We sat down to have a chat with tattoo artist Paula Castle, who owns Black Sheep Tattoo in Bristol. Paula is one of the most passionate and creative people in the tattoo world. And our chat covered everything from her fave subjects to tattoo to the deep-rooted misogyny in the tattoo world and the importance of safe spaces. Make yourself a cuppa and settle in for the ride…
We absolutely adore your tattoos, tell us more about them, your style and any themes that people love coming to you for…
I did my version of a crying heart as a sticker in 2017. Then in 2020, one of my clients said to me, I want your sticker tattooed on me. I loved doing it. And if I really enjoy doing a tattoo, my favourite thing to do is come up with different themes for that design. It’s just a really fun and interesting way to work. When people give me challenging themes, it’s fun working out how to do it or how to represent something. The crying hearts are especially fun to theme.
Drag queen, Divine themed crying heart tattoo
I’ve also done a few tickets, too. I’ve done a couple of those as memorial tattoos. It’s a nice design to incorporate dates into, without it being overtly memorial. I did one recently that was a ticket for a festival that my client had been to with her dad, and she lost her dad during Covid. I put a few important dates into the ticket. The problem with things that are obviously in memory of somebody is they lead to people asking questions. Sometimes that might be welcome, but for some people, they never feel comfortable sharing that stuff. Some people want something that doesn’t scream RIP.
Another fun design I’ve done recently is a rear view mirror tattoo – another design that’s good to add themes to.
Do you have a favourite tattoo that you’ve done? Or a favourite by someone else that you can’t stop thinking about?
There’s a tattooer called Josh Todaro who does traditional pieces. He did a portrait of Adam Sandler from The Wedding Singer – and Oh My God. “Somebody kill me please”. And it’s my most favourite tattoo I’ve ever seen. I just love it so much. One of those tattoos I wish was on me. I still look at it all the time.
As for me, it’s such a hard question to answer. But I just did my first ever Muppet tattoo – Miss Piggy from Treasure Island. I just kept giggling the whole way through tattooing it, because I absolutely love The Muppets.
One of the reasons I love tattooing so much is because my favourite tattoo is always the most recent one I’ve done. It just feels like that’s constantly continuing forever – it doesn’t get old.
Do you have lots of regular clients that always come back to you?
I love, love, love building relationships with clients. I enjoy time with people that I’ve tattooed before, because it’s like catching up with an old friend. I’ve got some people that I’ve been working with now for the best part of my career. I’ve seen people move through life in such positive ways – going through beautiful moments like marriages and buying houses and having children. Then likewise, I’ve had long-term clients who sadly lost parents or gone through other stuff and I’ve been able to offer them support.
It’s been interesting, I was diagnosed with ADHD last year, and so many of my clients are also neurodivergent. I’d love to understand if there’s a correlation, whether neurodivergent people gravitate towards other neurodivergent people without really knowing that they’re doing it, you know.
Tell us about your shop, Black Sheep Tattoo in Bristol. We know tattoo shops can sometimes feel like intimidating places if you’ve never been in one before.
I try my best to make the studio safe and welcoming for everybody, but also I’ve taken as many steps as possible to make it really clear who we don’t want here. I think that’s just as important. We’re trans friendly, queer-owned, female-owned – it says female-owned on my sign outside – like I’m very upfront about it. I don’t want people in my studio who are going to make not only my artists, but any other clients feel uncomfortable. And that’s always been of the utmost importance to me. The clients that we have here really reflect that.
We have eight artists and a studio manager and tattooers who do regular guest spots. Then we also have The Tooth Pixie, who does a couple of days a month offering tooth gems. And Amanda who comes one Saturday every month and does brow lamination and eyelash tinting. When it comes to body modification, it it isn’t just about permanence. I love integrating to offer more than one service. Which brings people into a tattoo studio who’ve never thought about tattooing before, and might have a preconceived notion of what a tattoo shop is like.
‘Even now, you open a tattoo magazine and every advert has got a half naked woman in it’
Breaking down those kinds of social barriers is still something that’s really important. We have a responsibility to tattooing – and especially tattooing for women. It’s still an extremely male-dominated industry and it’s misogynistic, from a systemic point of view. Even now, you open a tattoo magazine and every supplier advert has got a half naked woman in it – it needs to stop.
