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October 8, 2024October 8, 2024

“Blackout is definitely a different experience than a ‘normal’ tattoo, it’s no breaks and solid tattooing and saturation. Even people who are heavily tattooed are surprised how different it is,” interview with tattoo artist Teej

From his hometown of Leeds to studying in Sheffield then down to London, where he apprenticed under Henry Hate at Prick Tattoo, tattoo artist Teej’s style of heavy black work has been an evolution on this journey. The next stop took him to Sweden and then the USA, where he now works out of Black Vulture Gallery in Philadelphia. Here he shares details about his traditional apprenticeship, what it’s really like to get solid blackwork, his life over in the USA – and what’s next…

When did you first fall in love with tattoos?

I guess it all started at an early age with the music I listened to and the posters on my walls were of musicians and skateboarders who were tattooed. The aesthetic of being heavily tattooed was something I wanted. It was a sign of rebellion and taking control of your own body and image.

Once I got my first tattoo at the age of 17, I fell in love even harder and knew it was something that was going to take over my life. I just never expected it to happen and lead me to where it has.

You’ve been tattooing for ten years now, what was it like learning?

I graduated from university in Sheffield with my bachelors degree in Product Design. By the time I finished, I knew it wasn’t what I wanted to do with my life. I moved down to London and managed to get into an apprenticeship under Henry Hate at Prick Tattoos in Shoreditch. It was a very traditional apprenticeship, I was the first one in and the last one out every day. Henry was my gatekeeper to the life I dreamt of and the way I learnt his knowledge was to prove myself daily. He taught me how to build and assemble machines, needle making, art history from many styles and how they are relevant to tattooing styles, tattoo composition and the body.

I wasn’t allowed to touch a machine for the first six months, and even when I was, it was just line work. That’s the backbone of every tattoo and I had to see how they healed before shading and colouring. All the fundamentals were covered and I’m eternally grateful for the times and knowledge I learned from him and the life it has given me.

How did you develop your style to what it is today?

The heavy blackwork I’m known for was never a conscious choice, it just found me organically. Since early on in my career, I’ve always preferred to use just black ink. From traditional to a more fine line sketch/illustrative style, people knew that I used black, so over the years I got asked to do some blackout sleeves. It wasn’t until five years ago that it really took off, I did a blackout sleeve, posted it, got a couple of bookings for more. It just grew from there.

Can you tell us about blackout tattoos, what’s the process?

The majority of clients that come for blackout tattoos have older tattoos they want to cover. These can range in styles, some with more trauma, some with colour, scarred lines, multiples layers of work where they have tried to cover another tattoo before, some where they have poor blackout work. So every day is a new challenge, to work with the canvas in front of you and try to create a large field of smooth black.

Blackout is definitely a different experience than a ‘normal’ tattoo, it’s no breaks and solid tattooing and saturation. Even people who are heavily tattooed are surprised how different it is.

How do you usually work with customers?

Most of my customers come for straight blackouts, but I also design concepts. These give customers a view of how I’d like to work on a body part or full body coverage. They are all ideas that can be adjusted and changed accordingly, whether to incorporate coverups or just to change a pattern or texture. Creating them as a realistic concept in photos gives the client the image as a whole and something they can decide if they want on their body.

Roughly how many sessions do they take? Are there any challenges with this technique?

A full arm is two sessions, which is five to eight hours usually, it all depends on how big the arm is and how much to cover area wise. First session, I do wrist to an inch or two above the elbow, always hit the elbow first session as it’s tough skin and usually needs a quick hit the second session. Legs can be four to five sessions for a straight blackout.

Once you start adding in other elements to the design, it can add more time. It’s always hard to give an exact timescale for projects as many different things like pain tolerance or quality of the tattoos being covered can affect the time it takes.

For an arm, I prefer two sessions. It’s much easier to take as a client, but also less of a physical beating on the body to heal. You have to take each session as it comes and adjust and adapt.

What’s the healing like? Any tips for someone wanting a full black tattoo?

