Established: 1975

Location: 706 W. Benson, Anchorage, Alaska, 99503

Telephone: 907-561-0065

"We have people coming in from the Bush all the time," Allen said. "But we actually have a world famous reputation."

The business has been featured in many publications, and there are seven employees.

"Everybody here is an artist," said Allen.

Today, 80 percent of clients are women, providing 65 percent of business. For men, styles run in cycles.

"After 9-11, patriotic stuff went up - eagles and flags," Allen said.

"Tattooing is in the mainstream," said Allen. "At this stage of the game we do school teachers and lawyers and all sorts of professional people."

Cost is $125 an hour, the same rate since 1994.

Does it hurt?

"It's not bad or nobody would come here," Allen said. "After they come here for awhile, it's very tolerable."

History of company: A former air traffic controller, Allen came to Alaska in 1967 for flying and hunting. He has been a tattoo artist and professional musician for 40 years.

Allen bought his Benson location in 1989 after working three years on 5th Avenue and 12 years at Silverado Business Park.

Allen's specialty in tattoo is Japanese art and portraits.

Major accomplishments: The business has five tattoo chairs and each generate about $135,000 a year, Allen said.

"The growth has been very steady over the years," Allen said.

Major players: Allen has a BS degree in music from Dickinson State, N.D.

Allen's son, James, has worked at the business eight years and studied art at the University of Alaska Anchorage.

Other artists include Don and Debra Yarian, a husband-wife team with 45 combined years in the business, Mason Pillion, Kirk Tapley and "Miss Judy," her professional name for 20 years.

- Pat King