Category: Art

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“It’s essential for the design to complement both the individual’s style and the area where it will be placed,” interview with tattoo artist Circe

Tattoo artist Circe (@Circe.Tattoo) believes that tattoos are constantly evolving and that clients are at the heart of that infinite evolution. She tattoos in her private studio in Buenos Aires, Argentina, where she feels inspired by the people she’s surrounded by. Here she tells us more about her beautiful blackwork style that looks like it’s from a bygone era…

What first drew you to tattoos? And what was your journey to becoming a tattoo artist?

As a child, I was fascinated by a type of chewing gum that featured temporary tattoos, which I would eagerly stick all over my arms. Drawing has always been a passion of mine, nurtured by my parents who were woodblock artists. We often spent our weekends in their atelier, immersed in creativity.

My desire to become a tattoo artist sparked during a family trip to Mexico when I unexpectedly reconnected with my uncle, who my parents hadn’t seen in 18 years. Our conversation revealed that I had two cousins who were tattoo artists in Europe. At that time, tattooing wasn’t the mainstream phenomenon it is today.

When I went back home, I dived into research about tattooing. Earning some extra cash by creating flyers for my friends’ band gigs allowed me to buy my first tattoo machines, and I started practicing on pumpkins in my room.

Do you have a memorable moment from your past when you fell in love with tattoos?

During my early days as an apprentice at the shop, I found myself captivated by the diverse range of people I encountered, each with their own unique stories. The mix of different backgrounds, experiences, and the rich tapestry of symbols and images, drew me in completely. I realised this was the place where I wanted to spend most of my time.

Your blackwork tattoos have an almost historical quality to them, really classic and beautiful, how did you hone that style?

I spend a lot of my time digging into references that I can translate into the art of tattooing, much like the old-school tattoo artists did before the internet took over. Whenever I travel, I make it a point to visit museums as part of my journey. I also enjoy collecting art books and try to seek inspiration from various sources, drawing from both art history and the images I encounter in posters or advertisements.

How do you like to work with customers on pieces? Is it usually flash or custom work? Or a bit of both?

I often start by showing my clients my collection of flash designs, explaining that these serve as a launching pad for our creativity. From there, we can explore ways to customise or mix different ideas, or simply examine my approach to tattooing.

I particularly enjoy creating custom pieces, as I believe it’s essential for the design to complement both the individual’s style and the area where it will be placed.

Where do you currently tattoo and what’s the tattoo scene like there?

I’m currently situated in Buenos Aires, Argentina, where I have my own private studio to work independently. The tattoo scene here in Buenos Aires is vibrant and thriving.

Buenos Aires is home to some fantastic tattoo artists who are truly passionate about their craft. It’s always a pleasure to engage in discussions and enjoy painting nights with them. The clients also play an active role in this creative process, bringing along intriguing references for their tattoos, which adds to the inspiration.

How do we book in with you? Will you be doing any guest spots this coming year?

If you’d like to book a session with me, feel free to reach out via email at circe.xyz@gmail.com. Additionally, you can follow my Instagram account @Circe.Tattoo to keep up with my future guest appearances!

Do you have any thoughts on the tattoo world itself? Its current state, what has come before and any hopes for the future of tattooing?

From my point of view, tattoos are constantly evolving and will continue to do so indefinitely. I believe they will never settle into a final form because they are like living entities, continually transforming from one generation to the next. Just as history unfolds in a spiral, always repeating itself but in different ways, tattoos will follow this same pattern.

A significant aspect of tattooing revolves around the decisions made by the clients who wear them; ultimately, they are the ones who have the final say.

What’s next for you?

I’m in the process of putting together my very first flash book. This will be my inaugural edition, and I’m excited to see it come together.

Is there any tattoo you haven’t created that you’d love to do?

I have plenty of ideas, but my time is limited when it comes to bringing them to life. I remind myself to be patient and to take things one step at a time. In the future, I’d like to incorporate some colour into my tattoos, but for now, I’m enjoying working with just black and occasionally adding a bit of grey.

