Article by Jose Villarreal
February 24th, 2024

In a vibrant celebration of art and creativity, Atlanta's own Eden Gutstein, a celebrated illustrator and tattoo artist, unveiled her first tattoo coloring book on February 24th, 2024, with a festive release party and book signing at Criminal Records. Known as Georgia's premier record store and a cultural hub for artists and music enthusiasts alike, Criminal Records provided the perfect backdrop for the event, showcasing its dedication to the local arts scene with a special section for books by leading authors and artworks, including pieces by Gutstein.

The genesis of Gutstein's innovative project traces back to her desire to compile her expanding collection of tattoo designs into a book. However, aiming to create a more interactive and engaging experience, Gutstein transformed the concept into a coloring book of tattoo designs, allowing owners to add their personal touch to her artwork. Designed with a broad audience in mind, including young aspiring tattoo artists like her cousins, the book is crafted to be child-friendly while offering a therapeutic outlet for adults battling anxiety or seeking stress relief through the simple joy of coloring.

The release party at Criminal Records was not just an opportunity for Gutstein to personally present her work but also a chance to deepen connections with the community. In a gesture of gratitude towards her supporters, Gutstein organized a raffle, giving each book purchaser a chance to win a free tattoo session with her, further personalizing the celebration.

The event was a resounding success, attracting a diverse crowd of attendees who enthusiastically embraced the opportunity to own a piece of Gutstein's artistry. More than half of the inventory brought to the event was sold, illustrating the broad appeal of the coloring book. The raffle winners were announced in a live draw on Criminal Records' social media platforms, adding to the excitement and engagement with their 30,000 followers.

Gutstein's tattoo coloring book, comprising 60 pages of her original designs, is not only a testament to her talent but also a bridge connecting various age groups and backgrounds through the art of coloring. Following the event, the book is available for global shipping on Amazon and can be purchased locally at Criminal Records in Atlanta, marking a significant milestone for both Eden Gutstein and the local creative community.