Black Rock Gets Modern Electric
While cruising down Niagara Street in Black Rock earlier today, a relatively new tattoo shop caught my eye. The tat shop, Modern Electric Tattooing, was lit up with a combination of neon red lights and a vibrant orange door. Inside I found 30-year-old business owner/artist, Nick Bennett, who was busy (but not too busy to talk) inking a client. I asked him how he happened upon his new diggs in Black Rock - a question that he was totally prepared to answer. "I grew up in Allentown," he replied. "Out of all the neighborhoods that I ever thought I would end up, Black Rock was at the bottom... if it was on it at all. I moved back from Richmond, Virginia in August. I knew that I could find an inexpensive place to open my own business... and I knew I wanted to be in a part of the city that was not saturated with tattoo shops. One day I was coming down Niagara and I saw a "For Rent" sign in the front window. Buffalo is an affordable city... and Black Rock is an affordable area in an affordable city."
As he worked away at the arm in front of him Nick described his new neighborhood - a part of the city that he was still relatively unfamiliar with. The people around here are very tight-knit," he exclaimed. "I bet you that every person who has walked in through the front door is somehow connected to my first customer. I worked on this one guy... and then I worked on his mother and father. Then his cousins started coming in - since the start my business has been mostly referral. I really like Black Rock. I've been thinking about moving into this neighborhood in the near future. I got my license in 1998, and since then I've worked from Tonawanda to Lackawanna... I wasn't sure how business over here would be, but I've been pleasantly surprised ever since I made the move."
I don't know about you, but I think it's really cool to see a tat shop on this section of Niagara. It adds to the flavor of the neighborhood and could be a catalyst for other creative businesses to open nearby. Someone always has to test the waters first... right?
Modern Electric Tattooing is located at 9536 Niagara Street (near the Riverview Family Restaurant). Not far from that is the Viking Lobster Company, ...and Emily's Restaurant is nearby as well. The phone for MET is 716.880.9536.
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Comment Options
dixiechick
I wish Nick the best! Welcome to Black Rock!
Yes, Black Rock is 'tight-knit" That is what makes this part of the neighborhood 'work'. It is a 'front porch' neighborhood where most everyone knows everyone else. A neighborhood where kids can still play like kids, and neighbors help shovel snow...or mow lawns, or take care of our green spaces.
We lived in Bob and Pen Creeley's Firehouse for almost 5 years, and when looking for a house to buy, that 'front porch' feeling is why we bought a house here (in BR) instead of moving back to other, more 'upscale' neighborhoods.
This neighborhood IS very affordable, close to everything, especially if you like the water front. An incredible amount of new and exciting projects are taking off in BR. We need more people like Nick who see the bigger picture (and he tats it too!).
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Joshua
Newell, I can't believe we didn't bump into each other. After the Central Terminal, I was at Flying Bison.
For those that enjoying tat's, this is great for you. Good luck Nick!
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pgf1948
Pretty sad.
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chris69
oh god...people are going to hate me for this..but when are my fellow Buffalonians going to grow up! You cant even get a retail job if you have an earing or a tattooed body or a hole in your ear bigger than your nostril
Mutilating your body may be passable when your in high school and college but certainly not afterwards. Furthermore, what kind of parents do we have in Buffalo that allow their kids to do this to their bodies and to their futures.
And what kind of school systems allow these kids to go to school looking like this....
And Buffalo expects to compete globally when we cant even get the most basic professionalism in appearance..its bizarre!
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BetterThanDetroit
chris69 - you, my friend, belong in Clarence. I worked for a Big 5 and I have ink. I won't even begin to tell you the private clubs I belong to and how times have changed. It's ink buddy, perhaps like mine to tribute family.
Age limits, personal expression, blah blah blah, 14 year olds are not getting Manson tattoos on their foreheads BUDDY! Now get back in your mini cooper and drive to NYC or TO. Live a little, it doesn't last forever...
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marketrate
BetterthanDetroit - BULLSHIT!!!!!
KPMG or Deloitte may not have known about your tramp stamp when they hired you as an entry level auditor or accountant but you know that they wouldn't put you in front of customers with ink on your hands and neck. The little piglet tat on your ankle doesn't count either. I think Chris' point was that getting serious ink may hold you back in the professional world and I agree.
Imagine a HSBC branch manger who has to work with senior citizens and foreigners trying to explain a serious matter with a giant heart and arrows tattooed on his neck. They will probably have a difficult time taking you seriously. If your family tribute is hidden from view somewhere near your pubic line then who really cares because you aren't talking about the same thing that Chris is talking about.
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marketrate
BTD - please enlighten us about the changing times at the myriad of private clubs that you belong to.