You’ve got to follow Circe on Instagram for more tattoos and to book yours next one!

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

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“The scene is filled with free-thinking, warm and downright cool people” – Continuous Portrait Project

About five years ago, Cameron Rennie bought an analogue camera from a vintage photography shop in his hometown of Edinburgh. He challenged himself to take ten portraits of his mates. They ended up being mostly heavily tattooed people. Seeing their images in black and white, something clicked aesthetically for Rennie. And so The Continuous Portrait Project was born on Instagram. Photos of people connected to the tattoo world, he wanted to capture its beautiful diversity.

Rennie travels all over the UK to meet tattooers to photograph while they chat. And this blog is an extract from Rennie’s brand new book, The Continuous Portrait Project, which is a selection of his favourite photos – along with a blurb of his memories of the meeting – a moment in time, if you will. Dive in and then buy the book…

words and photos: Cameron Rennie

EMILY COLLINS

Emily and I met at The Big North Tattoo Show in Newcastle, where she is based. At the time, she was running her brand called Rock & Rose Motel, which focuses on making prints and homeware using traditional American tattoo designs.

Around the time this photo was taken, Emily was beginning her apprenticeship at Blind Tiger Tattoo. If her designs from Rock & Rose are anything to go by, I’m sure she will make a fantastic tattooer; her passion and drawing ability are already both there. By the time this book comes out, she’ll be smashing it!

JADE CLARK

Jade’s roots in tattooing are grounded and traditional, which makes her work accessible and accommodating of so many different styles. There’s a real celebration in her work of all styles and interests, and I think this is a great reflection of who Jade is.

Jade’s ability to speak openly and honestly about issues faced in tattooing from underrepresented communities is considered and poignant. It’s been noticed by other outlets as well, as she’s taken to podcasts and panel discussions to continue these important discussions. This, combined with her huge personality, makes her an outstanding person to hang out with. She’s an asset to tattooing and symbolises what is so special about the UK tattoo scene.

KAT HARDY AND EION

Kat Hardy is a tattooer in Bangor, Northern Ireland, who runs the studio Four Oracles Tattoo. Her style blends neotraditional tattooing with dark and romantic elements. She’s also known as a go-to tattooer for rockstars, having tattooed numerous punk musicians. Not only does she tattoo the band members themselves, but she also has a real talent for creating designs that sympathetically reference the music and lyrics.

We opted to take Kat’s portrait in the grounds of Belfast’s botanical gardens. Kat came to meet me with her partner Eion, who I also found an instant connection with. While the shots of her on her own are stunning, I chose this image of the couple together – not only is it a fantastic shot, but it also serves as a reminder of a wonderful time.

NIKKI KOTECHA

Nikki is a Desi tattooer and motorbike enthusiast from London. We met at Regents Park on a scorching summer day, to talk about life, tattooing, and everything in between. When talking about the stigma of tattooing, I felt privileged to hear Nikki’s journey into tattooing and the struggles she has endured to follow her dream.

As our conversation deepened, I spoke about my experiences and thoughts on how I feel there is an unseen force that steers me to meeting certain people. Nikki told me how, in Indian culture, a person’s true purpose is also known as Dharma. This conversation also felt that it had been ‘steered’, as it was at a point in the project where I finally knew what I was put here to do. Although our conversation was brief, it was incredibly deep and meaningful.

RIZZA BOO

After initially meeting Rizza at the Brighton Tattoo Convention, we arranged to meet up for these photos in Glasgow, at her studio Shadow Work. Rizza is a truly special person, not only in her artistry but also as an avid campaigner in highlighting issues experienced by people of colour within the context of tattooing. In addition to this tireless and emotionally-labouring work, Rizza gave critical feedback and took the lead on developing the exhibition Tattoo: British Tattoo Art Revealed, Reclaiming the Narrative in 2022, to include the representation of people of colour.

