questions and feedback addressed felt useful and impactful on many levels, towards a shiny future.

The vendors brought an impressive quantity of attractive jewelry designs, quite aware of the industry trends in precious metals and minerals. Their generosity to the raffle was greatly appreciated. APP Board Members, Cody Vaughn and I, were able to donate two of our full conference passes for 2019 in Las Vegas for two fortunate piercers Lala and Yuliana.

Russians without a party?

Javier Retamal: I had the great honor of being invited to do classes in Russia for the first time in my life. I felt completely happy to meet many people with the same passion that I can find every time I go to Brazil or Mexico; people looking to grow as professionals and at the same time as human beings. I always felt very welcome and with certainty RuAPP is going to be one of the best conferences in this part of the world!

Postscriptum: If you ever want to explore a new exotic destination and combine it with shopping or selling jewelry, taking or teaching classes, feel free to contact RuAPP international liaison, Arseniy Andersson, and remember: it is bad manners to keep an adventure waiting!

Point 85: New UKAPP Brochures

Comments Off on Point 85: New UKAPP Brochures read APP Brochures, International, Issue 85, News, Publications, Sister Organization

The UKAPP has created two new informational brochures addressing female genital piercings and national concerns regarding the same. Please read the previous articles in The Point (Issue 70, Issue 74, and Issue 77) regarding the classification of consensual female genital piercings as mutilation in Europe. These UKAPP brochures were written in full cooperation with the APP and are of interest to anyone concerned about issues of body piercing, female health, and human rights.

Print ready PDFs of these may be downloaded from the organization’s website: https://www.ukapp.org.uk/ Please note that the order of the brochure is formatted to allow for tri-folding when printed, much like the brochures available from the Association of Professional Piercers: https://www.safepiercing.org/brochures.php

Point 85: Perfection over Experience

Comments Off on Point 85: Perfection over Experience read Business Practices, Features, Issue 85

by John Joyce

While driving to work, listening to NPR and sipping coffee, I heard an interview that drew parallels to some things I see in our industry.

The interview was with a classically trained musician who was releasing new work. She was explaining how her process has changed, and how she has found a new joy and connection to music. It was a connection she hadn’t realized she was even missing.

The woman in the interview explained how her training shaped how she approaches her work. Being classically trained, you are taught to replicate something, look at your work, and look for mistakes. Do this over and over until you can say, “I replicated this; it is perfect with no mistakes.” This type of critique what was done differently, then redo it until you are doing it the same way as whoever posted the original video. What I think is missing here is connecting with the client, and the moment of seeing and feeling what works best for you. The way the person in the video is doing something may not be the most comfortable way for you to do it. Rather than straight replication, what if we paid close attention to what felt uncomfortable about an experience, which will likely lead to a way that works better for you. When you are just looking for mistakes and trying to replicate what the person in the video did, you are missing an opportunity. I believe that one of the defining characteristics of our industry was that it was born of hands on learning.

Your hands might not be the same size as the person in the video. You might have different levels of dexterity. The configuration/height/angle of the equipment in your environment may be different. Trying things the way someone else does them is fine, but pay attention to what works for you and what is comfortable for you, instead of forcing someone else’s technique on yourself. Tools, no tools, 2″ needle, 3″ needle, etc… what connects with you? What clicks?

The woman in the article went on to say how after spending time and playing with musicians in New Orleans, they changed her perspective on performing and appreciating music. After playing and working with them, she was taught that mistakes are part of the process; those mistakes are what make the music feel alive and continues the personal growth of the musician. Don’t be afraid to make the mistake, roll with it, and still come out with something great. Be in the moment, make that connection with your audience, your client. If it didn’t go as well as hoped, ask why and what you could have done differently? Don’t just attempt to do it the same way over and over.

