Make art personal with Precision Tattoo
By Kathy McCarty
Staff Writer
PRESQUE ISLE — Nichole Smith and Jesse Pinette, co-owners of Precision Tattoo, have opened shop at 7 Martin Street, sharing their artistic talents through various mediums, including framed art, hand-made jewelry and, as the business name indicates, tattoos.
“I get to do what I love every day — express myself,” said Nichole Smith, of Mapleton.
Both attended Columbia as art students, prior to returning to Aroostook County.
Staff photo/Kathy McCarty 
PRECISION TATTOO, located at 7 Martin Street in Presque Isle, was the site of a ribbon-cutting ceremony on Jan. 12. Pictured from left are: Randy Smith, Presque Isle City Council deputy chair; Co-owners Jesse Pinette and Nichole Smith; Theresa Fowler, executive director, Central Aroostook Chamber of Commerce; and CACC members Stacy Shaw, Jim McKenney, Gail Clukey and Dawn Poitras.
“We were artists before becoming tattoo artists. We’re very invested in the business because of that,” she said. “Jesse was an undergraduate and I was studying for my masters. I was an undergraduate student at UMPI.”
The environment figures into each item of jewelry, through the re-use of unwanted items.
“The jewelry is made from all recycled materials,” said Smith.
The business, which opened in September 2011, held a ribbon-cutting ceremony Jan. 12.
“Business has been really good,” said Smith, during Thursday’s festivities.
She credited the fact she and Pinette are both originally from the area.
Staff photo/Kathy McCarty
FRAMED ARTWORK — in addition to tattoos and hand-made jewelry — can be purchased at Precision Tattoo in Presque Isle. Co-owners Jesse Pinette and Nichole Smith have a selection of their work already priced for sale. Pictured at left is an example of Pinette’s work, with Smith’s featured at right.
“I’m from Mapleton, Jesse’s from Fort Kent. We know a lot of people. They’ve helped spread the word we’re open,” Smith said.
The pair consider tattooing just another art form.
“It’s another art outlet. We do paintings and drawings — tattooing is an expansion of that,” she said.
Smith and Pinette share a sterile workplace, licensed by the state.
“We’re licensed through the state — the license is actually attached to the address, with each of us having designated space, based on square footage set by the state. It’s a sterile, clean environment,” said Smith.
Pinette said he likes being a part of documenting customers’ interests, inking designs that last a lifetime.
“I enjoy being able to put something on that will stay with them for life. We try to exceed their expectations,” said Pinette, noting Smith does “more traditional and colorful works, while I do portraits and black and white — realistic work.”
Staff photo/Kathy McCarty
EXAMPLES OF TATTOOS are prominently displayed at Precision Tattoo, giving clients an opportunity to see some of the owners’ works of art. The business, owned by Jesse Pinette and Nichole Smith, opened in Presque Isle in September.
Their clientele come from all walks of life.
“We’ve had grandparents, students and even a pastor. We’ve had all types,” said Pinette.
The artists have been in the tattoo business for about three years.
“We worked in Chicago at three different shops before moving back and opening this place,” said Pinette.
“We’re looking forward to sharing our talents with new and repeat customers,” said Smith.
Joining the owners for the ribbon-cutting event were members of the Central Aroostook Chamber of Commerce.
“We’re proud to welcome these young people back to the County and welcome a new business to the community of Presque Isle. Such amazing artwork from such talented young people,” said Theresa Fowler, executive director, CACC. “Given current economic difficulties, it’s nice to see a new business opening.”
Also on hand was Nichole Smith’s father, Presque Isle City Councilman Randy Smith.
“I’m proud of my daughter and the fact they’re able to start a business during such hard economic times,” said Randy Smith.
Precision Tattoo is open Tuesday-Saturday, noon to 8 p.m. For more information, call 540-1435 or visit them on Facebook.
