Tattoo artist JC Stroebel never imagined that a simple tweet would spark a movement among Timberwolves fans. “All I did was tweet, and then over 500 people made it a big deal,” Stroebel reflected. The tweet, posted a year ago, offered to tattoo “Naz Reid” on anyone who wanted it, and it quickly went viral among Timberwolves supporters. Overnight, Stroebel and fellow artist Jesse George found themselves fully booked.
The two lifelong Timberwolves fans were thrilled to be part of commemorating the team’s deep playoff run, which ended with a loss to the Dallas Mavericks in the Western Conference Finals. Now, with the Timberwolves facing the Los Angeles Lakers in the first round, Stroebel and George are back at it. They recently hosted a tattoo event at Beloved Studios in Roseville, where they are finishing their apprenticeships.
For the occasion, the artists created a range of designs, including a portrait of Jaden McDaniels and an ant illustration for Anthony Edwards. “We’re going to have a new flash sheet every year with new tattoos, so it’ll be cool for people to collect them,” Stroebel said.
The response was overwhelming, with Timberwolves fans lining up outside the studio before it even opened. “It was such a whirlwind last year, and this year we had expectations,” George said. “We were nervous to see how it would turn out.”
The first customer for Stroebel was Neesha Moore, a lifelong Timberwolves fan who proudly sported the “Naz Reid” tattoo from last year. “Just to be able to look down and know it’s a part of me is really cool,” Moore said. For George, Nolan Peterson, another lifelong fan, added to his leg sleeve with another “Naz Reid” tattoo, calling it a reminder of a memorable time in his life.
These tattoos serve as a symbol of Timberwolves fans’ deep connection to the team and the season’s significance. As the event continued, Stroebel, George, and other artists completed 58 tattoos on the first day alone.
“I’m so freaking thankful that people showed up,” Stroebel said. “It’s an honor to be a part of.”
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