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hammerb44
First of all, congrats to Nick. I wish you all the best! Secondly, while I agree that many retail or white collar jobs would not hire someone with tattoos all over their bodies there is still life after getting a tattoo. I have been a teacher for six years, am currently getting my PhD, and I have two tattoos (and my nose pierced--God forbid!). The tattoos are hidden by my clothing while I am teaching; not all tattoos have to be giant hearts and arrows on ones necks! Third, not everyone wants to have a white collar job. I am sure that many of those people who do have hearts and arrows all over their necks aren't striving to sit at a desk at HSBC or be in retail. As long as someone is of age and is made aware that tattoos are permanent, I say go for it!
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Martin
Ink can look pretty damn hot if done right to accent a part of a body, such as a trible band on a well developed arm or a sexy little star at waist [or lower] level, what I find disgusting are those that cover thier body in it to make a "statement'. These are usually people crying for attention as they probably have very little in life to look forward to except their own look group of fellow "inkers" also covered in it. But, to each his own!
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marketrate
Hammer - "The tattoos are hidden by my clothing" - exactly, ink that you cover isn't going to interfere with your job placement unless you typically bare your skin during the workday. I have three tats on my left and right arms that I have to keep covered at work. I have thought about adding more or extending them below my elbows but that won't fly with senior management.
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viking
Body adornment takes many forms, personal prejudice against permeant disfigurement is relaxing, but from my perspective still not a good idea. Blatant means of identification can be real problematic, health issues have been down played, and tattoos look horrible on old people.
A true story story, a person gets arrested by having a particular tattoo similar to a perpetrator because the tattoo is a form of misidentification. Spends a fortune until issue is resolved, no recourse, decides to get tattoo removed surgically and develops a life threatening infection.
Another true saga, in a fight someone with piercing of the nose, lips, ear and more significant part of the body, gets damaged in all areas of location , the result painful and permeant disfigurement.
Other then that, good luck Nick, if styles change there may be a future in art.
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Charger
You people are incredible. A local lad comes back to Buffalo and starts a legal business (occupying a vacant storefront in a very nice, but not so thriving, part of town, becoming part of the neighborhood) and all you think to do is complain about how he, and some of his clients, look. It's not as though he, or anyone else in this thread, is making any statement about being denied employment because of their tattoos or piercings. He's probably more aware than anyone of how society as a whole views people with visible tattoos, piercings, etc. Presumably he was aware of that when he decided to get them. He's made his choices and seems to be living happily with them. You may not like it, but for goodness sakes, let's not get all high and mighty.
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Martin
Oh, I wish him luck charger, and he will do well more likely than not.
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crc
I wish him luck too, but do we really need another tattoo shop? Cmon! They've become almost as ubiquitous as pizza parlors in this city.
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ChocolateShake
Why not publish what kind of tatt's (tribal, Celtic, traditional American, etc.) are this guy's forte? How does he price tatts? Where is the craziest part of a person's body has he done a tatt? A coffee shop next door would be an excellent addition. This a good story - need to work on the basic "who, what, where & when" angles.
Why do we get real estate advertisements with extreme details straight from multimillionaire "bada-bing" developers on BRO but few to no details on interesting small business people listed above? Do I smell a "play for pay scheme"? What's wrong with this picture?
Now, isn't there a bookstore down the street from this location where Chris69 gets all his reading material? I believe that establishment is multi-storey and with no setback from the street - straight from the school of new urbanism. Wonder if there will be a YUM story on the theater's popcorn.
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RisingDamp666
I was refused a position with ABN AMRO because of my multiple genital percings and elaborate "snake" tat on a very sensitive area...that was one hell of an interview, however.
( Fortunately, Bear Stearns had no objections and Societe Generale is making offers...)
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tudorguy
because Buffalo NEEDS another tattoo joint...
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marketrate
RD666 - funny you chose ABN AMRO instead of their more widely known subsidiaries. And you choice of Societe Generale, a rather obscure reference to someone not involved in finance or wealth management.
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RisingDamp666
Someone at ABN AMRO spotted me outside their offices at Canary Wharf and invited me to apply, I was a rent-boy at the time and on a lark, strayed from the Trafalgar Fountain. Societe Generale simply called. Odd thing though, my web page wasn't even up yet.
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ChocolateShake
I think it would be interesting to see your Prince Albert RD666 - would add a lot to the Peep Show.... and Marketrate, RD666 is most likely a refugee from the old Bankers Trust before Duetsche Bank bought them out. BT always had guys who were into crazy and kinky stuff like gential tatts and what not.
There are more than a few old timers who got their series 7 on that island in the Hudson before "retiring" to Buffalo.
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ChocolateShake
... I was DLJ if you knew who they were....
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BetterThanDetroit
MarketRate - Your lack of intelligence is air-apparent.
I was a Platinum SAP Consultant for Andersen Consulting, PWC and Deloitte Consulting you moron. And, where in my post did you see anything about tattoos being visible? Are you still working at SpOt Coffee? Yeah, thought so.