Always listen to the artist who has done the tattoo. Everyone has a slightly different method, mine was developed over time by trying and changing parts of what other blackwork artists did until I found a method that myself and my clients liked and made it as easy as possible.

Have you seen the demand for blackout tattoos growing?

Yeah it’s definitely grown as a style over the last years, the more people are exposed to it via social media, the more they see it as an option. They usually have older work that they are unhappy with or outgrown but sometimes you get people who are getting the heavy blackwork to start, they love it as a style that they want to wear from the beginning.

Do you have a favourite tattoo experience or project you’ve worked on?

The project that always stands out is my client Hannes who I met during the seven years I was tattooing in Sweden. Hannes came to me with no tattoos and wanted me to transform his body with a flowing blackwork style. We got both arms and his torso completed in Sweden before I moved to Philadelphia. I’m looking forward to continuing when I go back and guest there.

What would you like to do more of?

I guess it would be to do more large-scale concepts that I’ve designed. I love the straight blackouts, but it’s always more fun to incorporate other elements.

You’ve mentioned guesting, are you planning any guest spots? If so where and how do we book in?

Since moving to Philadelphia last summer, I haven’t had the chance to travel for work yet. I’ve been so busy here that there just hasn’t been a window to organise a guest spot. I do need to get over to the west coast of America, San Francisco has been on my list of places to visit for a long time and I will be guesting at Analogue Tattoo Arts Kollective.

Also next year, I want to get back to Sweden for a guest spot. I still have my clients there and some with ongoing projects that I’d love to get more done on.

What took you to the US? And what are your hopes for the future?

I loved to Philly because Hoode offered me a spot in his studio, we had been friends for a couple years and I told him I was interested to move State side – Sweden will always be ‘home’ for me but I wanted to change my environment and settings and give it a go. So when the best black worker in the world offered me a spot in his studio, I had to jump at the opportunity. You progress by working with others and sharing knowledge and technique and that was something I couldn’t get in Sweden.

In the coming years, I see myself evolving as a tattoo artist by continually pushing the boundaries of my craft and expanding my knowledge of tattooing techniques and design principles. I’m excited to explore and incorporate new styles, and integrate innovative concepts into my work.

Make sure to follow Teej (@teejtattoo) on Instagram and check out his website for more tattoos and to book yours.

We’re always talking to amazing tattoo artists, check out our latest interviews.

September 20, 2024September 20, 2024

“You probably know that feeling when things start to fall into place. When your path becomes clearer, and everything you’ve done before makes sense,” interview with tattoo artist Evelina Jurković

From a girly, pink studio in a small town called Banská Bystrica in Slovakia (where you can’t order takeaway after 9pm), tattoo artist Evelina Jurković @eweltattoo creates her delicate fine-line tattoos. Here she tells us all about how she brought the style over to her country, her struggles with an eating disorder, the importance of normalising all bodies in tattooing, how freediving changed her life and her mastectomy project…

When did you first fall in love with tattoos?

I don’t have a specific moment. But you probably know that feeling when things start to fall into place. When your path becomes clearer every day, and everything you’ve done before makes sense.

As a child, I grew up in an environment where there were always drawings spread out, unfinished paintings. My mom is an artist; she taught drawing at a school and often prepared for art competitions or worked on projects for theatre, either in her studio or at our kitchen table late into the night. That influences you as a child. I attended art school for both my secondary and higher education, and when I had the opportunity to try tattooing, I thought that maybe this would be my path – at least for now.

How long have you been tattooing for and how did you start?

Learning to tattoo was like learning anything else – completely terrible! I learned to tattoo mostly on my own, without much outside help. I did attend a tattoo course as it’s mandatory in Slovakia if you want to have your own tattooing business one day. But I learnt a very small percentage of the necessary information. When you leave, you have a certificate, but if you plan to work independently, you quickly realise that you know practically nothing. You can’t learn to tattoo in three days. So, in my opinion, such short courses make absolutely no sense.

