Kevin Rapczyk Kevin Rapczyk

🎃 Spooky Season at Liberty Tattoo Co. 👻

Gumballs, ghosts, and giveaways — Halloween hits different at the shop this year.

October 2025

It’s officially spooky season! — and we’re keeping things creepy, fun, and full of ink here at Liberty Tattoo Co.

🦇 Halloween Tattoo Giveaway

Don’t miss the @diggs_tattoos Halloween Giveaway!
Follow the page, check the post, and enter before October 25th for your chance to win a free tattoo. One lucky winner’s getting some spooky new ink — on the house.

💀 Get What You Get — Halloween Edition

Our Halloween Gumball Machine is loaded and ready!


Drop in $100 and take your shot — or $120 if you want to pick your design off the board.


Each gumball holds a Halloween flash design — all bangers, no duds.
Spin the wheel (well, twist the crank) and see what fate’s got in store.

Available GWYG designs

Let fate decide or choose your own!

🚗 Trunk or Treat — October 18

Catch us at the Town of Smithtown Trunk or Treat on October 18th from 11 AM–1 PM

📍 Smithtown Town Hall, 99 W Main St

We’ll be there with top shelf treats and maybe a few tricks — come hang, grab some candy, and say what’s up before we eat it all.

Thanks for keeping the Halloween spirit alive and supporting your local tattoo crew.
Stay tuned for more flash drops, events, and shop news.

LIBERTY TATTOO COMPANY

17 E MAIN ST

SMITHTOWN, NY 11787

1-631-366-1776

@libertytattooco



Read More
Kevin Rapczyk Kevin Rapczyk

🍂Fall for Fresh Tattoos🍁

Who says summer’s the only time to get tattooed? The real ones know fall and winter are prime tattoo season. No sun, no sweat, just cozy clothes, fresh ink, and plenty of time to heal before you’re showing skin again.

Why Fall & Winter Are the Best Time to Get Tattooed 🧐

When the weather cools down and hoodie season hits, most people stop thinking about tattoos. But honestly? Fall and winter are prime time to get tattooed. Here’s why.

1. No Sun, No Stress 😎

Fresh tattoos and sunshine don’t mix. The sun fades tattoos and makes healing rough. In the colder months, you’re already bundled up — perfect for keeping that fresh tattoo safe and looking its best.

2. Sweat-Free Healing 🥵

No sticky summer heat, no beach days to miss out on, no worrying about sweat messing with your tattoo. Fall and winter healing is cozy and chill — literally.

3. Hoodies Are Your Armor 🦾

Soft sleeves and comfy fabrics keep your new tattoo protected without feeling like you’re melting. Plus, there’s something nice about curling up with a hot coffee while your new piece heals underneath.

4. Healed Just in Time to Show Off 👀

Get tattooed now and by the time summer rolls around, your piece will be fully healed and ready to show off. You’ll be the one at the barbecue with the finished tattoo, not the one saying, “I can’t get this wet yet.”

5. Easier to Book 📆

Fall and winter tend to be calmer seasons in the shop, which means you can actually grab that time slot you’ve been eyeing — or even start that big project you’ve been dreaming about.

So Don’t Hibernate — Get Tattooed! 🐻

While everyone else is waiting for summer, you could be healing in comfort and setting yourself up for a show-off season later.

Read More
Kevin Rapczyk Kevin Rapczyk

🐍 Your Tattoo Is Peeling — That’s a Good Thing

Don’t panic — your tattoo isn’t falling apart. It’s just shedding its old skin (literally). Peeling is one of the weirdest parts of the healing process, but it’s also one of the best signs your new tattoo is doing exactly what it should.

So you’ve finally got your new tattoo..

..and it looks amazing. The lines are crisp, the color’s bright, and you can’t stop staring at it.

Then, a few days later — things start to get weird. It’s flaky, dry, and looks like it’s peeling right off your skin. Maybe you even catch a little piece of color coming off and think:
“Oh no. My tattoo is coming off!”

Take a breath. It’s not. Here’s what’s actually happening.

🧠 The Science-y Part (Simplified)

Your tattoo is technically a wound — a very cool, intentional wound. As it heals, your body pushes up the top layer of damaged skin cells and replaces them with fresh new ones underneath. That’s the peeling you’re seeing.

The flakes aren’t your tattoo ink coming off; they’re just the dry outer skin that held a bit of excess pigment. The real ink sits deeper in your dermis — safe, sound, and permanent.

