New Old School.

I've not updated this blog for a while. In fact, I've had a break from all things tattoo lately, as my dear wife and I have just had a baby. Freya Louise was born on 28th October. I've been using my time to prepare the house for our new arrival, and also to spend some quality time with my wife & daughter. Having done so, I am now back in business. And what better way to kickstart my ink slinging habit than to invest in a new inking iron?

For a number of months, I have been looking into getting a newfangled 'rotary' type machine. As well as being quite shiny, rotary machines are lighter and a good deal quieter than Thomas Edison's traditional 'electromagnetic coil' type machines, and almost maintainance free. What's not to like...?

However, when I clapped eyes on this little beauty, I decided to stay true to my roots. So, here it is... my new oil-blackened iron dial. Marvellous!

Excited!

Getting a new tattoo is an exciting experience, and it should be: From choosing your design, making your appointment, the smell of the tattooists 'green soap', the buzzing of the machine and a bold new piece of ink, yours to cherish forever. But when you become a tattoo artist yourself, this feeling can elude you. You are faced with all these things on an almost daily basis. What is more, if you see a tattoo you fancy, the chances are you could do it yourself without the wait.

However, every tattoo artist has his/her favourite artist(s) that they still yearn to be inked by, and from time-to-time they make that pilgrimmage in order to get that 'special' piece.

This happened to me this week. Between us, we chose the design, made the appointment and once again I got that 'night before Christmas' feeling. Entering the suave new studio I got butterflies in my stomach, like I did when I got my first tattoo. I sat in the reclining chrome & leather chair, once again at the mercy of the trusted tattoo artist.

When I left to make the journey home, I couldn't stop peeking at my fresh new tattoo, grinning like a Cheshire Cat. (That wasn't intended to be rhyming slang, but if the cap fits...)

Before I finish, I'd just like to thank Mel @ WildStyle tattoo in Knaresborough for making this possible. One of the best artists around and all round top guy.

Peace Bro...

Self taught...?

I've heard a number of 'experts' on tattoo forums recently telling amateur tattoo artists that they should not even contemplate picking up a tattoo machine unless they have an apprenticeship with an established artist. They say that you cannot yourself to tattoo, you have to be taught by a master.

I agree that the industry has more than enough poor tattooists, or scratchers, as they are often known. I also agree that tattooing comes with great responsibility, and should not be entered into lightly. However, some of the best tattoo artists of our time have been self taught, pushing their own personal limits to create works of art, which, in turn, raises the bar for other artists.

The tattoo above was done freehand by a young man who taught himself to tattoo whilst incarcerated in the Polish prison system, using home made machines and pen ink. Years of practice and sheer dedication to the art paid off; upon his release he opened his own studio and quickly became the most saught after tattoo artist in his area.

Next time you hear of an amateur tattoo artist who is new to the game, please think: Yes, he could be just another back-street scratcher, but he could just as easily become the next Louis Andrew or Mr Cartoon!

Think on.....

Out of date ink!?

Just recently, I've heard a lot of people slating other people's tattoos. saying they're 'out-dated'. Someone on a tattoo forum said that tribal tattoo work was "So 1990's" Yeah? Are you sure tribal tattoos weren't around thousands of years ago? Another person was so bold as to say that the above tattoo was "OK in the 80's". What bollocks!

The idea of having a tattoo is that it is permanent. Of course trends develop and fade, but a tattoo is for life. It isn't like last season's Dolce & Gabbana shirt or your Mum's acid perm, it is a permanent and timeless branding.

The above piece was done for a very good friend of mine, with quite a poignant meaning. A memorial for loved ones passed. The very idea that it can become 'out-of-date' after a few years is ridiculous. Anyone that fickle does not deserve to be a part of the Tattoo Army.

Nuff said

Rich

Introduction...

Konichiwa Bitches

So this is blogging, huh?

It seems everywhere I go recently, the conversation gets steered onto tattoos. Do I steer it? Not intentionally. maybe, subliminally I do. Either way, sometimes I have to steer the convesation the other way, so I don't appear to only have one topic of conversation in which I can prosper. BUT... I now have a haven. A comfortable place in which I can wax lyrical about one of my favourite passtimes without fear of boring the teeth out of undeserving listeners. Here, I can rant as much as I like, and the only victims are those who have intentionally sought out my blog.

Over the coming weeks / months / until I get bored I will post pictures of good tattoos, bad tattoos and interesting tattoos that I have seen, done and had done, along with stories, things that please me and things that piss me right off. If you happen to feature in a positive light, great. If you happen to feature in a negative light, sorry, but it's all business up in here, and I pull no punches.

I do, like most tattoo artists, have a softer side. This can come across in my work. Hence today's picture, some very feminine butterflies done on the foot of one of my regular customers. Sandy.

Peace

Rich