Tattoo Artists to Give $20 Tattoos During TOYS•4•TATS DRIVE

SAN ANGELO, TX - A local businesswoman is putting a spin on giving and receiving for the second year in a row in an effort to give Concho Valley kids a great Christmas.

 Yael "Jelly" Sanchez, originally from Queens, New York, said she visited San Angelo a few years back as a guest tattoo artist. With the encouragement of her brother, who had already made San Angelo his new home, she too decided to set her roots here as well in 2012.

"I've lived in big cities like Miami and New Orleans, but San Angelo has treated me very well," said Sanchez. "I've been back here for four years, and, in that time, I have completely gotten out of debt, and have even opened up my own tattoo studio."

Both Sanchez and her brother have been artists for over 11 and 15+ years respectively, and the two share the workload at the shop.

The "Surly Skull Tattoo Studio" is located at 2215 N. Chadbourne Street.

"I chose to open up on the north side of town to just not be on top of everybody else, referring to other studios, and it's convenient as my brother and I both live on this side of town. It's the old Jennings house--the one covered by fossils."

Sanchez noted that the house is over 100 years old.

With that being said, Sanchez was pleased to announce, "This Sunday, December 4, from 2 p.m. until midnight, we're trading a $20 tattoo for a $20 new unwrapped toy for a boy or girl. They (patrons) have to show a receipt that the toy costs $20 and then we have a a pre-selected sheet of artwork with a suggested color scheme on there. It's very limited on color changes so we don't run into a time issue. These are tattoos that can be knocked out in about maybe 15 minutes. Just something cute--something small as a 'thank you.'"

Sanchez added, "For those who just want to make a donation of a toy and not get a tattoo, it doesn't have to be a $20 toy." 

She explained that day is going to be designated specifically for the $20 tattoos, and she and her brother will not, under any circumstances, make changes or substitutions.

"It's literally just me setting up, breaking down, slapping on the stencil, and doing the tat, and then it's on to the next one," Sanchez said. "We'll go down a list, and if someone is not there when their name is called, we will just go on to the next person. Between me and my brother, we're going to try and crank out as many people as we can. I'm going to try and stay as late as I can, but that depends on how my hands feel at the end of a 10-hour day. After midnight, that's the cut off." 

 Many people don't realize it's not unusual for artists to have carpal tunnel and/or tendonitis, so taking a couple of minutes to rest in between clients is a must.

Sanchez concluded, "For this event, all proceeds are going to Toys for Tots. Again, designs are pre-selected and pre-sized (approximately 2"x2") for time constraints. The Tattooers/Artists are donating their time and will not be receiving any payment/compensation. Tips will be appreciated. Thank You!"

For more information, check out the shop's Facebook page, or call (325) 812-8822.