Mark Longenecker -By Tobin Bennison Mark Longenecker reached that point some time ago while tattooing in Ft. Lauderdale, but the road which led to it was a long one, fraught with discovery and hard work. Now his designs are instantly recognizable and his inimitable style has become indelibly associated with the area. If one were to put forth an example of a “Cocoa Beach tattoo,” Longenecker’s work would undoubtedly win out as the representative. Originally from New Jersey, Longenecker’s been drawing as long as he can remember. After excelling in art classes throughout his childhood, he earned a degree from the Savannah College of Art and Design. Inspired by the local music scene there, Longenecker began creating popular t-shirt designs and sold them at shows and raves. An invitation to take his skills to Key West started a period of fruitful activity for him, and saw his beloved designs gracing shirts, local business signs, and logos for places like Margaritaville, Jimmy Buffet’s legendary recording studio. A brief apprenticeship in tattooing there hooked Longenecker on the craft, and he worked in the field in Miami’s South Beach and then in Ft. Lauderdale before opening his own shop here in Cocoa Beach nearly two years ago. He’d passed through the area years before and couldn’t get it out of his mind. Armed with a hard-earned, distinctive “Longenecker” style and a deep passion for tattooing, he opened Endless Summer Tattoos, a laid-back surf-themed parlor reflective of his love of water and beachside living.

Influenced by artists like Tony Alva and Jim Phillips, Longenecker infuses his work with the bright washes of color seen in Mexican folk art and awe-inspiring Florida sunsets, and the clean, tactile lines of Japanese painters like Hokusai. But his tattooing really stands out for its versatility and the ease with which it translates from flesh to other media.

A skilled painter, he’s produced many vibrant watercolors of curling waves, billowing purple clouds, and beach scenes peopled by his characteristic skeletons. A meeting with “Lost” alum Drew Brophy and their subsequent friendship inspired Longenecker to begin decorating surfboards on his own, and the results are amazing.

Rendered with paint markers, his board designs reflect his love of tattoo and skateboard art while making full use of the broadened “canvas.” Waves fold into fingers of foam; flames intertwine intricately with plantlike tendrils; grinning skulls gaze menacingly with gaping eye sockets. All of his board designs are commissioned work, but he approaches these clients as he would any potential tattoo customer - with reserve and professionalism.

The Endless Summer Tattoo parlor stands apart for its welcoming atmosphere: a cabana-type ambience, replete with full-fledged tiki bar, relaxed, friendly workers (many of whom are featured guest artists), and a casual approach to prospective clients. Longenecker takes walk-ins, and is more than happy to accomodate inquisitive and often undecided customers.

Longenecker’s friendly philosophy is one which caters to casual patrons, and his expertise is tempered with a down-to-earth understanding of the uninitiated. A walk into Endless Summer is one devoid of pressure and salesmanship, where the curious are embraced equally along with the stalwarts. He knows the value of distance and impartiality and always tries to steer clients in the right direction in hopes of avoiding regretful impressions.

Last year, during the 1st Annual Tattoo Arts Festival, many may have witnessed his incomparable creations. This year’s event sees him recreating those brilliant efforts on skin, canvas, and foam in a similar venue, but if the Resident has its way, Longenecker will soon establish himself as much more than a tattoo artist, and one who best represents the over-riding sense of what it means to live in Cocoa Beach.

You can see Longenecker’s art on display at Endless Summer Tattoo (210 N. Atlantic Ave., Cocoa Beach; 799-9776; Open 7 days a week from 10 to 12 a.m.). Drop in and visit his comfy studio to see himself and other tattoo artists at work, flip through his impressive portfolio, and check out the paintings and boards he’s decorated adorning the walls and ceiling. Some of his boards are also on display at the Surfer’s Sports Pub (350 N. Orlando Ave. in Cocoa Beach) where he also spins for their popular Surf Punk nights. Longenecker will also be demonstrating his skills at the upcoming 2nd Annual Space Coast Tattoo Arts Festival May 5th through the 7th in Indialantic. In the meantime, check out the Endless Summer website and its impressive gallery of Longenecker’s work at: www.endlesssummertattoo.com