Rizza is a deep thinker and someone I find very easy to get lost in conversation with. This photo was taken while her friend and fellow tattooer Lord Montana Blue was guesting with her. I was lucky enough to capture them in the midst of tattooing each other; I hope what I captured shows their mutual respect and admiration.

You can order the book from: kntpublishing.bigcartel.com/product/the-continuous-portrait-project

Launch party on Weds 5 Feb at Flamin’ Eight in Camden, London, info on Instagram

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“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.

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“Working on sugar-paste and soft skin feels sort of the same – and a moving person is similar to a spongey stacked cake!” from cake maker to tattoo artist, interview with Laura Raña

From cake decorator to tattoo artist, Laura Raña (@lifeininklr) runs a private, eco-friendly, vegan and woman-led studio and she holds the honour of “Surrey’s best tattoo studio 2023”.

She was a cake artist for 16 years – and she used to teach and write columns for magazines – so Laura came to tattooing late, but her passion shines through. Here she chats all things cakes, tattoos and creating a welcoming studio for all to enjoy. Make a cuppa and settle in for the ride…

Before you became a tattoo artist, you were a cake artist, what inspired you to make that change?

After spending 16 years juggling life as a mum of two daughters (Bella now 16 and Eva 14 ) and being a cake artist, I felt like I had achieved everything that I wanted in the cake world. I was 35 and I wanted to use my artistic flare and creativity for something that wouldn’t  get stuffed down the throats of my customers week after week.

After spending so much time perfecting colour blending, modelling and painting on tiers of delicious sponges, I began thinking how I could transfer the skills I’d learnt. I wanted to create something that would last forever and not just briefly as brightly coloured crumbs on the side of people’s mouths.

Tattooing had always been something I was fascinated with. My grandad, who was an antiques dealer in the 50s until the 80s, was covered head to toe – back then, it was very taboo and frowned upon in his industry. I used to glare at the naked ladies and dragons strewn across his back, chest, arms and legs. He was six foot five, both tall and wide, his art work made quite an impression on me as a keen young creative artist in the making. He would definitely be one of my inspirations. 

Tell us about your journey to becoming a tattooer…

I started slowly getting covered in tattoos at the very illegal age of 14. I would walk past the only tattoo studio in my town, hoping they wouldn’t notice me in my school uniform. Then when it came to holidays or weekends, I’d try to dress older and strut into the studio beaming with anxious confidence to keep topping up my ink collection. This was when my interest was sparked.

Skip forwards 21 years and after ignoring the narrow-minded warnings from everyone (including my parents) that it was a dangerous industry to get involved in, I began my search for a studio that wouldn’t laugh in my face. 

That was the hardest thing – starting a new career at 35. I’m a strong-headed person, so  I kept knocking on doors, in the hope someone – anyone – would see my passion. Rejection came thick and fast, but I found a studio, eventually.

Apprentices make zero money, well at least I did. I had lots of people offering their skin but trying to throw myself into this amazing new career was not financially viable. So I’d work four days at the studio, then balance part-time work and cake making around that.

What was it like being a cake maker? And how does it compare to tattooing?

I adored my career as a cake artist, what a dream to have a career in the cake industry. I actually entered Kirsty Allsop’s Handmade Christmas TV show by making a fully decorated Christmas cake in under four hours – I ended up winning. It blew up my career and I began making celebration and wedding cakes, and that led me to teaching. Then I opened my own cake studio – I even had my own little cake column in a magazine. I felt just like Carrie Bradshaw. I began entering cake competitions and I’m very proud to have many gold awards. I was even cast for Extreme Cake Makers on TV. I specialised in chocolate modelling, airbrushing and then painting on cakes – all things I brought through to my tattoo career.

Cake and tattoos although very different, there are some elements that feel similar. The use of colour and blending work is the same in tattooing. Working on soft sugar-paste and soft skin feels the same too. Also a moving person is similar to a spongey stacked cake! It could move at any time…

Can you tell us about your studio?

