• Our Industry Mourns; A Memorial for Mark–p. 8 • The Importance of Downsizing–p.10 THE POINT IN THIS ISSUE THE QUARTERLY JOURNAL OF THE ASSOCIATION OF PROFESSIONAL PIERCERS 4 FROM THE EDITORS BOARD OF DIRECTORS Brian Skellie—President 6 Cody Vaughn—Vice-President PRESIDENT’S CORNER Aaron Pollack—Secretary Paul King—Treasurer (Currently Unfilled)—Medical Liaison 7 Ash Misako—Outreach Coordinator CHARLES GATEWOOD REMEMBERED Miro Hernandez—Public Relations Director Steve Joyner—Legislation Liaison 9 Jef Saunders—Membership Liaison MEMBER UPDATES ADMINISTRATOR Caitlin McDiarmid 10 EDITORIAL STAFF MENTOR PROGRAM & CONFERENCE SURVIVAL TIPS Managing Editor of Content & Archives—Kendra Jane Berndt Managing Editor of Content & Statistics—Marina Pecorino 12 Art Director & Contributing Editor—Jim Ward AN INTERVIEW WITH GUS DIAMOND Contributing Editor—Elayne Angel ADVERTISING 14 [email protected] PREPARING YOUR STUDIO FOR CONFERENCE Front Cover: Will VonDoome & Adam Richins Photo by Autumn Swisher 16 ASSOCIATION OF PROFESSIONAL PIERCERS 1.888.888.1APP • safepiercing.org • [email protected] THE SAILOR SID ARCHIVES Donations to The Point are always appreciated. 18 The Association of Professional Piercers is a California-based, international non-profit organization dedicated to the dissemination of vital health and safety information about body GUEST SPOT ETIQUETTE piercing to piercers, health care professionals, legislators, and the general public. Material submitted for publication is subject to editing. Submissions should be sent via email 20 to [email protected]. The Point is not responsible for claims made by our advertisers. However, we reserve the NOSTRIL PIERCING TECHNIQUES PART 1 right to reject advertising that is unsuitable for our publication. 24 SWEET GAUGES! AN ETHNOGRAPHY 34 BODY MODIFICATION SURVEY ISSUE 75 3 • Marina Pecorino fessional risks, from which I’ve had some incredible ex- periences. It has been quite a journey to learn that there FROM I was born and raised in north Florida, which unfortu- is a place (or several) for the real “me” in the workforce. nately is not known for its diversity. So, having the chance In this issue, Stephie Von Hütter Thomas describes a THE EDITORS to experience a convention space filled with piercing in- similar sensation during her graduate studies. The peo- dustry professionals definitely has a unique impact on KENDRA BERNDT ple I’ve met and worked with as a result of Conference me each year at Conference. Seeing so many members of MARINA PECORINO and the APP have played a significant role in my profes- a subculture in close proximity is incredible on its own, The Point Editors sional identity and the course of my work life. but experiencing such a high level of colleague support As I prepare to embark on a summer’s worth of ex- and strong eagerness for professional growth makes all ploration, culminating in our shared week in Vegas, I the difference. As we all prepare for this exciting week of reflect on all the professionals I’ve connected with since classes, camaraderie, and fun, please take a read through my first APP Conference in 2012. Since then, I’ve wit- our pre-Conference issue. Julie Taylor and April Thomas nessed and been a part of industry collaborations at all have provided some tips for preparing from a business different levels around the world. As a result, I am fi- perspective. Frankie Pistone has written some very im- nally learning that travel and consistent work are not portant things to consider if you are covering at a studio mutually exclusive. • Kendra Jane B during Conference as well. Conference is a family reunion of sorts. Every year On May 1, 2016 the province I live in was struck with I think I have already read the above passage a hun- As I get ready to embark on my second Grand Sum- piercers save up, plan, and buzz about seeing all of their the largest disaster in my country’s history. What I have dred times and the contents of its message makes me mer Adventure and and a shift in career directions, I industry family. The volunteer family is already buzzing also seen come out of this tragedy is a special intimacy, look more forward to our Conference than ever before. find myself thinking about the role that APP has played with talks of hugs, coffee runs, nerdy late night puzzling, and openness to help and to share with those in need. This is the one week a year I soak in every minute, ev- in the past several years of my life. I can honestly say and Legos. It truly is an amazing week, I can’t wait to see Although I do not live in Fort McMurray, where this ery $6.00 bottle of water, every smoke filled casino, and that volunteering has forever changed me. The support my industry family and meet new members of our tribe tragedy occurred, it is a city that has supported my fam- every tired morning. There are absolutely no inconve- I’ve received from my fellow volunteers and colleagues in just a few short weeks! ily for decades and is home to many of my friends. As niences, and everything is a pure source of genuine hap- has helped provide me with the confidence to take pro- this tragedy and the recovery efforts unfold, we are all piness and awakening. coping in different ways, as is the case when struck with As you read our pre-conference issue I urge you to grief, sorrow, or any other very intense emotion. When I change your mindset as you pack and prepare. In this am sad or happy or anywhere inbetween I work through issue you will find excellent tips from our mentor team my feelings in the kitchen. to lessen the stress before you even leave home, setting ProChem SSW I have also been reading a book that has struck a yourself up for a successful week. If your worry is about Monthly Mail-In chord in me. It is is both about life and cooking and I leaving your shop while at Conference, April Thomas would like to share a little of it with you, our readers. and Julie Taylor have put together some advice on en- Spore Testing Service suring your studio will be more than prepared for your When we cook, we are expressing ourselves com- absence. pletely, for we always cook within the context of our The ProChem SSW integrates three As I wrote, edited, and compiled this issue I felt the lives. If we are feeling lonely, stressed, generous, too essential criteria for proper steam butterflies start in my stomach, but this year I will be busy, happy—whatever is happening in that mo- sterilization: time, temperature, and approaching Conference from a different perspective, ment—when we step up to the stove, we cook with steam. When processed along with a one that will allow me to see my conference family in a load, it indicates with a margin of Record Keeping Booklet: $17.95 these circumstances as much as any ingredient or reci- whole new light. I urge you to do the same; open your safety whether the proper steam Use this record keeping booklet to record pe. This kind of attention to the particulars of the mo- sterilization criteria have been achieved mechanical parameters and chemical and hearts and minds, let down your guard (as hard as it 12 Tests with Matching Controls: $84.00 biological test results. You can also document ment won’t be found in the recipe we are using, yet it at point of placement. may seem) and experience the week, really experience Our Spore Testing services are available for preventive maintenance and sterilizer repairs. will have an enormous influence on the final product Steam/Autoclave, Chemical Vapor and Dry Heat it. Amazing things can happen when you do. 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Call, where our everyday circumstances are not a series of - Gram staining verification on all failed tests ink has reached the ACCEPT window. have a deeper life experience. - A control strip that accompanies each test strip email or visit us online today for more details on inconveniences to get through (or around) as quickly as - If the dark bar does not reach the ACCEPT how we can assist you. 1 - Certificate of Participation possible, but rather a source of awakening and pleasure.