Learning to tattoo on artificial skin is one thing, but a much bigger challenge is when you start working on real skin and with real people. It’s extremely stressful because any mistake is irreversible, and you also realise that the person will carry it with them for the rest of their life.

I started by tattooing friends, but when I began working in my own studio, I would often dream about the design I was going to tattoo the next day. I’ve been tattooing for over 10 years now, but I still feel a deep respect for my work.

How did you develop your style to what it is today?

I was the first to start tattooing fine-line in Slovakia. I saw many beautiful tattoos on Pinterest and wanted something similar on my own body, but every studio I went to told me it couldn’t be done or that it would have to be thicker. So I started thinking about how it’s possible. So I bought the thinnest needles available on the market and started experimenting with what could be done.

What’s your studio like? What can people expect when they get tattooed there?

My studio is located in central Slovakia in a town called Banská Bystrica. It’s a historic town with a small population, where there’s just one shopping mall and you can’t order food delivery after 9pm!

In my studio, I place a huge emphasis on my client’s privacy — I work alone with the client, I don’t have multiple tattoo artists or chairs in the space. My studio has quite a girly vibe —light colours, pink decorations, scented candles, large bright spaces with high ceilings, and paintings in golden frames on the walls.

Do you have a tattoo experience that stands out in your mind?

I have several. I remember a lady who had pigment spots on her arms and legs and didn’t want to go on vacations because she felt like everyone was staring at her. After getting them tattooed over, she started wearing dresses and swimsuits.

I often have women with eating disorders who get motivational phrases tattooed. It’s always more personal for me because I’ve been struggling with an eating disorder for many years. That’s also why I started talking about the importance of normalising normal bodies — normalising scars, stretch marks, postpartum bodies, bodies that have had children.

If we didn’t censor certain types of bodies and didn’t favour one “perfect” body type according to the current trend, we would live in a much healthier society. We wouldn’t have 13-year-old girls in therapy for anorexia or mothers who refuse to go to the swimming pool because their bodies changed after childbirth. And we wouldn’t have bullying in schools and workplaces, either.

Now for your own tattoos, tell us about them. Do your they help you feel differently about your body?

No. I got my tattoos at a very young age, which was, of course, a mistake. If I could erase my tattoos, most of them would be gone. But I do love the inscriptions on my arms, which I got as an adult, and they have a meaning for me beyond just the visual.

On my left arm, I have the words “focus” and “move.” On my right arm, I have “no limit.” “Focus” because it’s incredibly important in life to focus on one thing if you want to be successful—not to stray, not to skip, not to doubt it. “Move” because if you’re not happy, you need to move. And “move” because if you don’t stay in motion, you won’t grow as a person. “No limit” is a reference to a film of the same name that led me to a sport that completely changed the direction of my life and mindset. Limits don’t exist — only in our minds.

Can you tell us more about the sport that changed your life?

In the beginning, it was definitely running, specifically long-distance running. Running, after a certain point, becomes more about your mindset because you’re battling not just your body but your mind. However, after years, I needed a break.

In 2017, I discovered freediving, a sport that seemed a bit crazy yet beautiful. I accidentally watched the film No Limit. After that, I found my coach, Martin Ruman, and started working on myself. And I couldn’t have done anything better with my life.

What does freediving make you feel like?

It’s very hard to describe or even talk about, and I think every diver would agree. Freediving gives you space to dive deep into yourself, to learn to trust yourself, to be absolutely present, and focus solely on what you’re doing. No one else exists. Nothing else matters. When you go deeper, you’re completely alone. You can only rely on yourself. You can’t panic. You can’t breathe.

At the same time, you face the question of death, which you cannot avoid. You realise that what you’re doing could kill you if you misjudge your abilities or make a mistake. Before every dive, you evaluate how far you can go today and still be able to return, and you understand that how your dive will turn out depends on your mindset. You also realise that your ego is your greatest enemy in this sport. It can put you in danger and, in the worst case, kill you. It’s an amazing sport — you should try it!

