Genital Piercing FAQ

Genital Piercing FAQ Many clients I meet are interested or curious about getting genital work done. But many have no idea where to start in learning about these piercings, knowing the risks, or deciding which one works for them. This article is the start of a series which will eventually break down each genital piercing offered. But today, I want to review the most frequently asked questions, and some good general information before taking the plunge on these piercings! When considering getting any kind of genital piercing, there are a few good overall considerations to have in mind. Are you […]

Front of House and Abuse

Front of House and Abuse I spoke previously on abuse in apprenticeships in the Piercing industry (which you can read here). This is a known, and rampant issue in body piercing, which breaks my heart to admit. But, abuse is not limited to apprentices. Front of House aka “Counter Staff” are also regularly targets for abuse in this industry. For many years FoH was viewed as a disposable, lesser than position for someone at the studio. Relegated to answering phones and cleaning toilets, and not even an apprentice or piercer, this role was demeaned as hardly important. FoH were known […]

Forever Learning- Why I m Apprenticing, Again

Forever Learning- Why I’m Apprenticing, Again I’m apprenticing again! And you may hear that and say wait, Lynn, you are already a body piercer, and isn’t this year your 10 year? What do you mean you are apprenticing again? Why? Well, I’m not apprenticing to pierce. No, this time, I’m apprenticing to teach. I am incredibly fortunate to work with Ian Bishop, the owner of Icon, and an instructor at the Fakir intensives for over 20 years. On top of being a professional piercing educator and instructor, he’s mentored many piercers who have gone on to be incredibly successful in […]

From Surviving to Thriving: How We Can Support Surviors of Abuse in the Industry

From Surviving to Thriving: How We Can Support Surviors of Abuse in the Industry As an industry I think we have taken major strides in recent years to deal with issues of abuse and violence that permeate the world of body piercing. We have had our own me too movement, with dozens of brave people speaking out about abuse and violence within the industry. Jewelry companies have taken stands to remove abusers and instate codes of conduct, and the APP has created new resources online for reporting abuse. And as an industry we have rallied to support those who do […]

Fine Jewelry vs Body Jewelry

Fine Jewelry vs Body Jewelry Let’s talk about jewelry! And not just any jewelry- today we are talking about gold and diamonds, rubies and platinum, sapphires and silver! I want to talk about fine jewelry- all the glittering genuine gems and finest metals and materials one could imagine. Fine jewelry is defined as any jewelry made from a precious metal- gold, silver, and platinum come to mind initially. And so technically, quite a bit of body jewelry falls under the umbrella of fine jewelry. But similar materials and stones are where the similarities stop. Fine Jewelry and Body Jewelry are […]

Flat Piercing 101

Flat Piercing 101 Today let’s talk about Flat piercings! This is the name given to piercing done on the upper portion of the ear, usually a flat or fairly flat area, and placed further in on the ear then a traditional helix. Flat piercings are gorgeous- they do well with studs and are a perfect place to show off large, decorative jewelry or multiple piercings scattered across the upper ear. Chains and charms look adorable here, and be it super big and fancy or small and dainty, all styles wear well. But, flat piercings to have some considerations beyond other […]

Fatphobia in Body Piercing

Fatphobia in Body Piercing Fatphobia is a chronic issue across many areas and spectrums, and piercing is no exception. Piercing and body modification is inherently an industry that deals intimately with people’s bodies, and works around their bodies, and this includes working on fat bodies. That being said, there is a lack of awareness and understanding of fat bodies within the industry and it is part of a larger systemic issue with fat phobia. That said, I would like to acknowledge my privilege as a slim, white passing person. I do not speak from a place of fatness or a […]

Finger Dermals, and other Bad Ideas

Finger Dermals, and other Bad Ideas Microdermals are awesome! Here at Icon we are big fans of microdermal and surface piercings, which can give clients choices on piercing placements they never had before. They work by inserting a small ‘foot’ or anchor that heals into a pocket under the skin, with a small post that protrudes for your jewelry to rest on. They open us up to piercing chests and hips and backs and foreheads and many places on the body we couldn’t before. They are generally good healers, although they do eventually need to be removed and reset, the […]

Ehlers-Danlos Syndrome and Piercings

Ehlers-Danlos Syndrome and Piercings I’ve discussed before how skin conditions such as psoriasis can effect our piercings, from how we get them to how they heal. It makes logical sense that any condition that effects our skin will have some effect on our piercings. But what about conditions that effect not only our skin but all of our connective tissue? “Ehlers-Danlos syndrome is a group of inherited disorders that affect your connective tissues — primarily your skin, joints and blood vessel walls. Connective tissue is a complex mixture of proteins and other substances that provide strength and elasticity to the […]

Emergency Series: Loosing a Ball

Emergency Series: Loosing a Ball Accidents happen, and so do emergencies. What do we do when something is wrong with our piercing, at 3am, and there’s no piercers we can contact for help? How do we know what’s the best thing we can do for our piercing, and how to keep things safe? This is the Emergency Series, where I’m hoping to cover common accidents and piercing emergencies with some basic advice intended to help you make it till you can get in touch with your piercer. Todays topic- loosing a Ball Sometimes this happens- despite our best efforts and […]