We’re ready for change, why isn’t it happening quicker?
It’s those little micro aggressions of misogyny in advertising and in, you know, the percentage of sponsorships and things that go to men over women in the industry, that leads to inappropriate behaviour with clients in studios, and sexual assault and sexual violence against female clients and artists.
These things can’t be fixed by me opening a studio and not standing for that behaviour in my studio, the only way to fix the problem is to address the people doing the things in the first place. It’s not on us to fix it. But it is the responsibility of the suppliers and the media that work within tattooing to fix the systemic misogyny within tattooing, because it’s not acceptable anymore. And it needs to stop.
It’s been gorgeous to chat, and we loved you getting on your soapbox about the change that’s so needed. Anything else you want to share?
It’s my tenth year tattooing this year. It feels like such a milestone. It’s definitely been a roller coaster. But it’s so hard having your own studio. If I had been able to find a space to work in that was like mine, I would absolutely not choose to be a studio owner. If anybody’s really unhappy where they are, don’t think that the solution is to have your own place. It isn’t always the answer. But yeah, all I ever wanted was to have somewhere that I could truly be myself – like, you know, somewhere not to feel embarrassed all the time. That’s all I ever wanted was to not have that feeling anymore.
Tattooist and artist CAIN creates tattoos at Sick Rose Tattoo Parlour in Shanghai, China about his journey into the tattoo industry, his unique style and how he’s pushing the boundaries of tattooing…
How long have you been tattooing and how did you get started in the industry? In 2014, I embarked on a journey that would shape my artistic career. It was the year that I first learned the art of tattooing in Xinjiang. However, it took a couple of years of experimenting and exploration before my unique style began to take shape in 2016.
At that time, I was working at a contemporary art company. Although I enjoyed the work, I felt constrained in my ability to express myself fully. So, I made the bold decision to resign and embark on a new path – one where I could fully embrace my passion for tattooing and express contemporary art in my own way.
It was a challenging journey, but I was determined to develop a style that would embody the contemporary art aesthetic that I had been striving for. I spent countless hours experimenting with different styles, techniques, and approaches, seeking to perfect the balance of artistry and technical skill that would become the hallmark of my work.
Over time, my style slowly emerged – characterised by intricate designs, bold lines, and a striking use of colour. It was a style that I felt truly reflected my artistic vision and embodied the contemporary art principles that I hold dear.
Since then, I have been committed to refining my craft and pushing the boundaries of what is possible in the world of tattooing. Each new piece is an opportunity to create something beautiful and meaningful, a testament to the power of art to inspire and transform.
What inspired you to become an artist? Do you have a background in art? My upbringing and experiences have undoubtedly played a significant role in shaping the person I am today. Born in Xinjiang, the same region where my ancestors and parents also came from, I was raised in a place with a rich cultural heritage and a complex history that has had a profound impact on my outlook on life. I did not receive any formal art training, but I loved art when I was young.
At the age of 17, I left home and went to Shanghai, where I had to learn to rely on myself without any help from my family. This experience taught me many things and made me more independent, which has been invaluable to me as I continue to pursue my artistic journey.
As a deeply thoughtful and introspective person, I have always had a lot to express, and being able to do so through my art has been a great source of joy and fulfillment for me.
My work reflects my personal experiences and thoughts in a deeply personal way, and I see art as not just a means of self-expression, but also a way of exploring the human experience and connecting with the world around me. In this way, my upbringing, experiences, and artistic expression are all interconnected, forming a tapestry of who I am as an artist and as a person.
How would you describe your style? The most well-known aspect of my work is undoubtedly my personal tattooing style, which I call “Postgulag”. Inspired by the Gulag labour camps of the Soviet era, this style incorporates modern painting and tattooing techniques to express resistance against thought control. The overall image is characterised by pure black, without any excessive ornamentation.
I began to focus on the Gulag style of tattooing because I felt angry, desperate, and frustrated about the many social phenomena and injustices. I had a lot to express, and after experimenting with different techniques, I created the Postgulag style that I have been committed to ever since.
In essence, Postgulag is a subversion of the classic “Gulag” tattoo style, infused with my own understanding of resistance, and creating a powerful and ironic aesthetic system using only black ink.
What draws me most to tattooing is its unique expression and the “canvas” that it provides, which encompasses not only painting but so much more.
