Tattoo artist Meg Roberts (@meg.the.cyclopz_) creates blackwork and dotwork tattoos at The Drawing Room in Coventry. We chatted to Meg about her style, her love of cats and the reason she fell in love with tattooing…
How long have you been tattooing?
I’ve been tattooing for four years now. Two of which were my tattoo apprenticeship.
What made you want to become a tattoo artist?
I’ve wanted to become a tattoo artist since I was five years old. I always had a strong passion for art and was fascinated by people who were heavily tattooed – I thought they looked so much cooler than the average person… Also I only had one family member who had any tattoos and that was my grandad who was a massive influence in my younger life.
He sadly passed away when I was seven and since then I’ve wanted to make him proud doing something that I love.
Can you remember the first tattoo you ever did?
I’ll never forget the first tattoo because it’s on me! It’s a little trad-style flower on my ankle.
It’s definitely not the best but I’ll always keep it to remember where I came from – no matter where I go in my career.
How would you define your style? How has this changed since you started?
My style is very much a mixture of blackwork and dotwork. I like making things quite detailed and illustrative but I’m heavily influenced by traditional art work, too. My style doesn’t fall into the traditional category at all though – it’s cute but also has gothic hints, which is very fitting with my personality.
I originally thought I would be a traditional artist, but the traditional style has too many rules to follow and I like to be quite free and experimental.
What do you love to draw and tattoo?
My favourite thing to draw has got to be animals – epecially cats. I’m a massive cat lover but I love drawing literally any animal because they have such amazing features. I also enjoy drawing eyes and faces because every one is so unique – which creates great artwork.
What would you like to do more of?
One thing I definitely want to do more of is cathedral buildings. I did some recently and thoroughly enjoyed them. I think they’re very fitting with my gothic style, too – I can really bring out my creative side in those sorts of designs.
Have you seen any trends in the themes you’re tattooing?
I always get asked for completely different things all the time, which I love because it always keeps it interesting for me. But there are definitely popular trends in tattooing at the moment: angel numbers, cherubs, dragons and even tribal has made a massive comeback.
What was your first tattoo?
My first tattoo was a classic rose on my forearm. I had it done on my 18th birthday because I just couldn’t wait any longer. It’s probably not something I would get done now but I still love the tattoo because of the memories attached to it.
Do you have a favourite tattoo experience?
My favourite tattoo experience was probably getting my first one because of how long I’d waited and the build-up to it. I was so excited yet so nervous, but once it started and I realised it was nowhere near as painful as I thought I was completely fine and just wanted more. I ended up booking back in two weeks later.
Where can people find you and how can clients get in touch with you?
I’m based at The Drawing Room in Fargo Village in Coventry in the UK. It’s an absolute delight working there with some lovely talented artists who have helped me grow both as an artist and as a person. The best way to get in contact with me is through Instagram.
Any future plans you’d like to tell us about?
My future plans include doing some more guest spots around the country and maybe other countries when I’m brave enough. I’d also love to do a convention next year because I’ve never done one before and would love to see what it’s all about.
Make sure you follow @meg.the.cyclopz_ for more blackwork tattoos.
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