This also hits on the second thing I see in our industry. Make that connection. Don’t forget you are working on a whole person. I see so many videos being posted looking for critiques from peers, that might as well be a demonstration on a silicone body part. Again look to the roots of our industry and see that those personal connections are what made the industry as we see it today. When you are piercing an ear, or a nostril, or whatever, you are also piercing the person sitting in front of you. Include them; this is their experience. I understand that the experience now is a lot different than it was 20 years ago, that the clients are different, but you are still the facilitator of their experience.

When you draped half their upper body for that simple helix piercing, they didn’t disappear. Just because you no longer have eye contact with them, doesn’t mean they can’t feel what is happening, feel your nervous energy, or your excitement. Include them in that. So many of the videos I see focus on the wrong things: “Look at this great jewelry.”“Look at this crazy needle bend.” “Look at my drape level 900.” “Look at my fly freehand technique.” “Look how fast I was.” This all screams, “Look at me, other piercers. Am I worthy yet?”

All that is great: you should absolutely strive to be as aseptic as possible, want to try new techniques that might work better for you, and push yourself to be more technically sound. My current worry is, a lot of piercers seem so focused on the task at hand, so worried about doing the perfect piercing, that they miss out on the perfect experience. It is important not to miss out on the connection with the client, and the bond that can come from that interaction. In that moment, the client should be the piercer’s best friend, the only person that matters. Yes, you should absolutely be giving them the best nostril, helix, navel, or whatever piercing you have ever done, each and every time, but if all they are getting is a perfect piercing and not the perfect experience, you are both missing out. For them, the initial excitement is probably enough to not realize they missed out on anything. For you though, over time, without that connection, just piercing nostrils gets old after a few years. It becomes a job. Each time, you care a little less, and each day becomes a little harder to show up for.

As someone who has been in this industry for just over 20 years, there have been times where I too had lost that connection and many times didn’t even realize it. I used to fall in love about 20 times a day: with the client, with the piercing, with the connection. Granted the experiences were very different when I first started, and it was hard not to feel a great connection when so many of the piercings were very private, personal, and intimate, for a variety of different reasons. Many of those reasons, new piercers won’t understand; it’s a very different industry now. While that doesn’t happen as often anymore, it still happens. I love our clients. I love what we do. I love learning about them. I love that they let me be part of their life experience. That connection and being a part of so many different people’s lives has helped shape who I am, what the industry has been to me. It has filled me with empathy and understanding in a way that I wouldn’t have if I ended up anywhere else. Even though the client/piercer connection has evolved, I still feel it, and I urge you, as you move forward in your career to find it as well.

Point 85: Camp APP, 2018

Comments Off on Point 85: Camp APP, 2018 read Camp, Events, Issue 85

A LETTER FROM SHORTY

photos by April Thomas

Shorty is ecstatic about taking home a bottle of
Surrender the Booty hot sauce from the Camp raffle.

Dear Momma Duck,

This week has been a blur! Piercer Camp is so much fun. I’ve met so many new people and had a lot of fun with my friends from last year. Unfortunately most of the “Boat Bois” couldn’t make it this year, but that hasn’t stopped John Robberson and me from recruiting some new ones. I got the same cabin as last year and everything was still set up the way we left it. My cabin-mates were John (of course), Frankie “3 Pens” (aka Frankie Diamonds), Pauly “Slippaz” from Staten Island, Sosa (he’s from Venezuela, but now lives in Ohio), and Barron from Illinois. Barron and Sosa didn’t end up sleeping in our cabin though as they joined Hammock City in the Activity building. Hammock City is comprised of about 30 or 40 hammocks that are hanging from the rafters all over the place. It’s pretty rad! Everyone hangs out in their hammock during class, then hangs out in their hammocks at night until they just fall asleep.