How do you usually work with your clients? Do you mostly do custom work or do you create flash, too?

I create designs with clients together in Photoshop. I think good communication, understanding what the person who will wear it for the rest of their life wants, is absolutely the top priority. The person you’re working with is always the top priority—only then comes your artistic vision.

Can you tell us about your latest mastectomy project? How can clients get involved?

Yes, I’d love to. I believe that if you want to live in a better world, not be surrounded by hate and pain, you have to start with yourself. You don’t have to donate millions to charity, but you can start with small gestures and change people, nature, the world for the better in small ways. People who only complain and do nothing to make humanity or their close surroundings better are losers to me. You can donate clothes to charity, you can teach someone a foreign language for free, or as a tattoo artist, you can change someone’s life by covering a scar with a tattoo for free. If we stop believing that someone will help us when we need it, if we stop believing that good people still exist, and if we stop helping others selflessly, we will find ourselves in a very dark place as humanity.

If you’d like a mastectomy tattoo or scar cover up simply email me with your story – ewelofficial@gmail.com.

You love to travel! Where have you been, and where’s next? Have you got any tattoos from your travels?

Next, my husband and I are planning to visit Dahab. I’d like to stay there for at least a month or two, depending on how time and finances allow. I believe that this place is absolutely extraordinary, and I’ll find at least one answer to the life questions I’m currently struggling with. And of course, like for most freedivers, there’s one small attraction there — the Blue Hole. A 100-meter sinkhole just a few meters from the shore.

Are you planning any guest spots? If so, where and how do we book in?

I love guest spots. I’m currently looking for a studio in Bangkok or elsewhere in Asia, but I’m pretty much open to anything. We’re considering moving away from Slovakia and are looking for a place on Earth where we can say, “it feels like home.” I’ve never felt at home anywhere, and I’ve never known exactly where I want to live or where I belong, what culture or country I’m closest to. So I want to give myself time to find the answer to this question. So if you have a studio and want to meet me, don’t hesitate to write.

Make sure to follow Evelina on Instagram for more tattoos and to book yours.

We’re always talking to amazing tattoo artists, check out our latest interviews.

September 10, 2024September 10, 2024

“A tattoo session is an experience, so everything matters: the space, atmosphere, music, attitude, pace…” interview with tattoo artist Sofia Lanbina

Tattoo artist Sofia Lanbina (@betstattoo) based in Munich, Germany, specialises in fineline floral tattoos. We chat to her about her freehand tattoos, her private tattoo studio and her journey into the tattoo world…

What made you fall in love with tattoos?

I remember the first time I thought about getting a tattoo myself, I saw a photo of a girl with a temporary tattoo of roses. I was 15 at the time and I thought, “Omg, one day I want to be covered in flowers like this”, it felt totally unrealistic and I had no idea how my life would turn out but this was probably the moment I fell in love with tattoos and realised how beautiful they can look.

What made you want to become a tattoo artist?

I always loved drawing, when out in nature, I’d sketch different plants and flowers in my notebook – this inspired me the most. And then I just wanted to find a purpose for my drawings and to share them with the world, that’s how I got the thought about becoming a tattoo artist. I obviously loved tattoos, as well, and already have several bigger pieces on myself, so it seemed like a great idea that I couldn’t believe I didn’t come up with earlier.

Can you tell us more about your own tattoo collection?

I’m not covered with tattoos because, since I became a tattoo artist, I also became very thoughtful about what I’m getting. However, I have quite a few larger pieces, I’ve even managed to get a thigh tattoo and then to cover it up with another 20-hour piece. All of my tattoos are flowers, except for a couple of small ones.

How did your style evolve into fineline florals? What do you love about that style?

I’d say I knew what I wanted to do that from the start. As soon as I found fineline tattoos, I thought they’re so fascinating and incredible. It was hard to believe how many details it’s possible to put on skin and how amazingly delicate it can look. And there is a huge range of styles you can tattoo in this technique, from lettering to portraits, ornaments to big florals. That’s what I love about the style.

