From the Studio
Blog
Community events, care guidance, and a bit of history — notes from three studios' worth of piercers, artists, and staff.
December 10, 2025
Adorn × NEFP Winter Food Drive: Donate & Get Discounts!
Donate shelf-stable food at any Adorn studio through January 19th for piercing discounts and 20% off cosmetic microblading — Adorn matches every discount as a direct donation to NEFP.
May 4, 2025
May The Fourth Be With You
Adorn's artists on Star Wars Day, community comic-con culture, and the enduring appeal of a galaxy-far-far-away tattoo.
February 27, 2025
Community. Charity. Philanthropy: Our Views on Giving Back
A look at Adorn's philanthropic partners — animal welfare, LGBTQ+ advocacy, criminal justice reform — and Fur20, the studio's annual charity raffle.
March 15, 2021
Nipple Piercings: A Personal And Aesthetic Expression
One of our most popular requests — on reclaiming ownership of your body, healing timelines, and choosing your own angle.
September 23, 2020
Tea Time With Adorn
Founder Desta Fury on Adorn's 20th anniversary during the pandemic, the studio's origins as an all-female shop in Beaverton, and gratitude for the staff and clients along the way.
June 4, 2014
Best Portland Tattoo Shops
A customer's case for Adorn East and Adorn West as the best tattoo shops in Portland — a look back at the studio's earliest client reviews.
June 3, 2014
Swearing is Good For You
No need to apologize if you let out a little cussing during the tattoo or piercing process — the science on swearing and pain tolerance.
June 3, 2014
The History and Cultural Significance of Tongue Piercing
From Mayan bloodletting rituals to Fakir trance states to modern pop culture — a history of tongue piercing across cultures.
June 3, 2014
Tender Tome of Touching
Why "hands off your piercing" is a cornerstone rule at Adorn — the science of bloodborne pathogens, healing, and why we care.
June 3, 2014
The History and Cultural Significance of Nipple Piercings
From Karankawa tradition and 14th-century Parisian "bosom rings" to the modern body-modification movement — a history of nipple piercing.
June 3, 2014
The History and Cultural Significance of Nostril Piercing
A 4,000-year-old tradition — from the Middle East and the Book of Genesis to Mughal India, the Berber and Beja tribes, and the 1960s hippie movement.
June 2, 2014
Cover-Up Tattoos
How to transform an old tattoo into something new — the skill of the cover-up, laser lightening, and what to expect at your consultation.
April 3, 2014
Piercing Gun Vs. The Needle
Why professional piercers want the piercing gun banned — sterility, tissue trauma, and the training gap between a mall kiosk and a licensed studio.