BUCYRUS, OH (CRAWFORD COUNTY NOW)—A tattoo artist who has worked in studios around the country has “made his mark” by opening a shop in town.

Dave Rohr, also known as “Sailor Dave,” is the owner of Nautical Nonsense, 1315 E. Mansfield Street in the Whetstone Plaza.  It’s the fourth tattoo parlor he’s owned since he first took up the ancient artform nearly 30 years ago.

“The interesting thing about my line of work is you never know what’s going to come in the door and what they like,” said Rohr, who grew up in Licking County, Ohio.  “I try to give the client an experience like no other. I really work with the client.”

Rohr, 48, opened the 1,000-square-foot business, formerly a boutique, on May 1.  In addition to plumbing work, the walls were painted, and new concrete and laminate flooring were installed.  The space features two workstations for both tattooing and body piercing.

In keeping with the nautical theme, a collection of fishing photos decorates the walls – reminiscent of Rohr’s days working as a king crab fisherman in Alaska.  The studio also sells T-shirts, riding apparel, and an assortment of body jewelry for men and women.

Rohr considers himself a well-rounded tattoo artist who offers clients an extensive portfolio.  His permanent artforms range from nature and landscape designs to custom works of art that cover a large part of the body.  “I especially like doing color on the canvas.”

Rohr said he’s always been fascinated with tattoos, and the talent it takes to create them.  He became apprenticed in 1997 while living in Zanesville, Ohio.  “Getting some bad ones, I thought to myself I can do better than this.  It also drew me to that kind of lifestyle.”

Since then, he’s inked images at tattoo parlors in California, Oregon, and in Chehalis, Washington, where he also owned a shop called Nautical Nonsense.  “I liked the name, so I brought it back again.”

The industry, he said, has changed considerably over the years.  Sketches nowadays are done digitally with machines, an iPad and Apple pencil.  “You can see what the tattoo looks like ahead of time.”

Once the process is complete, Rohr said, he also advises customers on the use of after-care products and supplies necessary to promote healing.  “I try to really make sure they protect their investment.  This is something you’ll have for the rest of your life.”

Rohr loves the line of work – and being a small business owner.  “I like working for myself.  I like interacting with a variety of people,” he said.  “Being in the tattoo industry, this is the best job in the world.  Hopefully this will take off.”

Nautical Nonsense is open Monday through Friday from 11 a.m. to 8 p.m. and Saturday from noon to 8 p.m.  Appointments can be made by calling 951-395-5244.