For those of you who like changes, this is definitely the issue for you.

First of all, we are sixteen pages bigger (that's not counting our bi-monthly, sixteen-page mini-magazine). That's thirty-two pages in all! This month's mini-mag features world-class flash from Aaron Bell, Nate Beavers, Bart Bingham, Matt Arriola, Cory Rogers, Virginia Elwood, Tony Adamson and Dylan Tate.

Still want more flash! You've got it. Starting with this issue, we're featuring an ongoing, monthly flash contest. The winning flash sheet of the month will be featured full-page, along with several pages of runner-ups. The top artist will get a free subscription to SKIN&INK and be qualified for the yearly finals. The ultimate champion will win a feature article about them and their art, and also receive a classy, laminated display of the article for their shop wall.

If that isn't enough, world-renowned cover artist Dave Nestler begins his "How to Draw with David Nestler" column. Now you, too, can learn proper technique from the master himself. (Check out our Archives at www.skinandink.com. Dave did the last four illustrated covers.) Tattooists around the globe have paid mucho dinero for Dave's seminars and private lessons, now you can have it all for free, each and every month on the pages of SKIN&INK.

Want to be in the know? Sure you do. Check out "Whats New" with Jessica Ilalaole. Each month, she'll review books, discover new products and keep you tuned in to the latest and coolest tattoo-related goodies. Jessica is also in charge of our new "Convention List," a compendium of tattoo events from the four corners of the ink world. And on top of all that—and now for something completely different—Myles Mellor premiers his monthly "Tat2 Crossword Puzzle" for all of us who own a pencil and a big, fat eraser.

All this and coverage of Rick Harnowski's Green Bay Tattoo Convention, a bi-lingual (English and French) tribute to Canadian tattoo legend Clement Demers, a walking tour of the tacos and tats along Queens' Roosevelt Avenue, a peek inside Tulsa's Electric Eye Tattoo, a visit to the first-annual tattoo convention in Wales, plus Paul Booth, Bob Tyrrell and John the Dutchman breaking down barriers in Beijing. Plus all of our regular columnists, "Tattoo Tattler" and The Pizz.

But the biggest change is with the staff. Our art director, Lisa Beattie, who has continually amazed us with her brilliant sense of design, balance and color, will step aside for Frank Cafiero, who has served the company faithfully for fifteen years (he art directs Hit Parader and helped create Urban Ink). But it's Lisa Beattie who is in our minds this day. She is a dream to work with, and has never fails to inspire us all with her clean, imaginative and respectful presentations of tattoo art and artists. Quite simply, SKIN&INK looks great because Lisa made it that way. Although she is moving on, her artistry and dedication will not be forgotten. Lisa Beattie will always be our dear friend and always have a place in our hearts.

Bob Baxter
Editor in Chief

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