🩹 What You Should Expect

Most tattoos start to peel around days 3–7 after getting tattooed. It can last up to two weeks depending on your skin type, placement, and aftercare.

You might notice:

  • Light flaking or small skin “crumbs” (gross but normal)

  • Itchiness that makes you want to claw at it (don’t)

  • Dull or cloudy colors for a bit (they’ll brighten back up soon)

If it looks like your tattoo is turning into a lizard tail — congrats, you’re doing great.

❌ What Not to Do

Repeat after me:
Do. Not. Pick. It.
Peeling is normal — but picking pulls off healing skin too early and can lift ink with it.

Also avoid:

  • Scratching (light tapping helps if it’s itchy)

  • Soaking it in baths, pools, or the ocean

  • Slathering it in too much ointment (thin layers are your friend)

  • Tight clothes rubbing on the area

Let your body do the work — all you have to do is keep it clean, lightly moisturized, and hands off.

💧 What You Should Do

Stick to the aftercare routine your artist gave you. Usually that means:

  1. Gently wash it once or twice a day with fragrance-free soap.

  2. Pat dry — don’t rub.

  3. Apply a thin layer of recommended ointment or lotion.

  4. Leave it alone. Seriously.

Your skin’s top layer will naturally flake away, revealing a smooth, healed tattoo underneath.

⚡ When to Worry (Rare, But Worth Knowing)

If your tattoo is:

  • Oozing thick fluid

  • Swollen, red, or hot to the touch

  • Covered in thick scabs or blisters

…that’s not normal peeling — that’s a sign something’s up. Reach out to your artist first for advice, and if it looks infected, see a doctor.

🌈 The Good Part

Once the peeling’s done, your tattoo will start looking crisp again — maybe even better than day one. It’s healed, settled into your skin, and ready to show off.

So next time your tattoo starts shedding like a snake, remember: that’s not a bad thing. That’s your skin doing what it does best — healing up so your art can shine.

Ready for Round Two?

Once your skin’s back to normal, it’s the perfect time to start planning your next piece.

Come see me at Liberty Tattoo Co.
📍 17 E Main St, Smithtown, NY
📞 631-366-1776
🖤 @diggs_tattoos | diggs.tattoos@gmail.com

Read More
Kevin Rapczyk Kevin Rapczyk

First Tattoo Survival Guide: Tips from a Pro Tattooer

Your first tattoo is a big deal — but it doesn’t have to be a big disaster. Here’s the no-BS guide to surviving (and even enjoying) your first session at the shop.

🩸 First Time Tattoo Survival Guide

So, you’re finally getting tattooed.


It’s exciting. It’s nerve-racking. And if you’re not ready, it can be… a lot.

Don’t worry — we’ve all been there. Here’s everything you need to know to survive (and actually enjoy) your first tattoo session.

🧠 Step 1: Do Your Homework

Find an artist whose work you love, not just like. Every artist has their own style, so check portfolios, scroll Instagram, and make sure what you see lines up with what you want.

If you dig bold lines, clean color, or pop culture pieces

—you’re in good hands at Liberty Tattoo Co.

Pro tip: Book with the artist, not the shop. A good match means a better tattoo.

🍔 Step 2: Eat, Hydrate, Sleep

Showing up hungover, hungry, or running on fumes is a rookie mistake.


Eat a solid meal, drink water (not just coffee), and get a decent night’s sleep before your appointment.


Your body’s about to sit through a few hours of controlled chaos — help it out.

👕 Step 3: Dress for the Session

Wear comfy clothes that give your artist easy access to the area getting tattooed.
Skip anything tight or white.

Bring a hoodie if you’re easily cold — tattoo shops run cool for a reason.

📱 Step 4: Bring Distractions (and Good Vibes)

Music, podcasts, or a playlist help time fly. Just keep one ear open for your artist’s directions.

And yeah — nerves are normal. Most people say it’s not nearly as bad as they expected once the machine starts.

💬 Step 5: Trust the Process

Your artist has done this hundreds (if not thousands) of times.

Once you’re in the chair, relax, breathe, and let them work.
Moving, twisting, or second-guessing every line only makes it harder.

💧 Step 6: Aftercare = Everything

The real work starts when you leave.

Follow your artist’s instructions exactly — they’ll tell you how to clean it, what to avoid, and what’s normal during healing.

Peeling? Normal. Itching? Normal. Picking? Absolutely not.
Keep it clean, moisturized, and out of the sun until healed.