Brian Skellie enthusiastically explaining techniques

The weather has been so all over the place. The week started off hot and humid, then rainy and dreary. Then, overnight, we had Hurricane Michael blow by us about 2 hours south. It wasn’t bad except the power went out at 3 am; I woke up and my air conditioner was off. I know, I know, Momma… you know I’m a bit of a Princess. I need my air conditioning at night or I can’t sleep. It wasn’t all that bad though, the wind blew my window shutters open so I had a constant misty rain blowing across me which kind of kept me cool until the power came back on around 8 am. Beside the rain and some gusty winds, it was pretty much a non-event which lead to the most gorgeous weather for the rest of the week!

I’ve been learning so much great stuff from all these really cool instructors. We had a class all about finances and money stuff. I know, sounds kind of boring right? It really wasn’t! Chrissy Shull, the instructor, had a lot of great tips on how to make credit cards and loans work for you and actually save money while getting lots of free stuff. Pretty cool, I mean who doesn’t like free stuff?

Elayne Angel and Sara Johnson enjoying conversation and engagement in the great outdoors.

Also there was this guy, Rob Hill (funny story: I actually thought he was a shaved sasquatch when I first saw him, because we’re in the middle of the woods and this dude is huge) who talked to us about security. I’m pretty sure he’s a ninja! He actually showed how easy it was to bypass common security protocols by breaking into another camper’s shop right before he got to Camp, with her permission and knowledge of course! He gave us so much good information and so much to think about. Momma, we’ve got to tighten things up a bit more at the shop when I get home.

Cale Belford teaching a class on social media techniques

Cale Belford did a bang up job on her social media class; she’s always so good to listen to. Jef Saunders taught about how to teach. This was especially great and funny at the same time because after his class all the other instructors were instantly questioning their own classes and presentations -even though they were all excellent, it still made them squirm a bit. I definitely enjoyed Ryan Ouellette’s Thunderdome class, it was a buffet of quality information on some wide ranging topics. There was a ton of interaction and it seemed like all the campers really loved this class style and the topics he presented.

Jef Saunders sporting a Camp APP 2015 shirt

Beside classes, there was tons of chill time. Of course you know I spent most of my freetime by the lake fishing. I caught soooo many catfish. John and I have a little fishing contest going and he’s winning with a score of 26 to 22, but I swear he cheated more than once by catching the same fish twice. We also had a rad game of kickball; I got to be pitcher and my team won! Bethrah Szumski also organized a long walk in the pouring rain. Everyone put on bathing suits (or birthday suits) and they hiked all around in the rain. I skipped this to go fishing, but all the campers that went said it was so nice. We had a huge campfire on the last night and told scary piercing stories. We even roasted marshmallows and made s’mores!

Pat Pierce and Matt Bavougian working hard in the kitchen

There was a really terrifying moment at the campfire where we heard some growling from the woods. It started kind of far away and slowly got closer and louder. Everyone was swearing there was an actual sasquatch in the woods watching us so Paul, John and I all ran into the woods to look. Turns out there wasn’t a sasquatch, but there was a European Hornet’s nest that apparently didn’t like us, because all three of us got stung. It was pretty painful, but at least we all can say we got pierced by a hornet at Piercer Camp! There were also very large wolf spiders (some of them looked like baby tarantulas, but were actually like kitties) and this crazy daddy long leg that liked pie and crawling on people randomly. I also saw a cute little millipede in my room that was moving super fast. On the way into Camp, John and I saw a deer run across the road. A few other campers said they saw a sasquatch in the woods just past the Activity building, but I never saw it. We didn’t see any armadillos or scorpions this year though.

Erika Gomez looking fancy in the forest

The food, OMG, Momma, the food is exceptional and there was so much of it! I don’t think I ever eat this much. It seems like all I’ve done is eat. Our Head Chefs, John Johnson and Matt Bavougian, really are talented and did a great job accommodating all of our special diets. A few of the other instructors and campers even jumped in and made some special snacks. Jef made some really yummy pizzas; you know how much I LOVEEEEEEE pizza, so this was extra special!