What inspires your designs? My work is deeply rooted in my personal experiences, and the memories I have accumulated over time often inspire me to think more deeply and reflect on the world around me. This process of reflection and introspection is what motivates me to create and express myself through my art.
Does your heritage influence your art? Although my cultural background has undoubtedly influenced my work, I am very deliberate and selective about how I incorporate it into my art. I strive to discard elements that are outdated or unhelpful and keep only what is good and beneficial to me, my art, and my message.
As an artist, it is essential to remain mindful of the cultural traditions that shape us, but it is equally important to find ways to evolve and adapt these traditions in a way that is meaningful and relevant to our individual artistic visions. For me, this means drawing on my cultural heritage while still staying true to my own creative impulses and ideas.
Can you tell us about the process behind your tattoos? When clients make an appointment, they have the option of choosing from a selection of pre-drawn designs that I have created. This approach is a popular choice for those who want a quick and easy way to choose a design without the need for a consultation.
However, for clients who have a more specific idea in mind, I offer a consultation to discuss their preferences and understand what they are looking for in a tattoo design. This personalised approach allows me to incorporate the client’s ideas and preferences into a custom design that is unique to them.
During the consultation, I work closely with the client to ensure that their design is something they will be proud of and enjoy for years to come. This process can take more time, but it is well worth the investment to create a design that truly reflects the client’s personality and vision.
Ultimately, the decision to choose from pre-drawn designs or to have a custom design created is up to the client, and I am always happy to work with them to create a tattoo that they will love.
What do you like to tattoo and what would you like to do more of? I personally find the process of tattooing to be an incredibly powerful experience. Injecting ink into the skin is not only a form of visual art but also a sensory and emotional one. Although it can be painful, the act of tattooing creates a bond between the artist and the person receiving the tattoo.
This bond goes beyond just the physical sensation and taps into the deeper, more spiritual aspects of human experience.
For me, the ritualistic nature of tattooing is what sets it apart from other forms of art. It’s like etching an idea or artwork directly into the soul of the person receiving it, leaving a permanent mark that has a deeper significance. The idea that a tattoo is not just an image or design but a connection between people is what draws me to this art form.
However, as much as I love the personal aspect of tattooing, I also feel a strong desire to share my artistic vision with a broader audience. I believe that my ideas and impressions have the potential to resonate with others, and I want to continue pushing the boundaries of my art to connect with a wider audience.
That’s why I am committed to creating more art and exhibitions in the future. I want to showcase my skills as a tattoo artist but also express my thoughts and emotions in a way that can connect with people on a deeper level. I believe that tattooing is a way to create a connection between people, to share ideas and emotions in a way that transcends language and cultural barriers.
How do you see your art evolving in the future? For me, tattooing, art pieces, and exhibitions are all just different ways to express my complete aesthetic system. I have a strong desire to communicate a coherent set of ideas and emotions that reflect my personal vision of beauty.
Although tattooing is the foundation of my entire aesthetic system, I don’t limit myself to this one form of expression. I see tattooing as just one of many ways to express my artistic ideas and to connect with people.
My work is all about communication, about sharing my experiences with others and creating something that resonates with people.
I believe that art is not just about creating something that is aesthetically pleasing, but it’s about channeling my thoughts and emotions into something that has meaning and can speak to the human condition.
By focusing on conveying what I want to express, I trust that the rest will fall into place with the guidance of a higher power. For me, the creative process is about creating something that transcends the boundaries of language, culture, and time, and speaks to something universally understood.
What was your first tattoo and do you still like it? My first tattoo was on my chest, an image of a person hanging upside down on a cross. Coming from a Christian household, my mother was furious when she found out. She thought I had gotten a tattoo of Jesus. But after I explained the meaning behind the tattoo, she understood.
The person hanging upside down is a representation of myself. I know I am not worthy of being compared to Jesus who was nailed to the cross. But like Saint Peter, I know the path that I need to follow, and it is a path that I am committed to following.
Tattooing is a deeply personal experience, and for me, this first tattoo was a way of expressing my own beliefs and convictions. It’s a reminder of the path I have chosen and the journey that lies ahead.
Every time I look at my first tattoo, I am reminded of the journey that I have been on and the challenges that lie ahead. It’s a symbol of my own personal beliefs, and it reminds me of the importance of staying true to myself and my convictions.
