Seven One Five Tattoo Collective brings ink to downtown Wausau

WAUSAU - Alexi Stankowski wanted to be a part of downtown Wausau's vibrant art scene. 

Early this year, he was taking painting lessons from David Hummer at the Bauhaus, located in the Wausau Museum of Contemporary Art, and during his forays downtown, he fell in love with the small-business charm of the the place. 

So when a storefront opened up along the Third Street corridor, the former Terradea Salon space, Stankowski didn't miss his opportunity. He turned the space into his first business: the Seven One Five Tattoo Collective. 

Stankowski, who grew up in Schofield, has been tattooing for 10 years. His interest started out after he got his first tattoo, at the age of 18. 

"I said never again after that," he said with a laugh. "But a year later, I got an itch." 

After that, Stankowski started apprenticing at Blackwater Tattoo in Schofield. He manned the phones and helped the owners with day-to-day operations, while learning more about the tattoo business. After two years there, he transitioned to Imperial Tattoo in Rib Mountain, where he spent eight years honing his craft. 

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"Going to Imperial helped me find myself," Stankowski said. "I learned a lot about how to be positive to clients, and how that goes farther than anything." 

Stankowski decided to open his studio earlier this year to really focus on the comfortable, positive studio that he wanted his customers to be able to enjoy. 

"A tattoo is a personal experience," he said. "I wanted to really push that positive environment."

Part of that environment is art for Stankowski, who plans to eventually have an art gallery in the studio. For the time being, there are some of his own paintings and drawings done by his apprentice, Ryan Samuelson, who is training to become a tattoo artist as well. 

Stankowski said although it was intimidating opening the first tattoo studio on Third Street, he has gotten to know the other shops around him, and enjoys the time he gets to spend downtown each day. 

"Once I started to feel that small-business vibe, it became more welcoming," he said. "I really like it here." 

For the time being, Stankowski is doing tattoos and consultations by appointment only, because he's the only artist in the shop. That will change, though, as Samuelson starts to move forward in his apprenticeship. But in their one-on-one consultations and tattoo sessions, Stankowski said customers will be able to feel relaxed and know they're the No. 1 priority while they're there. He enjoys getting to know customers as he tattoos, and enjoys getting better at his craft. 

"The harder the piece, the more attracted to it I am," he said. "I like the problem solving." 

Want to make an appointment at the Seven One Five Tattoo Collective? 

Visit the Seven One Five Tattoo Collective Facebook page for more information, or to message Alexi Stankowski for an appointment. He's also available by email at the715tattoo@gmail.com.