Piercing: Dana Dinius
DANA DINIUS
Interview: Sean Dowdell
Studio Name: HTC Body Piercing (primarily North Phoenix location)
City/State Phoenix AZ
Number of Years Piercing: 21
Interview: Sean Dowdell
Sean Dowdell: Why did you want to learn to do body piercing?
Dana Dinius: I had a knack for it as a punk rock teenager.
SD: When did you start body piercing? Who taught you and where?
DD: I attended the Gauntlet basic piercer training seminars in 1993 and
then an apprenticeship with Jeri “Shiva” Metzler alongside Julian Ganesha
at Spears of Shiva in Fresno, California where I worked full time until 1999.
SD: What piercers do you look up to and why?
DD: Julian for helping me along the way and still inspiring me to be a better
man and being one of the first people to believe in me. Luis Garcia for
being a complete asshole and telling it like it is. Alicia Cardenas, Bethra
Szumski, Derek Lowe, and Steve Joyner for helping me adult. Chris
Jennell for being a constant source of inspiration, both professionally and
personally. Jim Ward for everything.
SD: Have you ever apprenticed anyone? How did it work out for you and
them?
DD: Several. It’s huge learning curve learning how to teach. Over the
years, I’d like to think I’ve helped a few people learn a few things. I’m really
proud of Chris Jennell. He turned out pretty well.
SD: What would you say you are most known for in the industry and in
your place of business?
DD: I wouldn’t say I’m known for anything in particular, I just do my best
and hope my clients appreciate it.
SD: Have you ever made or designed jewelry, or anything industry specific? If so, what is it?
DD: Nope! Hundreds of “million dollar ideas,” never followed through on
them.
SD: What do you think are (if any) problems within the piercing industry?
DD: At this point, there shouldn’t be any excuses for NOT doing it right.
There are STILL so many studios that use unsafe jewelry or practices
(usually hand in hand). Lack of realistic regulations shouldn’t mean the
public/clients should suffer so we can make money. Fighting and drama
between quality studios is tiring. Totally unnecessary 90s biker shop mentality. Grow up and be and be professionals, people.
SD: Where would you like to be in 5 years (pertaining to life and business)?
DD: I have no idea. I’d like to make things. I’m taking things one year at a
time. 2015 has a ton of travel and suspensions in it
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SD: What is your favorite piercing to perform, and why?
DD: Septums. they’re always a challenge and look awesome on everyone.
SD: Are there any procedures that still make you nervous to perform, and
why?
DD: Public speaking.
SD: Do you prefer to pierce with tools or freehand, or a combination?
DD: Combination. I believe in working smarter, not harder.
SD: What do think is something positive that comes from the piercing
industry, if anything?
DD: More great piercers have opportunities to do what they love. I’d hope
to be a part of someone’s life changing experience, but I feel widespread
commercialization of piercing is taking the special out of it. It has given me
the opportunity and means to do more than I ever thought it would. For
that, I’m thankful.
SD: What would you like other piercers to know, that they might not know
about you?
DD: Just ask, before I forget the answer.
SD: Being a piercer of twenty plus years, what advice do you think that
most new piercers should be aware of as they climb into this industry?
DD: You have it really good. The real suffering and growing pains are over,
so take full advantage of the MASSIVE amount of trustworthy resources
and information available to you. Learn from our mistakes.
SD: Is there anything you wish to learn or get better at in the piercing
industry?
DD: I’m learning everyday.
SD: What do you love most about living in Arizona?
DD: My life. Really, it’s pretty good being me. I have a lot going for me. I get
to do the things I love pretty much year round.
SD: How do you spend your free time when you are not working?
DD: Suspension takes up almost all of my free time and resources. In
2015, almost all my travels are for suspension events. I also like building
guns.
SD: Thank you so much for taking the time with me Dana, much respect
and keep doing what you are doing for the industry!
www.HTCAZ.com/Dana
Instagram: @danadinius
Twitter: @danadinius