Through my tattoos, I hope to continue expressing my thoughts and beliefs in a way that is both personal and meaningful. For me, each tattoo is a statement of who I am and what I stand for.
Where’s been your favourite place to travel and tattoo? At the moment, I don’t have a favourite place because there are still so many places I haven’t been to yet. My dream is to travel to every corner of the world and bring my artwork to people everywhere.
I believe that art has the power to connect people from different cultures and backgrounds, and I want to use my work to bridge those divides. There’s something special about being able to share my ideas and emotions with people from all over the world, and I want to experience that feeling for myself.
As an artist, I am always looking for new inspiration and ideas, and traveling is a great way to find them. Every new place I go to offers something different and unique, and I love incorporating those experiences into my work.
I hope that by sharing my work with people around the world, I can help to promote understanding and appreciation of different cultures and perspectives. For me, there’s nothing more rewarding than being able to connect with people through my art and to share a moment of understanding and connection.
So, do you have any travels or guest spots planned? I am planning to begin my world travel project in 2023, and I am hoping to make the United States my home base for this endeavour.
The United States is a country that has always fascinated me. It’s a place with a rich history and a vibrant cultural scene. As an artist, I am drawn to the diversity and creativity that can be found in American cities, from the bustling streets of New York to the laid-back vibes of Los Angeles.
I am excited about the prospect of using the United States as a starting point for my travels. It’s a country that offers so much in terms of inspiration and artistic opportunity, and I am eager to explore everything it has to offer.
Of course, there is still much planning and preparation that needs to be done before I can embark on this journey. But I am excited about the challenges and opportunities that lie ahead, and I am confident that this experience will help me to grow both as an artist and as a person.
I believe that traveling the world is one of the best ways to gain a new perspective and to connect with people from different cultures and backgrounds. I am looking forward to this adventure, and I can’t wait to see where it takes me.
What’s the tattoo scene like where you are? I, along with a few like-minded friends, have pooled our resources to create a shared workspace called Sick Rose (@sickrosetattooparlour). My friends specialise in the American traditional (Old School) style of tattooing.
It’s been a great experience to work together with people who share my passion for tattooing and art. We are all dedicated to creating high-quality work and pushing each other to new heights of creativity.
In our studio, we share ideas and techniques, offer feedback on each other’s work, and collaborate on projects whenever possible. It’s a supportive and inspiring environment, and I feel very fortunate to be a part of it.
I’m excited to see what the future holds for Sick Rose and for our individual careers as tattoo artists. I know that by working together and supporting each other, we can achieve great things and continue to push the boundaries of what’s possible in tattoo art.
What do you do when you’re not tattooing/drawing? In my quiet moments, I like to listen to music and read books. Good music helps me to relax, while books allow me to learn new things and generate new ideas. Among the writers who have had the deepest impact on me are Byron and Hesse. When the weather is good, I enjoy going to the boxing gym or taking a walk in nature.
What moment in your career are you most proud of? There may not be any one moment when I am most proud, as achieving success is a gradual process and each period may hold different surprises. In the past, when I released a piece of work and received recognition from many talented artists who shared and praised it or when I was interviewed by domestic or foreign media outlets, I would feel a sense of pride.
However, now I am perhaps more focused on creating work that resonates with me and directly connects with the emotions of my clients, or reflects the feelings of those who are carrying it.
Make sure to follow @no.cain for more awesome blackwork tattoos, travel plans and art.
Tattoo artist Grigorii Butrin @butrin.tattoo creates incredible realism tattoos in Germany. We chatted to the tattooerabout his journey into the industry, tattooing style and influences…
How long have you been tattooing and how did you get started in the industry? I’ve been tattooing since 2014-2015. I started it like a hobby when I was in my last year of medical college, because I realised that I wanted to be an artist.
I had been drawing all the way through school and I entered my work into city and school drawing contests. While I was at medical college I would always help with the creative decoration of information stands and themed banners for teachers of multiple disciplines.
What inspired you to become an artist? Do you have a background in art? I saw the works of Dmitriy Samohin and Den Yakovlev on the internet and I was shocked. At that moment I started to understand what I wanted to do with my life.
From around 4-5 years old I would spend a lot of my time drawing and making sculptures. I was also watching videos on YouTube, like Alexander Ryjkin’s channel and creating my own drawings.