We had a raffle where everyone is supposed to donate something. It could be anything, a shirt from the shop, a rock from a hike, something silly from back home, something super special, something homemade, pretty much anything. Bethrah put everyone’s names into a bucket and then she pulled names until all the prizes were gone. I won some Professor Phardtpounders Colon Cleaner Hot Sauce and a slingshot! Pat Pierce was the winner of my raffle prize! I was super excited, and apparently he’s a huge fan of it already! Pretty rad.

The main classroom becomes a hammock city during the week as piercers kick back during the learning process.

I’m so sad that everyone will be leaving tomorrow and Camp will be over. This is honestly my favorite trip every year. So much laughing, so much learning, and so much time to just be in the moment. It’s always hard that first day to adjust to “roughing it” with not always being connected, but then it’s actually kind of nice to just be away in the middle of nowhere with a group of really good people. The cool thing though is that I won’t have to wait very long to see everyone again since APP Conference 2019 is in May. We will be doing our closing talks here in a few minutes and then I have to pack up. Tomorrow we clean up our cabins and turn in our bedding and then we’re done. I think we’re driving the Pauls to the airport early in the morning too, so it’ll be an early night for me.

Whelp Momma, I hear the meeting whistle now, so I’ve gotta run! I’ll be seeing you real soon though! — Shorty

Point 85: A Look Inside my Private Library

Comments Off on Point 85: A Look Inside my Private Library read Issue 85

by Kendra Jane B.


Vale.V., Juno.A. Modern Primitives: An Investigation of Contemporary Adornment & Ritual Volume 12 of Re/Search classics Wilensky-Ritzenhein Gay Book Collection. Re/Search Publications, 1989.
ISBN-10: 094064214X ISBN-13: 9780940642140
Ward, Jim. Running the Gauntlet: An Intimate History of the Modern Body Piercing Movement. Gauntlet Enterprises, 2013.
ISBN-10: 0988851601
ISBN-13: 9780988851603
Angel, Elyane. The Piercing Bible: The Definitive Guide to Safe Body Piercing. Random House Inc May 1, 2009.
ISBN-10: B004U2IGXM
Ward, J., Grey, M. Responsible Body PIercing-putting the pieces together. Gauntlet Enterprises, 2013. (reprint)
ISBN-13: 9780988851610
Mifflin, M. Bodies of Subversion. Juno Books. 1997.
Mifflin, M. Bodies of Subversion: A Secret History of Women and Tattoo. Third Edition Published June 25th 2013 by powerHouse Books
ISBN 1576876667
ISBN13: 9781576876664
Clarke, P., Reilly D. (Illus.), Beyond the Eye of the Needle. Publisher: Piercing World– Feb 25 2000. ISBN-10: 0952817918
ISBN-13: 978-0952817918
Clarke, P., Dale M., Oversby. A. The Eye Of The Needle. Publisher, Pauline Clarke. 1994.
ISBN-10 0952117509
ISBN-13 978-0952117506
Glucklich, Ariel. Sacred Pain: Hurting the Body for the Sake of the Soul. New York: Oxford University Press, 2001.
ISBN-10: 9780195169430
ISBN-13: 978-0195169430
Musafar, F. Thompson, M. Spirit + Flesh. Publisher Arena Editions, 2002.
ISBN-10: 189204157X ISBN-13: 9781892041579
Perlingieri, B. A Brief History of the Evolution of Body Adornment in Western Culture; Ancient Origins and Today. Tribalife Publications, 2003.
ISBN-10: 0867196084
ISBN-13: 9780867196085

Point 85: Meet the BPA

Comments Off on Point 85: Meet the BPA read Body Piercing Archives, Features, Issue 85

by Paul King

“The mission of the Body Piercing Archive is to select, collect, document, preserve, exhibit, and interpret the personal, social, and material evolving histories of Body Piercing to ensure these artifacts are available to present and successive generations.”

