| Studio of the Month: Altered Images | |
| Part 1: See the Studio | |
So yeah, I think they're pretty great! But don't take my word for it; check out Altered Images for yourself! You can visit them online at www.alteredimagesinc.com or see them in person at 3279 Glenwood-Dyer Road (Rte 83) in Lynwood, Illinois.
Previous Page > Meet Dave and Peggy Sucher > Page 1, 2
Seven years later, Altered Images is a successful business in a semi-rural district not too far from Chicago. The studio can be found in the center of a small shopping center. When you walk in the door, you see a large wall of flash to your right and to your left the walls are literally plastered with plaques, awards, posters and other mementoes. There is a large counter that snakes around the room and is covered with more books of flash, newspaper articles and artist portfolios. A person could spend a whole day just perusing through all of it.
Beyond the counter, there is a hallway that descends toward the back of the studio, with artist rooms to the left and right. In the very back, Peggy also has an area where she does airbrushed temporary tattoos. Each of the rooms are clean and professional, but more comfortable. With more posters, drawings and keepsakes decorated to reflect each particular artist, you almost get the feeling you are visiting them in their own home. Comfortable dentist-style chairs also make for a relaxed client visit.
Peggy and Dave aren't the only people you will see at Altered Images. They are supported by a wonderful crew of people who have equally amazing talent. Dave showed me what turned out to be the decision-making factor in taking on one of his apprentices - an unbelievable drawing of an artist tattooing a client - done on a 4" Etch A SketchTM!
Aside from their talent, as has been stated here already, is the friendly atmosphere here at Altered Images. Peggy describes it by saying, "When we opened our shop we had lots of experience to pull from. My life's work had been dealing with the public in retail--you know that ol' customer service stuff. We had been to many a tattoo shop and had seen all sorts of attitudes. We knew to make a difference we had to be that difference. Our customers come first in the shop. We try to present a friendly environment that welcomes the newcomer, the experienced, the 'let's see what this is all about' visitor. As we tell customers, there are no dumb questions. If you don't know, ask."