Talk us through how you work with your customers. Do you draw straight onto their bodies?

I mostly create my tattoos freehand. It means I draw the design right on the skin with a pen without a prepared sketch. Everything starts with discussing the details via email and in person, then I mark placement, size and shape on the skin to get my customer’s approval and, afterwards, I draw the detailed design. At all steps, it’s possible to try different placements and ideas, rearrange objects — only freehand allows this kind of freedom.

Do you have a favourite tattoo experience?

My favourite and most memorable tattoo experience was when I first got a freehand tattoo. It was a floral fineline sleeve that took two full days of work. Back then I was already thinking about starting working freehand myself and after seeing and experiencing how fascinating the process is, I finally decided to start doing it myself. So, those tattoo sessions and the tattoo itself means a lot, it was the beginning of a new chapter for me.

What’s your studio like? And how does it impact the experience of getting tattooed?

My studio is a lovely private space, located in the centre of Munich. It’s very bright with a high ceiling, a lot of natural light and big plants, it has a calming and relaxing atmosphere — that’s exactly what I wanted it to be. I think a tattoo session is an experience, so everything matters: the space, atmosphere, music, attitude, pace, etc.

What’s the tattoo scene like in Munich? Do you tattoo lots of tourists / people who travel to collect work from you?

There are so many great tattoo artists and studios in Munich, all have different styles though.

I do tattoo a lot of locals but at least 50% of my customers are travelling to get a tattoo from me. Some come from the US, some from all around Germany and other European countries.

Are there any myths around fineline tattoos? What are they and what is your retort?

The most common misconception about fineline tattoos is that they get all blurred or faded over time. However, it might only happen if done wrong, so before getting a tattoo, make sure to find an experienced tattoo artist who has healed tattoos in their portfolio. Another tip (that ideally the artist has to explain to you) is to not try to fit a million things into a small tattoo. All the elements and individual lines need space, so a tattoo has to be big enough for them.

What are your hopes for the future?

I hope to never stop learning, experimenting and discovering new angles for my art. Some artists with time get either bored of what they do or get stuck without any growth and progress. I think that the key to never experiencing that is to constantly work, change and improve what you do.

Follow Sofia on Instagram for more beautiful fineline tattoos.

We’re always talking to amazing tattoo artists, check out our latest interviews.

August 28, 2024August 28, 2024

“My work is defined by landscapes, anime and frame tattoos,” interview with tattoo artist Opal

Tattoo artist Opal (@opal.tattoo) is currently in Vancouver, Canada, where she creates breathtaking landscape tattoos. In this interview, she shares her most memorable tattoo experiences and how they helped shape the artist she has become today…

Opal first fell in love with tattooing at university; “when I was a sophomore in university, I realised that the Visual Design major was not a good fit for me and I started to question what I wanted to do.” She recalls that at that time she “became interested in drawing on the body rather than on paper. ” After that it only took Opal a year before they started to learn how to tattoo under @soltattoo and @tattooist_eq at Studio By Sol.

Now having tattooed for four years, Opal looks back at her humble beginnings, “I started with rubber pads” she says. But her talent shone through, “it was about a month and a half after I started that I began working on clients.”

She reveals how at first she felt apprehensive. “It was really nerve-wracking, and I found it difficult because I didn’t know which needles to use or how to angle the machine.” For Opal, “replicating the design exactly on the body was particularly challenging.” Although she was anxious and learning as she went, Opal took it in her stride and kept going.

We asked Opal about the first tattoo she did on someone else. “It was poetry related. The task was to create a design based on the feelings of a poem.” She admits that, “though it was abstract and challenging, I really enjoyed working on it.”

On discovering her most challenging tattoo, we had to ask about her most memorable tattoo experience. Opals shares how she created a tattoo for her dad. “It was especially memorable because my dad, who hates pain so much that he’s afraid of even getting an injection, got his first tattoo from me.” Smiling, Opal shares how grateful she is to her dad for that moment. It was really special.

