Welcome to the SKIN&INK 2007 yearbook. This one-hundred-and-ninety-two-page tribute is new for us?and very exciting. We've had several significant changes in the last few years, but this gathering together of favorite articles, illustrations, photographs and columns may be our most dramatic. After all, wasn't it super cool to get that yearbook back in high school or college? Come to think of it, I was the guy who put those together, too.

So what's changed? The number of times SKIN&INK comes out each year, for one. We went from six times, to nine and, just a few months ago, twelve times a year. Because of that, our first-ever yearbook highlights ten months, not twelve. The changeover means that January and May never happened. We also began alternating a Tattoo Legends poster every other month with our free, sixteen-page outsert. The first outsert appeared way back in February of 2005 (a story on Maori tattooing by Rik von Boeckel) and the very first poster was from Leo Zulueta in March of 2007.

Joining columnists Chuck Eldridge, Travelin' Mick, Danielle Oberosler, Matty Jankowski, Aaron Bell, Lisa Marie Jankowski, Jeff Davidson, Erik Desmond (who left us in March) and Vyvyn Lazonga, were newcomers Mike Bakaty (July), Mr. G (September) and, for a one-time return at bat, Zeke Owen (December). Also, in November, Inky Dinks took the place of Capt. Eddie for a handful of issues.

When I first started planning this project, I was taken aback by how many wonderful articles and features had slipped away to the deepest recesses of my memory. As I flipped through February and March, for example, I heard myself exclaiming, "Hey, we did that? There's some very cool stuff in here!" Yes, I had a hand in just about every aspect of those issues, but found myself reading each and every word and caption, as if it were the very first time. Hopefully, this collection will introduce SKIN&INK to a whole new audience of readers and, for those that have never missed a month, I'll bet, no matter how devoted you may be, there's lots that you've forgotten or would love to see again.

A yearbook may be a look back, but it is also a launch pad for what's to follow. An editorial milestone, a starting line for the future. And what a bright future we have. Shanghai Kate Hellenbrand debuts her column, Dana Brunson showcases his magic box of tattoo collectibles, David Nestler teaches us how to draw, Val Rivera shares the latest tattoo gossip and Inky Dinks makes way for a world-famous cartoon impresario and lowbrow legend?the one, the only, The Pizz.

We've come a long way in the last eleven years (our first issue was May 1997). I've loved every minute of it (almost) and genuflect before the awesome list of writers, photographers, columnists and illustrators who have made this yearbook possible. I also want to thank the Perretta family for the opportunity to showcase the best the world of tattoo has to offer. And thanks to you, the readers, for keeping tattooing sexy, captivating and colorful?and, above all, here to stay.

Bob Baxter
Editor in Chief

baxter@skin&ink.com
www.skinandink.com