The Inked Perspective

Many people don’t think of tattoos when they hear the term “Mid-West” or Missouri. However, once you get past the churches and hills of the Ozarks, you’ll be pleasantly surprised to see a lot of ink.

Check out the video below for a sneak-peak of Liberation.

From Veterans to School Teachers, especially those under the age of 40, finding folks with tattoos isn’t hard. While you’re unlikely to see a head tattoo in church on Sunday, don’t count it out. Missouri has a plethora of tattoo shops and artists, but few blend the culture of the hills and tattoo machines as well as Liberation Tattoo.

Started by Jerika Rose and Marshall Richards in 2020. With over 20 years of combined experience, both Marshall and Jerika have curated a style that is as much traditional as it is nuanced.

If you look at the flash on the walls, you will find offerings from famous tattooers such as Ed Hardy, Sailor Jerry, and Kurt Wagner. A closer look, however, shows new blood in the works of AP Shrewsbury, Dan Higgs, and even some Leo Zulueta tribal pieces.

Amongst the flash art you will find the artists of the shop who accompany Jerika and Marshall; Quentin Biggs (who we call Q) and Maddy, both titans of their artwork. Q has developed a style that blends Japanese traditional and fine-line artwork that creates depth and texture, while Maddy knocks out everything from Pin-ups to tribal. You’ll often find Marshall working on a new client or Jerika getting ready for her next appointment; it’s rare that the shop is empty.

The consensus from clients is that Liberation isn’t just a tattoo shop; it’s a pillar of the community. From yearly coat drives to offering free masks and Covid tests in the shop, Liberation is always trying to better their community. Recently, a monthly swap-meet has been taking over the shop on Saturday’s, a day usually reserved for walk-ins. Local artists come and show their wares, art, and jewelry; all at the cost of free.

In essence, tattoo shops come and go. Great tattoo shops, though, are all because of the people within. Make no mistake, Liberation’s artists are great people.