Since then, Opal has done hundreds of tattoos, honing her craft to what it is today. With anime, nature and frame styles taking centrestage. She describes how her style has become what it is today. “At first, it was really difficult. If you scroll through my Instagram, you’ll see that I worked with very different designs compared to now. Back then, I was really stressed because of the designs. I didn’t know which designs suited me well.”

It was one of her mentors that helped her find her place in tattooing. “After a year of starting, the manager at Studio By Sol told me that I needed to find out what I really liked.” With this in mind Opal “started writing down everything I liked on a piece of paper. I found out that I love anime and landscape photography. Now, I mainly work with anime and landscape designs.”

When it comes to the inspiration behind her work, it’s her photography that inspires her the most. “I usually take pictures of natural landscapes and my friends.” It’s no surprise then that landscapes feature so heavily in her tattoos. Travel is also a big influence for the tattoo artist. “I often travel with my friends, and whenever I see a beautiful landscape or sunset, it becomes part of my design.”

Those tattooers who have paved the way are also an influence on her work. Although she can’t pinpoint one artist that she admires the most, Opal does “respect people who have dedicated themselves to a field for a long time. Especially in Korea, where tattooing isn’t fully recognised artistically or legally.”

Opal and these other artists are connected by their tenacity to keep going. She explains how she “admires those who continue in this profession without giving up.” Like them, she wants to pursue tattooing for as long as possible.

Currently tattooing in Vacouver, Opal is surrounded by artistic talent. “You can meet artists from many different countries, which allows you to see a wide variety of genres,” she shares.

When it comes to her clients, Opal’s work is evenly split between flash and custom design projects. The artist considers it important to “consistently upload flash designs” giving her clients the chance to wear a unique piece of her work that’s pre-drawn. She explains that “whenever I have time, I try to create and upload as many as possible.”

As Opal loves to tattoo different landscapes, we asked the artist if she has any guest spots planned. “I don’t have any guest spots planned at the moment.” But don’t worry, if you’re not in Vancouver you can keep an eye out for any guest spot announcements on her Instagram @opal.tattoo and inquire by email following the form provided.

Looking to the future and touching upon her Korean heritage, Opal shares how she “hopes tattoos can be perceived more positively by Korean people in the future.” Especially as there are now so many skilled tattooists in Korea. She believes that “Korean tattooing is renowned worldwide.” And yes, she’s proof of that.

Make sure to follow Opal on Instagram for more inspiring tattoos and to grab one of her flash designs for yourself.

We’re always talking to amazing tattoo artists, check out our latest interviews.

August 10, 2024August 10, 2024

Don’t wait for your body to change to get that tattoo

“So many of us delay getting tattooed because of beauty standards or because certain artists don’t want or understand how to tattoo people living in fat bodies – and that is not acceptable.“

There may be a lot of things you don’t think you can’t do in the body you have – like get a tattoo. But we’re here to say you don’t need to change ANYTHING about your body to get tattooed! We chat to tattoo artists and tattoo collectors who also think tattoos are for everybody and every body.

Alyssa, tattoo collector, Ohio, USA (@whatxwhatnot)

“I started getting tattooed when I was around 15 years old. Back then, I never really had a vision of what I wanted. As I got older and spent more time around tattooers, I started collecting tattoos from different artists and tattooers who’ve been tattooing a long time and helped shape the community. Also collecting pieces I thought were fitting to my personality.

“My stomach tattoo is probably my favourite. I was 23 when I started that one. My husband is a tattooer and we talked about how I should get it tattooed and I was always so afraid to do it because my stomach is big, but he assured me it would look amazing. I came to Marah Kelso (@passionpoortaste) with the idea and she jumped on it. This tattoo was the one that started it all for me in my confidence journey. It feels like beauty and armour all in one.”