Everyone is welcome in my little private studio. It’s nestled among the bamboo trees in my back garden. It’s a comfortable, cosy, funky little safe space where no one should feel intimidated. I created a studio I would be comfortable being tattooed in, as I think the more at ease you are, the better the whole experience will be.

Tell us about the award your studio won…

Having spent seven years building up my (very) little business, I was stunned to be nominated for England’s Business Awards in 2023. I was even more taken back when I won the title of “Surrey’s best tattoo studio”.

I’ve never claimed to be the most sought after artist – and there are thousands of artists around Surrey that are phenomenal – but these awards are about your art and your business. So that includes reviews and customer service, amongst other things. I was even mystery shopped so they could see the kind of service I offer, how I dealt with my client and the overall experience.

My little framed award sits proudly in the studio where all can see.

How would you describe your style, what do you like to tattoo?

My style isn’t just one thing. Tattooing different styles and using different techniques allows me to broaden my work to appeal to a larger client base. I know it’s probably frowned upon in the industry, but I did the same with my cakes.

Learning different things is beneficial for a successful business and it enables me to become a better artist. I don’t want to pigeon-hole myself to just one thing. I don’t want to wake up one morning and be bored of the same old stuff. So, for me personally, variety is most definitely the spice of life.

How do you work with clients, what’s your tattoo process?

I find the industry has changed from years ago when you’d walk into a studio covered wall-to-wall in flash designs and people choose “number 10”. There’s absolutely nothing wrong with that, but now with Pinterest and social media, people find ideas they like and perhaps want to combine a few ideas together. That’s where I come in, to create a design that fits their brief.

My focus is to ensure my clients are well informed, feel heard and understood and happy with their tattoo.

Is there anything you’d love to tattoo?

My “wannados” are based around pop art – bright, bold, almost comic sketches. It’s timeless art that stands out and looks super cool. But I feel like there isn’t much of a place for that as many clients want super fine line delicate pieces. I’d love to continue to tattoo thick lined patterns that are edgy and look amazing on everyone. 

Any guest spots or travel plans?

I’m going to start guesting at a few studios towards the end of this year to get myself out there and socialise with other artists. I might attend a few conventions too.

Follow Laura on Instagram for more tattoos and updates on guest spots.

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

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“The main inspiration is always the emotions that lie underneath the surface, in their raw form,” interview with surreal tattooist, Poesis

We’re obsessed with the work of tattoo artist Poesis. She’s based in Hamburg, and is a resident artist at HOOD7. The tattoos she creates are magical, with an otherworldliness about them, sometimes you’re not quite sure exactly what you’re looking at – doors that open to other doors, bookcases with birds poking their head out… each of the tattoos Poesis creates is born from an emotion – and you can feel that in each one-of-a-kind tattoo. We caught up with the tattoo artist to find out more about her weird and beautiful work…

Poesis / @poesis_tattoo Poesis / from her video art project ’The  Simultaneousness of Blooming & Withering’

Do you have a first memory of tattoos? What made you fall in love with them? 

This is actually quite funny, my first memory of tattoos  is having a crush on this fully tattooed musician. He was covered head to toe and I thought it was the coolest thing. That’s the first time I fell in love with the aesthetic.  

During my teenage years, I used to hang around alternative kids. A friend asked me to draw a tattoo  design for him, that’s when I first encountered the connection between tattoos and the art world I was so interested in. 

The real moment though – the one that got me completely hooked – was when colourful micro realism tattoos started developing a few years ago. The incredible precision of details, the colours, the strong references to the art I grew up with. It captivated my heart. 

It’s really interesting how moments in our life, that maybe seemed insignificant, become turning points on our journey. We’re always subconsciously moving towards where we’ll eventually end up. 

When did you know you wanted to become a tattoo artist? How did you learn? 

I’d just got my second tattoo from Kozo, it was ‘The Old Guitarist’ by Pablo Picasso. While admiring my new  tattoo and searching for the right artistic medium to dive into, I realised that tattooing is the perfect way to  express all my strengths, do the things I love and live a comfortable life. It’s like all the puzzle pieces came  together.  