PAUL R. KING—BPA FOUNDER & COMMITTEE CHAIR, APP TREASURER

Let’s start with our founder, Paul King. Paul has been a professional body piercer since 1991 and an enthusiast before that. Paul has a BA in Anthropology from UC Berkeley and has lectured in universities, community groups, and conferences on various aspects of body modification since 1993. In 1999, Paul partnered to create Cold Steel America in San Francisco, CA. He is an active Business Member of the Association of Professional Piercers. In 2005, he successfully completed a three year elected Board position as Treasurer for the APP. In 2007, he received the APP’s President’s Award for contributions to the piercing industry. He has served as a Board-appointed Treasurer and Officer of the APP since 2008. In 2014, with the support of the APP Board, Paul King created the Body Piercing Archive.

BRIAN SKELLIE—BPA COMMITTEE MEMBER, APP MEDICAL LIAISON

Brian founded Piercing Experience in 1992 as a piercer inspired to research and evolve safe body modification and share the results with the community. He is a frequent APP contributor ever since the first Conference, an active Business Member since 1996, an educator who has presented many seminars and workshops at conferences in North and South America and Europe, former Editor of The Point, former chair of the Media Committee, and completed his third term Board Member as President, now serving as Medical Liaison.

BECKY DILL—BPA COMMITTEE MEMBER, INCOMING APP BOARD MEMBER

Becky Dill has been piercing professionally since 2003. She has been a part of the Cold Steel America family since 2009 and the Body Piercing Archive since its inception.

Becky is a Business Member of the Association of Professional Piercers; since becoming a Member she has participated in the APP Mentor Program and led roundtable discussions during the annual Conference & Exposition in Las Vegas. Additionally, she is also a founding member of the Bay Area Piercers Group.

DANNY GREENWOOD—DESIGN GURU, APP ASSOCIATE MEMBER

Danny Greenwood started working counter in 2007, and has been a member of the Cold Steel Piercing family since 2008. Danny is an Associate Member of the Association of Professional Piercers. Danny is the Phantom to our Opera: working behind the scenes on our website and various graphic design needs  (and hiding away from the daylight as much as possible.)

When she isn’t busy handling the ordering and photographing of fancy jewelry for Cold Steel America, you can expect Danny to be watching too much TV with her fat cat and thinking about snacks.

DEVIN RUIZ-ALTAMURA—BPA COMMITTEE MEMBER

Devin began working counter at Cold Steel Piercing in 2014 and is an Associate Member of the Association of Professional Piercers. Devin is the newest addition to the BPA and excited to bring you insights into the inner workings via social media. As  a native San Franciscan, a body piercing enthusiast, and student of the Paul King School of Being a Big ol’ History Nerd, she is honored to be preserving and sharing history that is near and dear to her heart.

When Devin isn’t archiving or obsessing over body jewelry she is probably planting things, reading comics, or telling her dogs how much she loves them. (She is also responsible for the majority of the bios you are currently enjoying originally posted on The Body Piercing Archive Instagram.)

MATTE ERICKSON—BPA COMMITTEE MEMBER, APP BUSINESS MEMBER

Matte began piercing in 1994 in Colorado Springs, Co.and re-located to Fairfield, Ca in 1998 and since then, has become the prevalent piercer in Solano and Napa counties. Since 2002, He has attended the Association of Professional Piercers Conference to continue his education and stay up on the latest advances and techniques.

I am sure there are more for each list, but, I think you get the idea. One of my motto’s is, “just because you can pierce something, doesn’t mean you should”.

Now a committee member for the Body Piercing Archive Committee. History has always been very important to him. He is also a member of the Bay Area and Sacramento piecers groups, The International Suspension Alliance And is also responsible for many of the Photographs The Point uses throughout its publications.