How would you describe your style? My style is grey wash realistic tattooing, but it’s not copying. To make an image I use my experience during the drawing process so I don’t make a 100% copy of the image, so it’s academically a realistic tattoo.
What inspires your designs? I’m usually have an inspiration from music, movies and designers. I’m also the biggest fan of Michelangelo Merisi da Caravaggio. His art is unbelievable and his work with shadows is perfect. So, perhaps he is the reason why I work with deep shading.
Can you tell us about the process behind your tattoos? The most important part of my work is making a good design. You need to think a lot about anatomy, composition and dynamics in your design – 90% of a good project is a good design.
What do you like to tattoo and what would you like to do more of? My favourite thing to tattoo is portrait work. I really like to do this and usually my customers come for this kind of work.
How do you see your tattoos evolving in the future? I think I’m gonna add a lot of stuff from drawing in my style in the future. Also I’m gonna make more colour realistic stuff to make a collaboration between different styles.
What was your first tattoo? Do you still like it? The first tattoo I did was an anchor on a shoulder in the old school style. Yes I still love it, because it’s my first one. One day I’ll make it much better, but for now I and the guy I did it on are still in love with it.
Where’s been your favourite place to travel and tattoo? It was Israel. I was there in 2021; a really beautiful place with beautiful people. I was there for 3 months and I still get inspiration from this place.
Do you have any travels or guest spots planned? No, but I guess maybe the USA in the future, because there are a lot of artists I am inspired by there.
What do you do when you’re not tattooing? I spend my time with family, drawing and also I love photography.
What moment in your career are you most proud of? It was the moment when my teacher, Alexander Oberov, said he was proud of my work.
Make sure to follow @butrin.tattoo for more amazing black and grey tattoos.
27-year-old tattoo artist Sion works at Vism studio in L.A. We chatted to the artist about herinfluences, beautiful knot tattoos and desire to follow the natural curve of the body with her tattoos…
How long have you been tattooing and how did you get started in the industry? I was based in Seoul when I first started tattooing, now I’m in LA. It’s been around 10 years. Growing up, I was exposed to tattoo culture through the influence of my tattooist mother. I believe this naturally inspiredd me to start my career as a tattoo artist. Before this, I was a student.
What inspired you to become an artist? Do you have a background in art? Although I didn’t have any art related career or background in art before I got into tattooing, I gained interest in the world of tattoo thanks to my mother. Ever since then, I’ve worked hard to become a tattooist with a unique style.
How would you describe your style? What drew you to colour tattoos? My tattoos hold the story of our daily lives, fond memories, and relationship between individuals. These are all expressed through my work in the style of Korean traditional elements – main being the ‘norigae’. I believe creating the most natural flow that suits each individual’s body and its curves is important.
Each colour holds a different symbolic meaning in Asian culture and as I put a lot of emphasis into the significance, colour tattoos became my signature style as well.
You tattoo a lot of knot tattoos, can you tell us about these? The main elements that I use in my design are traditional knots and strings. Korean traditional knot symbolizes Korea’s native spirit of relationship between individuals (Yinyeon, 인연).
I think knots that are intertwined with flowing strings resemble our lives and their unique stories. I want to express each and every story my clients bring to me by intertwining their special memories and elements that they are fond of with the knots.
What inspires your designs? Does your heritage influence your art? Of course! I grew up very close to Korean culture and its stories, architecture and clothing (Hanbok). I believe this has influenced my style a lot.
Can you tell us about the process behind your tattoos Although it’s important for the tattoo to be made with my own artistic insights (designs, composition and elements etc), it’s equally important for my clients to be fully satisfied with the end result.
To achieve this, I make sure to deep dive into my client’s needs through thorough discussion and also make revisions on the day of the appointment after adjusting the size and the flow of the design on the client’s body.
Precision and hygiene is also key in terms of the actual tattooing, which I believe all tattoo artists also put extra effort into.
What do you like to tattoo and what would you like to do more of? I like tattoos that naturally flow with the placement while maintaining the significance of each element. For this reason, I am working hard on creating designs that are more tailored to the structure of the body and I will continue to do this in the future.
How do you see your tattoos evolving in the future? I want to continue to listen to all my client’s stories and express them in my designs, learn from each other’s experiences, and gain understanding of various cultures.
