Tony Torgeson: Tattoo Artist

I have always been into all forms of art since I was a child. When I turned 16 I started drawing different styles of tattoos for friends and relatives. I then got really interested in the art of tattooing so I began researching on how to learn the art.

When I was just about 18 I finally had a good portfolio ready and began looking for an artist to teach me the art. I now have been tattooing for 9 years and can do almost anything a customer asks from flash work or custom drawn. Stop in and check us out I’m sure we can help you design and get a great tattoo you will be happy with for years

See his work here.

Fred Whelan of Outlaw Tattoo

I have lived in Bemidji most of my life and have been involved in some sort of art all my life. I attended "The School of Associated Arts" in St. Paul, Minnesota in 1969 and 1970, for commercial and fine arts. It didn't take me long to get bored with that, so I took a different direction in life.

 I started playing music and ended up doing that for about 21 years. I was a lead singer and guitar player, and covered most the country traveling with my road bands.I've been tattooing now for almost 20 years, and building custom Harleys for about the same, or more.

It gets to be a rat race at times because both businesses can be rather demanding, and very time-consuming.I had my own tattoo shop, "Outlaw Tattoo," which I strived to maintain a good reputation, which is hard to do, in this competitive, cut-throat business. I always had more business than I could usually handle, and I have tattooed people from all over the world, and in all walks of life. 

See some of his work here! 

Amiee Fredrickson: Assistant Manager

I’ve been working at Body Matrix since the shop opened in 2003. I apprenticed under a few different artists as they came and went. My last apprenticeship was with the Shop Manager and Artist, Tony Torgeson. Art is a great passion of mine, but recently I have decided that the art of tattooing just isn’t my medium and I just don’t have the desire to do it anymore.

I have a superb little boy who keeps me very busy and I would like to keep my focus and time with him as much as possible. I still enjoy drawing tattoo designs and try to do that when I can. I am now the Assistant Manager of the shop and am incredibly grateful that I have such a fantastic job.

Jeremy Van Wert: Piercer  

I had wanted to be a piercer for many years. I spent countless hours reading and looking on the web at anything I could find to do with human anatomy and body piercing.

In January of 2004 I was offered an apprenticeship under Paul Luken. In March I was offered a full time position here and have loved every minute since. I couldn’t ask for a better group to work with.

I have done many types of piercings and am very versatile in accommodating clients with what they are looking for. I have done many custom piercings and custom bent jewelry for clients. Stop in and see some of my work.

See some of his work here!