“I was so happy when you shared my backpiece on the Things & Ink Instagram [see it here]. I love traditional Japanese tattoo/art, and with Japanese tattooing body composition is important to its flow. Being in a fat body with folds and not a perfect smooth back, I wanted to make sure I went to an artist with a good deal of knowledge. Nick Caruso was my guy. He’s a fierce tattooer with over two decades of experience and, from start to finish in the design and the stencil, he has truly helped me feel amazing about this project.

“I think it’s important to seek artists who work with a diverse range of bodies. Be it colour, shape and size. Don’t be afraid to ask questions about their process. Set up consults to discuss your tattoo, so the artist has a chance to get an idea of your shape. If you are someone who feels anxious about people touching your body (I am) ground yourself. And if you feel your artist treats you differently or doesn’t seem excited to work with you, move on to the next. I promise you there are thousands of tattooers out there who enjoy tattooing bigger bodies.

“My tattoos have changed the way I view my body. Tattoo collecting has given me such an appreciation for my body. Each piece has helped me learn to explore and love my body in a different way that doesn’t require me missing out on opportunities. So many of us delay getting tattooed because of beauty standards or because certain artists don’t want or understand how to tattoo people living in fat bodies – and that is not acceptable. I refuse to accept that.

“My advice to someone putting off getting tattooed because of how their body looks is: GET. THE. TATTOO! I promise it will look good as long as you have trust in your artist.”

Jade Clark, tattoo artist (@clarktattoos)

“The great thing about being tattooed, is how it can change your body physically, but also how you mentally look at your body. Getting tattooed is like wearing a permanent accessory and you can be adorned in work by artists you love, or you can get pieces that are super important and you want to cherish forever. Either way, the way we look at body art can drastically change how we perceive our bodies and the autonomy we have over them.

“My tattoos have helped me accept my own body. They make me feel as though my body is mine and I’ve decorated my body how I’d decorate my house. They have helped me look at parts of myself that I’ve felt uncomfortable with in a whole new light and given me a new found level of confidence, which is also shown in my personality, too.

“Tattooing is definitely not constricted to a dress size. Tattooing is for all bodies and all people (legal age of course, you must be over 18) but so many people have different reasons for getting tattooed and that should be considered. So many people get tattooed as a form of homage to their bodies, it can be a really beautiful experience to watch people really understand that their body is their own.

“As an artists, there are things about tattooing all bodies – whatever their size. I give advice about what aesthetically flows with the client’s body the best; I could do the same design for two completely different body types and one might not look as good as another, which is why it’s so important for the art, the tattooing and the body to be considered as one thing.

“As an artist, I don’t think there’s any problem with taking time in finding the right artist, especially if you have body vulnerabilities. At the end of the day, tattooing is not only about the art but also about the experience you have with your artist; it can completely shape the way you see your tattoo entirely. Getting tattooed by someone who understands the body and body insecurities is definitely critical when finding an artist.”

Kristie, tattoo collector, Nottingham UK (@kristiemb23)

“There’s no special meaning behind my backpiece, but I knew I wanted Holly Ashby (@hollyashbytattoo) to do it. I’ve always loved Holly’s work. When I finally plucked up the courage to go ahead and have my back tattooed, I knew it had to be her. I love her designs and style, I only gave her the brief of ‘something demony/witchy but whatever you think would work’. My only caveat was no full-frontal nudity, we settled on ‘tasteful’ nudity in the end. There also a cover-up of a tattoo I’ve had lasered at the top.

“I’d been planning my back for a few years. As space has dwindled, I knew I needed to put my big girl pants on and decide who/what I wanted to have. I was waiting to lose weight and ‘be the right size’ – whatever that is – but as I got older and more confident in my body, I decided to meet Holly for a consultation and she made me feel so at ease. I knew I had made the right choice and booked a few sessions there and then.

