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Our Story
About Us
1808 Tattoo was started with a love for tattooing, culture and the shop’s home of Naples, NY. Although the town of Naples was established in 1789, it wasn’t until the year 1808 that it was given its name. We hope to preserve and continue traditions of the past and present with classic and custom tattoos, taking pride in creating visual history that will last forever. Our artists and their work are a reflection of this effort. Versatility is an expectation we do our best to meet, but also encourage and welcome the recreation of classic imagery and design. We chose to open our shop in a secluded area of the Finger Lakes Region because we believe that atmosphere is an element to any experience. 1808 is surrounded with popular walking and hiking trails, fishing, local restaurants, breweries, wineries, neighboring “Mom & Pop” shops, and scenic views of the Naples Valley. Professional tattooing and lifestyle is the heart of 1808 Tattoo.
artist
Meet Evan Schapp, owner of 1808
From a family background in arts, Evan was introduced to drawing techniques and lessons - taught mainly by his grandmother. This early exposure to creative expression would eventually lead to an interest in several artistic mediums including graphic design, painting, photography, videography, calligraphy and culinary.
As a teen Evan became attracted to tattoos. Drawing on paper turned to drawing on himself, mimicking popular tattoo designs of the 90s on his skin and in his sketchbooks. His attraction to the tattoo culture was also derived from his heavy involvement in skateboarding. Traveling and exploring the country after high school Evan eventually found himself in the culinary arts, working his way through local restaurants to eventually become an established Chef. During his cooking career his family grew. After his 3rd child he decided to revisit the idea of tattooing.
Evan would eventually move onto a tattoo apprenticeship with close friend and mentor, Seth Markus. After nearly 5 years working with his friends in Mendon, NY the idea of opening his own shop was sparked. Evan is now owner and artist at 1808 Tattoo. Although his tattoos can be very versatile, his main interests and specialties are in American Traditional, Neo Traditional, Lettering and black & grey floral work.When he's not tattooing, he is skateboarding, snowboarding, camping, doing more art or spending time with his three kids.
Meet Craig Parahus, 1808 Artist
Crag- (Nickname derived from Scottish Gaelic (Creag) meaning rock. English definition translates to crack in rock or steep cliff. When it comes to being serious but also joking, Craig fits into the realm of serious jokester. He tries to balance this life with his art, friends, family, fishing, banjo playing and growing vegetables.
Craig has done a wide variety of jobs in his life. He spent 19 years cooking, starting as a line cook to a Sous Chef and then eventually becoming an executive chef. He spent most of his cooking career in Philadelphia with a dash of Italy splashed in. Whilst in Philly he met all kinds of people, but one shined out above the others, his friend Owen. After working on a couple of projects together that’s where Craig refired his passion for art. Craig eventually made his way up to the finger lake region escaping the city life to start homesteading and enjoying life in the woods with his mate and their family. Here, in his new home, if he isn’t drawing or at the shop you can maybe sight him fishing or half naked strolling through the woods like the Patterson footage looking for mushrooms.
After years of cooking, he found a new path to follow, other than his utter obsession with dogs. He has always been interested in the art of tattooing and fully emersed himself in the opportunity of an apprenticeship and a transition into a new lifestyle and career. Craig is very excited to be working under Evan and elated to not only grow as an artist, but mentally grow as well. He is looking forward to offering the beauty of skin art to many and the adventure that will take him on a journey to meet wonderful new humans. Keep your eyes open and your ears to the ground for some really "punny" artwork is about to drop and even worse jokes to follow...
Meet Carl Cuthbertson, 1808 Apprentice
There have been numerous forms of art that have captivated Carl from an early age have helped shape his life and lifestyle. Music became a prime directive at an early age and continued to grow. In high school he even shared the drum section with future mentor, Evan, and his brother Nate. Learning to play drums and guitar would lead to his influence in several bands in the Rochester area.
As his pursuit of music evolved, he would eventually tour the east coast with a punk rock band to support the release of a record. Being as young as 15 on the road required his mother’s love and support to bring his dreams to fruition - (Thanks Ma). Numerous gigs, bands, and tours came and went through the years, but the pursuit of creativity never waned, no matter the form. While attending audio engineering school Carl began to hone his skills as a visual artist as an outlet for self-expression and therapy, but not without the inspiration and influence of his friends and family. After school he spent a number of years living in Portland, Oregon with his partner until the birth of their first child brought them both back to New York to be with family.
Carl started to spend a lot of time in 1808 shortly after opening in 2020. Surrounded by the spirits of creativity, love, and friendship he became overwhelmingly inspired to rekindle his love of visual art with new plans to use his talents to set a 4-alarm blaze and begin to build a career as a tattooist. Through the growth of the shop and under the direction of his mentor and longtime friend, Evan he started his apprenticeship at 1808 Tattoo in 2021 - continuing a lineage started by mutual friend, Seth Markus.
In preparation for whatever walks through the door in 1808, Carl strives to attain skill in various schools of art, building his chops as a versatile and diverse artist. Though his areas of interest lie in surrealism, horror/dark, neo-traditional, spiritual, and album/concert art his respect and admiration for so much more come through in his work. As our latest up and coming apprentice/artist we’re excited to see what he does next.
Gallery
Check out our work
Gallery
FAQs- AfterCare
FAQs-And After Care
The first few days and weeks for a new tattoo are the most important.
Make sure you care for it properly.
Below is the healing procedure and do’s and don’ts we recommend.
We recommend you follow the advice of your Tattoo Artist.
Contact
Come and get a quality tattoo
Contact Us
OPENING HOURS
Tuesday Walk In Day: 11am - 5pm
Wed - Sat: 11am - 7pm
OUR ADDRESS
117 S Main St (next to the Naples Hotel)
Naples, NY 14512
Tel: 1-(585) 531-0015
Email: eighteen08tattoo@yahoo.com
Check us out on Instagram or Facebook
*WE ARE A CASH ONLY BUSINESS*
Booking
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