Later on, I had the opportunity to learn from Kozo himself. After spending a month by his side, we parted ways and I kept learning on my own, developing the technique, process and designs you see today. 

We love your style so much, how did that evolve? Where do your ideas come from and what  inspires you? 

Thank you! The main inspiration is always the emotions that lie underneath the surface, in their raw form. I focus a lot on the feelings I want to convey in the design. It’s all a matter of embracing who we are and  allowing ourselves to be. In these moments, creativity gets the room it deserves, whatever spills out, I roll  with it. My art is me and I’m my art. As I evolve as a person so does my art. As long as I let my creativity roam free my art will keep evolving.  

Techniques always arrive with time, they stay in your muscle memory, slowly developing as you practice. Creativity, on the other hand, can come in a swing. We just need to learn to open that door in the way that suits each of us. Creativity is one of the most important assets and valuable tools to reflect our minds as artists. Nurture it, learn it, develop it, cherish it, keep it safe, love it.  

Poesis / @poesis_tattoo / from ’The  Simultaneousness of Blooming & Withering’

There’s some incredible photos of you on your Instagram, are they inspired by your work? 

These photos are extensions of a bigger multi-medium project I produced and preformed in, called ’The  Simultaneousness of Blooming & Withering’ [you can watch the video on Instagram]. It’s video art inspired by a flash design I made. Apart from the video art, the project holds the stills photos, flower art and the tattoo itself. 

The idea for this project was born after being eager to extend my art to other mediums and to find another way to share what stands behind my tattoo designs. There was a search for self expression, for a way to show a side of Poesis that’s always strongly integrated into my art. 

I collaborated with my friends, a photography duo (Ofek Avshalom and Rona Bar) and with a flower artist (Danielle Barkat), together we executed the concept based on the design and what stood behind it.  ‘The Simultaneousness of Blooming & Withering’ was featured in Vogue, printed in Iconic Artist Magazine and TattooLife Magazine. This project makes me very proud.

Where do you come up with the motifs that you include in your work? From art, life, customer’s  ideas? How do you know what you’d like to mix together in that unique surreal way? 

The inspiration for the motifs I choose is all around, if we open our eyes and mind we can see it in the  smallest to the biggest of things, but mainly, it’s within ourselves. 

Naturally being attracted to surrealism, dark aesthetics, the unconventional, the dreamy and bizarre, I  subconsciously find myself creating symbolism around these worlds. 

Before each tattoo I meet with my clients and I listen to them. Whatever they feel like bringing up, I welcome with open arms. Through that process, a brainstorm will start to appear, motifs that connect directly and  indirectly will float to the consciousness. When creating a design I usually start with this intuitive approach – scrambling around, channeling into a sketch whatever comes to mind.

Sometimes I don’t know exactly what  I’m going for, I just continue focusing on the emotion and experiences we choose to convey, until the sketch forms into a solid image I’m satisfied with. 

How do you like to work with customers and their ideas? 

I’m always open to hear my client’s ideas, explore and work with whatever comes up. If my clients are being  creative, I like to encourage it. Keeping our mind open to new ideas and concepts is crucial for our  connection with our surroundings and ourselves. 

With that being said, I rarely receive a request for a structured idea. My clients trust my artistic abilities and process to embody the emotions that were brought to the surface. Every piece I make is custom, my art holds two worlds that are coming together for a unique, one of a  kind collaboration. In order to create such tattoos, to hold such a mix of precision and creativity, I require artistic freedom and  flexibility. If the artist doesn’t have the freedom to create, the freedom of expression, what’s left of their artistry? 

What’s next? 

Keep focusing on evolving as a person and as an artist. I hope to expand my artistic universe by diving deeper into inner worlds and minds, finding new ways to embody the soul, develop my creativity and explore other mediums to share my art. 

Follow Poesis on Instagram @poesis_tattoo. Her video art project is called ’The  Simultaneousness of Blooming & Withering’

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