InkSpired Magazine Issue No. 47 | Page 37

them because they are a great mix of challenging, and have an important history to me. I have my daith pierced by Ken Coyote, who apprenticed under Erik Dakota, the first person to perform one. That lineage means a lot to me. Sean Dowdell: How does it feel to be the newly elected President of APP? Jef Saunders: It feels like a great responsibility, but also an enormous opportunity. I am standing on the shoulders of giants, though. The presidents, board members, officers, and volunteers who preceded me have put me in an amazing place, enabling the APP to continue to grow and be successful. Sean Dowdell: What changes would you like to see in the APP? Jef Saunders: I have been working with the Board and the Membership Committee to make our application process more streamlined and efficient. I am looking forward to making compliance with APP membership requirements easier for our members as well. There are more plans in the works, but I would rather let the people whose hard work is making these amazing changes happen introduce them! Sean Dowdell: Tell us something positive that you feel comes from the piercing industry. Jef Saunders: I genuinely believe in the power of body piercing as self-expression. I think this art form speaks to certain people, and I’m passionate about making it as safe as possible for those people. Sean Dowdell: What would you like other piercers to know that they might not know about you? Jef Saunders: I took a few months off of piercing last year to work at a craft brewery. It was very hard work but I developed a newfound respect for the work and craftsmanship that goes into making a consistently good quality product. Sean Dowdell: Being a veteran piercer, what advice do you think that most new piercers should be aware of as they climb into this industry? Jef Saunders: We were all the newbie at some point. No one happened upon this piercing community a fully formed excellent piercer. You’ll get there with hard work and assistance from the good people of this amazing piercing family. Sean Dowdell: Is there anything you wish to learn or get better at in the piercing industry? Jef Saunders: I want to be a better piercer in every regard, whether it be bedside manner, health and safety, technique, or even something like jewelry color combinations. I’m fortunate to be surrounded by good examples and resourceful friends. I will continue learning from and being inspired by these amazing piercers throughout our community. InkSpiredMagazine.com 35