🕯️ Step 7: Don’t Panic

Everyone overthinks their first tattoo the first week — “Is it supposed to look like this?”

Yes. Probably. Healing tattoos are weird-looking little creatures for a bit.
If you’re unsure, reach out to your artist before turning to Google.

💀 Bonus: Plan Your Next One

Nobody stops at one. Trust me.

Ready to book?
Come see me at Liberty Tattoo Co.
📍 17 E Main St, Smithtown, NY
📞 631-366-1776
🖤 @diggs_tattoos | diggs.tattoos@gmail.com

Read More
Kevin Rapczyk Kevin Rapczyk

😳Holes with Soul: Piercings at Liberty Tattoo Co. 🪡

Looking to add a little shine? At Liberty Tattoo Co., our piercers Valeri Oliva and Emmi Bachman-Meyer keep it clean, safe, and chill — no stress, no weird vibes, just good piercings done right.

Thinking about a new piercing? Whether it’s your first one or you’re adding to the collection, Liberty Tattoo Co. is the spot. Our piercers, Valeri Oliva and Emmi Bachman-Meyer, keep things chill, clean, and professional — so you can sit back, relax, and leave with something you’re stoked about.

We do it all — ears, noses, septums, navels, and just about anything else you can think of. Everything’s done with sterile, single-use equipment and high-quality jewelry, because your safety (and your style) matter. Val and Emmi will help you pick the perfect placement and jewelry, answer any questions, and make sure you know exactly how to care for it afterward.

No stress, no attitude — just good people doing clean work in a comfortable space. Walk-ins are welcome when we can fit you in, or you can hit us up to set a time.

To book an appointment with Val or Emmi CLICK HERE.

Liberty Tattoo Co.

— piercings done right, good vibes guaranteed.

LIBERTY TATTOO COMPANY

17 E MAIN ST

SMITHTOWN, NY 11787

1-631-366-1776

@libertytattooco

Read More
Kevin Rapczyk Kevin Rapczyk

🧢Hats, Hoodies, and a Whole Lotta Shop Pride🙌

Wear it, sip from it, stick it — rep Liberty Tattoo Co. everywhere you go.

We’re not just about tattoos

— we’ve got the gear to match your style.

Our shop merch line is loaded with everything you need to rep Liberty Tattoo Co. on and off the chair.

Grab one of our classic hats, cozy beanies, comfy hoodies, or soft tees and tank tops — perfect for layering up or keeping cool while showing off your sick tattoos.

Sip in style with pint glasses and shot glasses, or slap on some attitude with patches and free stickers (because who doesn’t love free stickers?).

Looking for something special?

We’ve also got gift cards for the tattoo lover in your life and original artwork straight from our artists’ hands.

Stop by the shop, grab some gear, and take a little piece of

Liberty Tattoo Co. home with you

— because a good tattoo deserves good merch.




Read More
Kevin Rapczyk Kevin Rapczyk

👀Under the Needle: A Look Inside Liberty Tattoo Co.

At Liberty Tattoo Co., we’re all about great tattoos, good people, and keeping it real.

Welcome to Liberty Tattoo Co.

Right in the heart of Smithtown, Liberty Tattoo Co. is where passion, craft, and good vibes come together. We’re here to make tattoos that not only look great today but still look great decades from now — clean, solid, and built to last your entire life.

Founded by Dan Lavery, Liberty is home to a crew of talented artists and piercers who each bring their own unique style and personality to the shop. Dan keeps things running smooth and the energy high, setting the tone for what Liberty’s all about — great tattoos, good people, and a laid-back atmosphere.

Our artists — Jon Sudano, Adam H. Rothe, Nick Mascola, Kevin Rapczyk, Dillon Perino, and Ian Reyes — each bring something special to the table. From bold traditional work to clean modern designs, every tattoo that leaves our shop is done with care, precision, and respect for the craft.

And when it comes to piercings, Valeri Oliva and Emmi Bachman-Meyer have you covered. They make sure every client feels comfortable, safe, and confident — from simple piercings to more advanced setups.

What We’re About

No BS. No ego. Just great tattoos at fair prices, made by people who care about doing it right. Whether it’s your first tattoo or your fiftieth, we want you to walk out proud of what’s on your skin — and confident it’ll hold up for life.

Come hang out, talk ideas, and get tattooed by people who love what they do.

Liberty Tattoo Co.Built to last.


LIBERTY TATTOO COMPANY

17 E MAIN ST

SMITHTOWN, NY 11787

1-631-366-1776

@libertytattooco


Read More