Where’s your favourite place to travel and tattoo? I personally love traveling to places where there are strong and unique natural and architectural characteristics. One of my goals is to travel to various places around the world as much as possible.
Do you have any travels or guest spots planned? Traveling to various places is a joy of my life! As I’ve recently moved to LA, I don’t have plans for the guest work at the moment but it would be great if I can get the opportunity in the near future.
What was your first tattoo? Do you still like it? How has your tattoo collection developed since then? My first tattoo is from my mother and it’s a word tattoo that includes a phrase of my favourite poem. It’s not in a place where it’s visible but it’s good to be reminded of the poem that I like from time to time! After this tattoo, I have been getting tattoos that encompass the memories I wanted to capture at a certain time, or from artists that I like.
What do you do when you’re not tattooing/drawing? Since I was a child, I have been fascinated by traditional culture. So I watch a lot of historical dramas and movies. I also deep dive into and study the field that I get hooked on. Besides this, I also like playing games to chill my brain!
What moment in your career are you most proud of? Though each and every moment is special, I am most proud of myself when my loved ones, especially my parents who show endless support, are also proud of me and the work I’ve done.
Devils Detail Tattoo, an eco-friendly tattoo studio has been open since July 2022. Located at 228 Hornsey Road, N7 7LL, the studio on the diverse and busy street is just a short walk from Finsbury park or Holloway road station tube station.
Tattoo by Karen
The inspiration
Karen always had dreams of opening her own private tattoo studio since she began her career seven years ago. Karen’s partner Shane previously worked in the live event industry where he was unfortunately made redundant due to Covid.
Shane, having spent a lot of time getting tattooed always loved the idea of being involved in the tattoo scene, so he took the opportunity to pursue his dreams of working in a tattoo studio. Together, they decided to turn a negative into a positive and decided to open their own family run tattoo studio which would reflect them as people and have the art of tattooing at its heart.
Tattoo by Mia
The studio
Karen and Shane wanted to create a space that was clean, bright, inspiring and welcoming. The studio has a lot of natural light and the walls are decorated with art work from their resident and guest artists.
People can expect a warm friendly welcome when they arrive, plus a professional and caring experience during your visit. The team also offers complementary hot and cold beverages, and vegan treats for clients to enjoy during their tattoo.
Tattoo by Liam
The ethos
Clean, bright, welcoming and eco-friendly. Devils Detail Tattoo aims to deliver a personal, enjoyable and professional experience. The artists work with and carefully listen to their clients to provide them with a unique, custom tattoo that reflects their personality.
We believe that you should be able to achieve a perfect tattoo no matter your demographic.
All the disposables we use are plastic free, this was an easy but important part of our ethos. We want people to know that they are always welcome to come in to our space, whether it’s an enquiry or simply for some advice. We are always happy to help!
Tattoo by Karen
Eco-friendly
We have a keen interest in doing our part to help the planet and reduce plastic waste. We think there should be more of a focus on eco-friendly products in the tattoo industry, choosing to help the planet over cheaper plastic products.
Safe space
We want to let people know that no matter your race, gender, sexuality, disability or inexperience of being tattooed, we are a very welcoming and non-judgemental studio.
We want all of our clients to feel happy and comfortable in our studio and have the best tattoo experience possible.
Owner and resident artist, Karen specialises in a style she likes to call Geo-trad, a mixture of colour traditional and geometric style tattoos. Karen loves large scale pieces which push her artistic skills to the max, carefully customising a personal tattoo or putting her artistic spin on a design you may have in mind.
Junior artist Mia joined our team when the studio opened in July 2022, Mia previously worked with Karen in central London where she was surrounded by incredibly talented artists which has helped shape her into the super star she is! Mia is a perfectionist in clean lines and awesome shading, specialising in black and grey tattoos including nature based/gothic/witchy style tattoos.
As a fan of music, film and pop culture iconography, Liam enjoys tattooing any and all things that fall under this umbrella in his minimalist, black linework style. Besides this, he is always up for collaborating on bold, bright colour work or designing with geometric elements such as mandalas, sacred geometry and ancient Eastern patterns.
Tattoos by Liam
Make sure to follow Devils Detail Tattoo and artistsfor more shop news and amazing tattoos.