“Pain wise, I managed the outline and felt my soul leave my body, but honestly it isn’t as bad as I had imagined. There are some spicy spots though. We’re now working through shading and colour and I’m using a numbing cream, mainly to make the most of our sessions. Everyone at her studio House of Thieves is so welcoming and lovely, I’m made comfortable as soon as I walk through the door. I have no issues sat there half naked, which was a big worry of mine before I reached out to Holly.

“Every tattoo I have has helped me see my body differently in one way or another. From having my legs tattooed when I was younger and instantly feeling okay about wearing skirts or shorts again. I love showing off my back piece on holiday or choosing different style tops to wear. I’m currently picking a dress to wear to get married in and my options have expanded since feeling so much more confident with showing my back.

“Please do not stop yourself from doing anything because of your body! We all deserve to do whatever makes us happy and feel good. My advice would be if you have an artist you are considering, please reach out to them. Get to know them too, as this will make you feel so much more at ease and always speak up if you’re not totally comfortable.”

Shannon Hill (@ginge_and_needles), tattoo artist, Darlington, UK

“I know it’s easy to fall in to that cycle where you hold off doing things that you want because you worry about how it will look to others. It’s very easy to convince yourself that it’s not for you, you’re not good enough and you don’t belong because you don’t fit the impossible standards created by our industry.

“But, I’d like to invite you to think from a different perspective, and this is the only perspective that should matter. Ask yourself this one question: Will having that tattoo bring you joy? If the answer is yes then that is the only permission you need.

“When you deprive yourself from getting the tattoo you really want for the sake of not fitting into ‘the box’, all you’re doing is depriving yourself of joy. Depriving yourself of the feeling of enjoying a lovely tattoo on your body. No one else suffers, just you. How is that any fun? Give yourself permission to choose more joy for yourself. Get tattooed and be happy.

“You don’t need to change your body to get tattooed. But how sad that this is where we’re at now – this industry has a lot to answer for. If you look back through the history of tattooing, they weren’t about achieving an aesthetic. They were reminders, expressions and celebrations of a person, a memory, their life and their body.

“It’s important to remind ourselves that getting tattooed is more powerful than getting a lot of likes on Instagram or having that perfectly curated look. When we focus too much on that stuff, the celebration, the joy, the confidence, the feeling of being at home in our bodies goes missing. It would be nice to bring that front and centre again.

“No two people are the same, so why should the tattooing process be kept the same for every client? Every client has their own unique body shape, skin type and colour. My job is all about working WITH YOU. Exactly as you are. And looking at what’s possible for YOU.

“The experience and the process should always be tailored to fit you. It’s a teamwork dynamic between you and your artist. You should never feel out of the loop or like an inconvenience. If your artist can’t adjust and accommodate you and your body, they’re not worthy of going near it with a needle in the first place.

“My only advice would be to not be afraid to advocate for yourself. Whether it’s moving the stencil, taking a break or getting your body in a more comfortable position, don’t be afraid to speak up for yourself. A good artist will always, do their best to accommodate your needs, work with your body as it is and offer their best, honest advice along the way.

“I don’t think I ever felt at home in my body until I got more tattoos, especially more visible ones. Being plus size, I’ve always had a complex relationship with my body. Society tells plus size women that they should feel uncomfortable in their bodies. They should always aim to be smaller and not stand out in any way.

“For a long time I fell into that trap. But the more tattoos I got, the more comfortable I feel standing out and being seen. I’ve always thought this whole ‘love yourself’ thing was pretty impossible to achieve. I don’t think anyone can totally love themselves 100% of the time.

“But all I know is when I look in the mirror now, I see myself. I know her. I feel at home. I think that’s largely because of my tattoos. I see all these beautiful pieces and think “that’s lovely that.” And then I get on with my day. Before tattoos I’d tear myself to shreds and pick myself apart. It’s really hard to be mean to yourself when you’re covered in beautiful work that someone has put a lot of love into.

“Go easy on yourself. This is your one life, don’t deprive yourself of joy. Just go choose yourself a lovely artist and get that tattoo you’ve always wanted, it really is that simple.”

This is your sign to go get that tattoo…