GENE GOWEN—BPA COMMITTEE MEMBER AND FUNDRAISING COORDINATOR

Gene Gowen is owner of and piercer at Cold River Piercing in Albany, NY. He had always wanted to get involved with the APP, but didn’t think he’d be much good at any of the usual ways people volunteer with the organization. Paul started the BPA and needed some help raising funds for the work the archive was doing. So he asked if Gene could be responsible for generating sellable items at Conference, to raise funds for the BPA. Like any other staunch New Englander, Gene has a mother who makes and gives away quilts for everyone’s big life events. So the idea came to him that maybe we could make some quilted projects from old shop shirts, which everyone has in abundance.

That’s really all it came down to. He saw a place where someone needed some help and thought he might be able to be of some use.

OLIVIA THERIAULT—BPA COMMITTEE MEMBER

Olivia began her professional piercing journey in 2012, on the quiet coast of Nova Scotia. She is a permanent fixture at her hometown studio, Skin Decision. When she is home in the woods, you will often find her transcribing audio files for the BPA or outside playing with bugs!

Olivia is a proud Business Member of the Association of Professional Piercers and has attended a variety of seminars, conferences, and retreats to further her understanding of our industry.

Point 85: APP Conference…Then & Now

Comments Off on Point 85: APP Conference…Then & Now read Conference, Events, Issue 85

THEN

Taken from The Official Newsletter of The Association of Professional Piercers, Spring, 2005 • Issue 32

The 10th Annual Association of Professional Piercers Conference & Exposition: The Largest Gathering of Piercers & Jewelry Vendors in the World. May 1–6, 2005 At the Las Vegas Riviera Hotel & Casino

CONFERENCE OVERVIEW

The Conference is a must for every piercing studio, tattoo studio that does piercing, health official, and health inspector. Because many important and informative courses are offered concurrently it is advisable that you send at least two representatives so that your facility or organization can get the most out of the conference. As in the past, the APP is offering courses to help piercers to achieve APP membership, comply with local and state regulations, have a say in piercing regulations, enhance business, improve customer relations and much more. You do not need to be an APP member to attend the conference.

Of the nearly 30 courses offered, only two are restricted to members only. Although all are welcome to attend classes, the Expo is not open to members of the general public. A business card from your establishment and proof of retail license will be necessary to enter. In addition, to maintain space in our host hotel and comply with insurance requirements, absolutely no piercing from hotel rooms will be tolerated.

CLASSES

  • Employee Management
  • Customer Service & Marketing
  • Phuket Vegetarian Festival (Documentary)
  • Aftercare
  • Basic Accounting
  • Jewelry 1
  • Jewelry 2
  • Indigenous Piercing Techniques
  • Studio Setup & Inspection
  • Scars
  • Medical Risk Assessment
  • CPR First Aid
  • Aseptic Technique & Equipment Management
  • Anatomy (Body)
  • Anatomy (Oral & Facial)
  • OSHA/Bloodborne Pathogens Certification
  • Stretching
  • Fraud Prevention
  • Surface Piercing (Members only)
  • Grounding & Bedside Manner
  • Non-Member Techniques

ROUND TABLE DISCUSSIONS

In order to make the APP Conference a venture allowing EVERYONE to contribute, we have scheduled round table discussions on the following proposed topics: Extreme Piercing, Suspension (Members only), Jewelry Display, Building a Portfolio, Anthropology, and Body Modification in the Mass Media. There is no charge to attend these workshops.

EXPOSITION

This is the largest gathering of piercers and piercing related vendors in the world. Manufacturers often utilize this event to present new products and services to the piercing community. In addition, many vendors offer their goods and services at a discount to conference attendees. As a reminder, a vendor’s presence at the expo does NOT constitute APP endorsement. Review all products thoughtfully and remember that, in many cases, the Conference and Expo are a learning experience for vendors as well.

For the first time the APP invites Health Inspectors to attend the Conference free of charge. The only requirement is that the person(s) attending reserves and stays in a room in the host hotel within the APP room block set aside for Conference attendees. Book early to get your room. If you need documentation confirming this offer, contact info@safepiercing.org.

