History
Darkside Tattoo was originally opened in 1992 by Sean O'Hara. It started on Farren Ave in New Haven as a small studio with only himself and an apprentice. Darkside quickly gained recognition, and new artists joined the team. The space got eaten up rather quickly too, and it was time to find a new home.
East Haven was to be the city for the new location, right off Rt. 80 on Foxon Blvd. The new site proved to be the great place for a tattoo shop. Darkside took off. The shop received alot of well-deserved recognition with magazine articles, convention spots, and online buzz. As the shop's reputation grew, the size was expanded to take on even more talented artists. It became alot to handle.
In 2005, it was just too much. Sean, going through his own personal problems, was forced to close the shop and take a relaxed approach for the next few years. He found himself in Meriden at Second Skin Tattoo which was owned by his long-time friend Richie. What a great experience, to work with new people and develop life-long friendships as well.
After a few years there, and the time to get things right for himself, Sean teamed up with Dave Hennessy, and helped him get Graphic Images off the ground. It was a brand new shop, and it seemed like a brand new start as well. But as fate would have it, tensions grew and before ruining a friendship, Sean moved on, determined to re-open the famed Darkside Tattoo.
The year that followed would prove to be trying, working out of the house was a humbling experience, after tattooing professionally for two decades. Finding the right location for the studio wasn't easy either. But with the help of life-long friend, Andrew Rispoli, and the love and support of his wife, Melinda O'Hara, Sean was able to realize his dream, and the New Darkside Tattoo was opened in 2010.
And now, the saga continues ... Darkside is now in it's new location, back in our home town of East Haven. The new shop is at 190 Main St, in the center of town. We are all settled in and looking forward to seeing you soon.
Sean would like to personally thank all of the talented people that he has had the opportunity to work with over the years. But most of all, to the loyal customers and fans of Darkside Tattoo ... Thank You
