Walking into a tattoo shop can be scary, exciting, or a mixture of both. But walking into the cozy space that houses Crankcase Tattoo in Belmond feels a lot like walking into a friend’s house. Once you open the studio’s doors, you will find Noah Teslik, tattooist and owner of Crankcase Tattoo, at his drawing desk. The space smells like coffee and cookies thanks to the professional baking kitchen and coffee shop in the other half of the building. Murals, artwork, and various items cover the walls, with comfortable seating options available.
Noah, son of Frank and Trudy Teslik of Clarion, shares his favorite part of his job, “It is interesting meeting new people every day. I get to put permanent and beautiful art on someone’s body every day, too.” Once taboo, tattoos are more accepted, even in a professional atmosphere. About 45 million people in America have tattoos, according to a 2019 study.
Noah Teslik was eighteen when he received his first tattoo, a memorial for a friend. He was a fresh graduate from CGD High School when he decided what he wanted to be when he grew up, a tattoo artist. Eight years later, he accomplished his goal by opening "Crankcase Tattoo" in Belmond.
Before the tattoo shop was open for business, Teslik needed to learn how to tattoo. While the art form has been around for thousands of years, with tattooed mummies dating back to 3300 B.C., there is always something new to learn.
Noah learned through fellow artists in Ames and Fort Dodge. Since Teslik possessed an artist's hand, he was a quick learner. While Teslik can achieve a wide range of tattoo styles, his favorite style to tattoo is classic black and white. When considering your first tattoo, Teslik suggests being well-rested, fed, and hydrated. He advises his clients, “Do not let someone else choose your tattoo. Someone else’s opinion shouldn’t reflect on your tattoo, it is on your body forever!”
To ensure the safety of those he tattoos, Teslik has his shop inspected yearly. Before even opening his shop to the public, Teslik had to take health-based courses online to teach him proper hygiene and tattoo aftercare. He underwent training regarding blood-borne pathogens, cross-contamination, and proper needle use. Teslik uses single-use materials to further ensure the safety of his clients.
When not tattooing, Teslik values his time with his family. Noah married his high school sweetheart, Mackenzie, five years ago. The couple have two boys together, Odin (3) and Ivan (4 months). “When I first opened Crankcase, I worked a lot to get the business where I wanted it. I didn't realize how much time I was missing with my family. When I first started, I was doing tattoos every day, all hours of the day. Learning how to balance work and family is important. I set myself a schedule and make sure to take days off to spend time with my wife and kids.”
Most people might think they need to go to a large city for a good tattoo, but Teslik’s art shows this to be untrue. Teslik’s shop has drawn clients from Minnesota to Cedar Rapids into Belmond. Social media and word of mouth from happy clients do wonders in advertising his craft.
Teslik values his clients' input and instructs inspiring tattoo artists to do the same:
“Communication skills are very important. A person comes with an idea of a tattoo that they want. It is your job to take your time and discuss with your client the best possible way to go about doing it. Always put one hundred percent effort into your work, as it is permanent and someone is paying for your skill. Engage in conversation and make your clients feel welcome.”
Crankcase Tattoo is located at 231 E Main St. in Belmond. Appointments are made by calling (515) 825-7019.