PROM NIGHT/THE AWARDS DINNER

This will be held Thursday evening at the Top of the Riv North. The theme will be ‘Prom Night’ with a buffet style dinner (with vegan options) and dance music! You can come as you are or dust off your favorite suit or dress. The drawing for the top ten raffle prizes will be held during this event.

NOW

Our 24th Annual Conference and Exposition will be in Las Vegas, Nevada from May 12-17, 2019 at Planet Hollywood. During this week, ballrooms become classrooms, filling with attendees from all over the world. Piercers, Apprentices, Counter Staff, Studio Owners, Vendors, and Health Inspectors come together for a week of education and peer-to-peer sharing. Whether you are new to our industry or an experienced  practitioner  there  are classes and events for everyone. Our classes range in topic covering everything from the fundamentals of our trade to complex analysis of topics for those who are interested in furthering their existing knowledge.

In addition to the education available, the APP Conference is also home to The Exposition, the only one of its kind in this country. Nowhere else can you find this range of body jewelry and body piercing related products all in one spot.

You do not have to be an APP Member to attend the Conference, but some Restrictions apply to the Exposition and Members Only & Piercing Technique courses/round tables It is suggested that if you are new to the Conference or are an apprentice piercer that you start with the core classes. Many of these courses provide the foundation for the information provided in our advanced and elective courses.

For example before taking Strategic Marking or other piercing technique courses you will want to make sure you have taken our anatomy courses.

At this time the APP doesn’t require any prerequisites for any of its classes. It is advisable to have taken at least an online Bloodborne Pathogens course prior to attending our Conference.

Want to start planning out your schedule? Please feel free to use this 2019 Schedule to assist you!

CORE CLASSES

  • What Every Piercer Should Know about Below-theNeck Anatomy
  • Above the Neck (“Oro-Facial) Anatomy
  • Body Piercing Complications and Considerations
  • Safe Practices in the Sterilization Room
  • Wound Care/Aftercare
  • Initial Jewelry
  • Basics of “Safe” Materials for Body Jewelry
  • Studio Documentation
  • The Magic of Grounding and Bedside Manner

TECHNIQUE CLASSES (PIERCER ONLY)

  • Essential Body Piercing Concepts
  • Nipple Piercings: Basic & Advanced Theory
  • Modern Techniques: Vulva Piercings
  • Learning Bites: Lip Piercings
  • Industrial Piercings: Keeping it Simple
  • Septums Make Me Sweaty
  • Honing in on High Nostrils
  • Advanced Fundamentals: Helix Piercings
  • Needle Improvements
  • Strategic Marking

MEMBERS ONLY

  • Open Techniques Workshop

ELECTIVES

  • Working with Your Health Inspector
  • Current Piercer Tech Workshop
  • Microbiology For Piercers
  • Ergonomics in the Piercing Room
  • Mentoring and Apprenticeships and How to Inspire the Next Generation of Piercers
  • Utilizing your Phone
  • Giving and Receiving Feedback: Communication 102
  • Social Media Management
  • How to Win Clients and Influence Piercers
  • Fakir & Me (Jim Ward)
  • Annie Sprinkle on Fakir
  • The History of Glass
  • Cultural Competence and Inclusion: Where You Fit In
  • Trauma Informed Body Modification
  • Special: Fakir Musafar: An Evening of Remembrance & Celebration

WORKSHOPS

  • Control of Cross Contamination Through the Use of UV Reactive Powder
  • Safe Practices in the Piercing Room

TALK APP GROUP

  • Talk APP: Professionalism
    • Confidence and Cockiness In and Outside the Piercing Room
    • Professionalism with Genital Piercings
    • Ethics
  • Talk APP: Artistic Expression
    • Artistic Studio Design
    • Living with an Artist’s Eye
    • Creativity, Inspiration, and Artistic Expression in Jewelry Design
  • Talk APP: The “Arts”
    • The Art of Ritual
    • The Art of Skepticism
    • The Art of Nothing
  • Talk APP: Adulting
    • Acting Like a Boss
    • Self Care as an Adult
  • Talk APP: Different Perspectives
    • This is All Bigger than Us
    • It’s Not You, It’s Me