As for the clubs I belong to locally, go ahead and assume. Would you like to meet me at the Buffalo Club in the locker room to get a better glimpse? I know you would so just admit it. And, we're not impressed because you looked up a few large audit company's names. I was a consultant, not a bean counter but you wouldn't understand that. Still care to see me naked? I know you would you naught little freak!
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marketrate
Of course you did BTD, of course you did. We have to believe you because you posted it anonymously on the internet.
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BetterThanDetroit
marketrate = the reason Buffalo is looked at as the retarded kid of the class. His ignorance severly pains me. Do something better than whine, punk! Back to the story - I know several IBM'ers and high-end execs alike with tattoos and piercings. There's a classy was to do it such as the the famous "BTD Was Here" tattoo on marketrate's ass...
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marketrate
BTD - Really? How do you know that these high-end execs and IBM'ers have tattoos if they are covered? Care to elaborate on this? Maybe you are lingering a little too long in the locker room at the Buffalo Club.
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RisingDamp666
ChocoShake, my friend Rajiv at Deutsche sports a Prince Albert, but out of competitive zeal, I added my "Jacob"s Ladder" to my junk. Another friend, Nguyen at Credt Lyonnais got all that plus subdural "pleasure bumps". It totally helped him land that arbitrage gig in Zurich.
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RisingDamp666
Oops, did I say "subdural"? I mean subdermal.....then again, when you're on the table at Shock Trauma, what's the difference?
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marketrate
BTD - Damn, another witty comeback that includes a priest reference. Hmm, what are you telling us about yourself in these posts?
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nonono
marketrate, societe general is only an obscure reference if you have been in my spider hole for the last week without access to any news media......chris69, perhaps these human beings possessed of the god given right of self expression do not desire to work at NoKo and sell you the crack creem you need to balm your hemorrhoidally pinched personality, we hate you for so many more reasons than this post....martin, your homo neurotic tastes in body ink are altogether beside the point......charger you got your cranny ax right in the ham pocket, congrats....risingdamp, again the only reason to read BR!
y'all need your pudding hatches boink swatted !
best-O-luk Nink !
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Novisiblemeansofsupport
If there's one thing Buffalo doesn't have enough of, it's tattoo parlors.
Is there a neighborhood dive bar nearby?
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henrietta
congrats Nick! Im sure you WILL thrive. Its always beautiful to see another store front filled and another independent business open! Thank you for helping our city grow. Hopefully these suits will one day realize what exactly you ARE contributing!
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Tesla
I can't believe that between public libraries and evolution....stupidity such as this,still exists.
What someone chooses to do with their bodies should be of no concern to anyone else.
Don't play god and pass judgement.
And by the way.....many doctors, lawyers, and police officers have tattoos.....but....I guess they don't count.
I think it's a great thing that a buisness is coming into this city and doing well.....I thought that's what we wanted.
Also.....the city of Olympia,WA has about 40,000 people....and 3 or 4 tattoo shops......how can you say Buffalo has too many?
Also....Olympia has about 5 or 6 pizza shops.....so also...how can you say Buffalo has too many.
Some of you guys will complain and cry about anything.
And to say that people who get lots and lots of tattoos.....is complete ignorance. ...it makes you sound like your 9 years old.
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Tesla
Sorry....meant to say this...
And to say that people who get lots and lots of tattos are crying for attention.....is complete ignorance.....it makes you sound like your 9 years old.
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Gully
Hello everyone,
Nick Bennett here. I have been very busy lately and today was the first chance i had to checkout the article. Very cool.. I am equally excited to see how many people have chosen to comment on the article/ my business. Thank you to the many well wishers. I do greatly appreciate it, and am happy to report that things are going very well. i feel like i should address what seems to be the predominant issue that i have noticed so far in the comments. Now, I’m not sure I’m getting this right, but it seems like some people are saying that tattooing as an industry is irresponsible, due to the possible occupational limitations of getting a tattoo. Well, speaking for myself, I can say that it has only helped my career to be covered in visible tattoos. I imagine that in these modern times, there are many forward thinking employers in creative industry that might see tattoos as a plus. My roommate and best friend is an L.P.N../E.M.T. and an interior fire fighter, with a long list of credentials. he is tattooed from his neck to his knuckles, and is gainfully employed in a non artistic trade. Besides, who wants to work in retail. That sounds pretty crappy to me. I think i would much rather load trucks, or swig a hammer, or turn a wrench. I know i can get a job doing that and have any tattoo I want. Probably make allot more money too. bottom line... I feel that if you are otherwise employable. that is, you are good at what you do and know how to market yourself. you will be able to find a job.
Oh, I think one person brought up the more substantial issue of health risks. I would like to address that by saying as was mentioned in the article, that i have been a licensed practitioner in erie county since 1998 and am in the habit of meeting or exceeding those guidelines. I, of course welcome anybody interested in knowing more about the business, or interested in any tattoo work to stop by1943 Niagara st. Wed.-Sun. 1:00-9:00pm. or call at, (716) 880-9536.
again, thanks for the enthusiasm.
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