One of the things that makes Downtown Saco so special is the people behind the businesses. Our Faces of Main Street series gives you a chance to get to know them a little better: what inspires them, what they love about Saco, and where you might bump into them around town when they’re off the clock.
Today we’re shining the spotlight on Good-Bye Tattoo, where artists Frank Ervin, Iris, and Ben Whitehead celebrate creativity and individuality, creating eye-catching pieces that leave a lasting impression…literally! We caught up with Frank to learn more about his studio and his favorite Saco haunts.
MEET Good-BYE TATTOO!
Q: What’s the story behind your business name?
Frank: I read once that the word “good-bye” derived, over time, from the phrase “God be with ye” and it just stuck with me, in that it’s an example of the meaningful kind of hiding in the mundane. Tattooing itself is, at the end of the day, this sort of silly and crude thing that developed out of what was not necessarily the most well regarded nooks and crannies of society, but has the potential to truly transform people’s lives and their sense of self. And that’s a beautiful thing. Beyond that I really think of it like, we’re all gonna say “good-bye” someday. So you might as well get that sick rose tattoo before you depart this here mortal coil.
Q: What’s one thing people might be surprised to learn about you?
Frank: I think I speak for all of us here in the shop when I say that we HATE getting tattooed. Classic case of “we can dish it out but…”
Q: What’s been the biggest lesson you’ve learned as a business owner?
Frank: Honestly I’m kind of spoiled, I get to come to work and spend my days doing, and thinking, and talking about what I love. So really the biggest lesson I’ve learned is just to appreciate how fortunate I am, and how grateful I am, not only to tattooing as a whole, but for all the people who’ve gotten work from me throughout the years. Our shop doesn’t exist without them.
Q: What’s your favorite Saco event or tradition?
Frank: Well this is only our second year in the neighborhood so it’s hard to say, but maybe someday we’ll be able to get ourselves a float for the holiday parade. Maybe get Santa there and hook him up with that Mrs. Claus tattoo. Perchance to dream, right?
Q: If you could swap places with another Main Street business for a day, which would it be?
Frank: Well we love our humble abode here in the square so I can’t say that we’re particularly covetous of anyone else’s spot, but I think all of us here in the shop would take the chance to get closer to the coffee they serve next door at Finestkind.
- Frank Ervin
- Good-Bye Tattoo
- 15 Pepperell Square
- good-byetattoo.com/
Who do you nominate for the next Faces of Main Street feature?
Maybe's Flowers & Gifts