ROUNDTABLES

  • Disorders in the Industry
  • APP Membership
  • Regulatory Affairs
  • POC: the Power of Color and Representation
  • Reducing Waste in Your Studio
  • Piercing Outside the U.S. and the Reality of the Rest of the World

MEETINGS

  • Orientation
  • Mentor Program
  • New Attendees & Mentors Meeting
  • Members Meeting
  • Committee Meeting
  • Vendor Meeting
  • Health Inspectors Meeting
  • Friends of Bill W
  • International Meeting
  • Canadian Meeting
  • International Suspension Alliance

ATTB (Alternative to the Bar) OFFERINGS

  • Harm Reduction, Overdose Prevention, & Response Training
  • Anodizing Open Workshop
  • Needle Bending Open Workshop Game Night

Point 85: The APP Board Timeline

Comments Off on Point 85: The APP Board Timeline read Issue 85, Membership, News

As an organization built by volunteers, we feel so fortunate to have had so many people serve our mission. As you can see from this chart, many of our Board Members have been serving the APP for upwards of a decade. We would like to thank not only the people you see listed, but all of our volunteers that have served our committees

Point 85: The Piercer Family Tree

Comments Off on Point 85: The Piercer Family Tree read Issue 85, Membership, News

by Mic Rawls & Gene Gowan

Hello piercing community!!!

I had an idea at Camp APP to create a piercing family tree. I started to put it out there and have gotten a great response! With the help of Gene Gowen, we will continue collecting everybody’s history!!

What we need from you:

We would like information about the people that helped bring you into the community. This includes what shops you have worked at (no guest spots please) and anybody you helped get into the industry. If you have worked as a trainer at any education seminars or training groups we would like that as well.

For some of this it can be difficult to list people that also had a negative effect on our fledgling careers, and if there are people you don’t want to list, that is cool. Please remember that we are using this to get a sense of our history and how and through whom this wonderful craft has evolved. This will include some people that we do not care for, but without them we may have not gotten our start!

My vision for this will include an interactive display, so you can find those who came before you. I am hoping to modify this to include a class and video as we move forward. It will be a blast putting all the pieces together and to see how this skill has moved from one community to another.

Please send all submissions tomic4559@hotmail.com

Thanks for everybody’s help. I can’t wait to see how this will bloom!!!

Point 85: Longest Standing Currently Active APP Members

Comments Off on Point 85: Longest Standing Currently Active APP Members read Features, Issue 85, Membership, News, Statistics

The following is a list of longest standing APP Members who are still currently active. Listed beside their names, you’ll find their original join date. This list reflects consecutive membership; according to current membership policy, original join dates can be reinstated after no more than two years, as long as there has not been a lapse in membership dues.

We’re honored to have these 20 people continuing to support the Association of Professional Piercers and the body piercing industry.

  • Sky Renfro—July 1994
  • David Vidra—October 1995
  • Adam Block—January 1996
  • Allen Falkner—January 1996
  • Patrick McCarthy—February 1996
  • Bink Williams—March 1996
  • Elayne Angel—March 1996
  • Brian Skellie—May 1996
  • Derek Lowe—June 1996
  • Darrin Walters—August 1996
  • Gus Diamond—October 1996
  • Steve Joyner—July 1997
  • Bethrah Szumski—August 1997
  • Marc J. Williams—September 1997
  • Jason King—October 1997
  • David Kelso—January 1999
  • Sarah Wooten—May 1999
  • James Weber—May 1999
  • Luis Garcia—May 1999
  • Shawn Taylor—July 1999